Language Justice Working Group


The Language Justice Working Group was launched in the Spring of 2017 by  Climate Coordinator Kate Snow and Director of English Learner, Immersion, and World Language Programs, Ricardo Perez to assess and improve language inclusion in DJUSD by creating an environment where all families' languages are welcome.  The group's members included DJUSD staff, interpreters, teachers, and parents.

Since its inception the group:

  1. Developed a plan for improving language inclusion in DJUSD by increasing the resources, standards and capacity for language interpretation and building community around language inclusion.
  2. Hosted several multi-day trainings in educational and community interpreting to build a network of qualified educational interpreters.
  3. Partnered with UC Davis researchers on an evaluation grant and paper entitled "REPORT: Interpreting as Language Justice: A School District/University Collaboration in 2018-2019."
  4. Launched the DJUSD Interpreter Network in 2018-19, offering continuing education and support for interpreters.


In 2019, the group re-organized as the Interpreter Network Steering Committee, which has:

  • Hosted a 5-day, 40-hour training in July 2019 for 30 interpreters of 8 different languages, taught by Ana Soler of SeSo, Inc.
  • Developed and supported the bargained agreement for a new job description, standards and pay rate for language interpreters.
  • Developed handouts and posters in English and Spanish of Best Practices for Working with Language Interpreters.
  • Planned and delivered bi-monthly Interpreter Network workshops for the continuing education and community building with District interpreters.
  • Worked continuously with administration to improve the language resources supporting students and families in DJUSD.

Draft Organizing Arc for Language Justice in DJUSD: A visual image of the goals for comprehensive language inclusion.

 language justice group