CDE Field Trips - 10/08/24: National Hispanic Heritage Month Interview with Nelson Molina

National Hispanic Heritage Month

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It is National Hispanic Heritage Month, and we’re highlighting Nelson Molina from our Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, which oversees the Colorado Seal of Biliteracy for High School Diplomas, monitors its implementation, and creates resources to support dual language programming in schools and districts. Nelson has over 24 years of experience in education, including teaching in Venezuela and the United States.

The Seal of Biliteracy is a credential given by a Colorado school or district recognizing a student’s ability to comprehend multiple languages. The seal is placed on the student's high school diploma. In some cases, students who receive a Seal of Biliteracy may receive college credit.

Molina’s experience as a Spanish and English second language teacher and his current role directly correlate to his Hispanic heritage. "There is an innate cultural connection in me, on what I learned and how I was raised in my country of birth, with our beliefs, my language and culture; it makes me feel there is a direct connection to my role," he said. Mr. Molina wants to share his pride in heritage and wants students to feel that pride in their heritage while pursuing career opportunities.