Linda Labadidi, a middle school Multilingual (MLL) Resource Teacher at Elgin Math and Science Academy (IL), has been named the Open Up Resources Teacher of the Month for December 2023. Labadidi is being recognized for her outstanding work in her classroom and ongoing support of teachers across the country as a member of the Open Up Resources National Professional Learning Community.

Labadidi’s work with EL Education K–8 Language Arts makes her one of the most innovative teachers in the country. The EL Education K–8 Language Arts curriculum inspires a new way of teaching language arts by engaging students through compelling, real-world content to build equitable and inclusive learning opportunities.

Elizabeth Terrazas, a colleague at EMSA, nominated Labadidi for her incredible dedication and high impact in implementing EL Education K–8 Language Arts. Terrazas shared, “Miss Labadidi goes above and beyond when it comes to servicing the classroom teachers and students. As part of the MLL team, Miss Labadidi provides her support across the middle school classrooms. She strives for student excellence and brings out the best in every single one of them.”

In her nomination, Terrazas described Labadidi’s successful implementation of the resource. She explained, “[Miss Labadidi] brings life to the middle-school EL Education curriculum with fidelity and integrity providing visuals and examples for students. She provides a co-teaching model, which allows her to impact all students.”

We asked Labadidi about her favorite feature of the curriculum. She shared, “I like the organization of the curriculum and the connections to real life. It’s easily accessible, and it demonstrates equity. Students are actively learning and sharing their thoughts and ideas. It addresses different levels in the classroom.” And she offered some advice: “You have to adopt this curriculum. It has many useful and free materials for you to use. It is easily accessible and very organized.”

Open Up Resources is a non-profit on a mission to increase equity in education by making excellent, top-rated curricula freely available to districts. You can learn more at www.openupresources.org.