The Grant Team

Our grant team consists of highly experienced professionals dedicated to expanding bilingual and multilingual teacher pathways in Georgia.

  • Dr. Jayoung Choi

    Dr. Jayoung Choi

    Principal Investigator (PI) and Project Director for this grant, brings extensive expertise in TESOL and Multilingual Literacies Education to lead this initiative at Kennesaw State University. She oversees recruitment, training, and professional development initiatives for bi/multilingual teacher candidates (BTCs), including paraprofessionals, in-service teachers, and others. With a background in research on language, culture, and power, particularly for immigrant and bilingual learners, Dr. Choi ensures the project meets the needs of multilingual students in Georgia. Her experience managing large-scale grants, coordinating stakeholders, and directing TESOL programs supports the project’s effective implementation. A lifelong language learner proficient in Korean, Farsi, and English, Dr. Choi’s personal and professional dedication to bilingual and biliteracy education will be key in equipping educators to serve Georgia’s multilingual student population.

  • Dr. Tuba Angay-Crowder

    Dr. Tuba Angay-Crowder

    Project Manager and Co-Principal Investigator, leads professional development initiatives for BTCs in Pathway#1 (MAT TESOL program), focusing on culturally sustaining pedagogies, multilingual family engagement, and dual language education. She develops innovative curricula and mentors candidates, drawing on her extensive experience in teacher training to equip educators to meet the needs of Georgia’s multilingual students. Dr. Angay-Crowder also manages the project’s logistics, oversees communications, and fosters connections with educational professionals and community stakeholders to enhance the project’s impact. Additionally, she is responsible for disseminating project findings through publications and presentations. Her experience in grant management and her commitment to bi/multilingual education make her essential to advancing the project’s mission.

  • Dr. Zurisaray Espinosa

    Dr. Zurisaray Espinosa

    Co-Principal Investigator, plays a vital role in the project, leveraging her expertise as a clinical assistant professor of TESOL and background in dual language education. She leads professional development initiatives for BTCs in Pathway#2 (ESOL endorsement), curriculum development, drawing on her experience with the Educator Preparation Curriculum Committee to design TESOL content aligned with best practices in dual language and culturally sustaining pedagogies. Dr. Espinosa also teaches and mentors BTCs, preparing them to support diverse students through a social justice-oriented approach. Additionally, she contributes to program activities by creating resources, gathering data, and supporting outreach and recruitment, drawing from her work on prior grants. Her experience in curriculum design, mentorship, and community engagement is essential to advancing the project’s goals and enhancing multilingual education practices in Georgia

     

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