Associate Commissioner Elisa Alvarez directs all NYSED efforts to support Dual Language Immersion as a key means to ensure that all New York State students’ educational paths and socio-emotional needs are met in multiple languages. As a former superintendent who oversaw multiple DLI programs, Ms. Alvarez has witnessed first-hand their ability to allow students to be seen and heard, to gain an understanding of and responsibility to their fellow students regardless of background, and to make schools a welcoming environment for linguistically diverse students.