Gloria Joanne Kramer-Gordon, Ed.D., author of the children’s book It’s Raining Fish, has dedicated her career to making classrooms more inclusive and supportive for English Language Learners (ELLs).
With decades of experience in language education, “Joanne,” as she is often called, has developeddeep expertise in teaching and advocating for multilingual students and their unique needs. Her book reflects her insights into the challenges faced by immigrant students and her passion for building classrooms where every voice is valued.
Joanne began her career as a substitute teacher and Spanish instructor, working with students at various levels before transitioning to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to K-12 students.
Eventually, teaching ESL became a mission for Joanne, as she worked tirelessly to bridge language gaps and provide essential support to children struggling to learn English.
As an ESL teacher, she recognized the multiple layers of difficulty ELL students face, from mastering the language to adjusting to new cultural norms and expectations. This role allowed her to connect with her students on a personal level, gaining insights that would shape her entire career.
Her leadership skills and commitment to supporting English learners led to her becoming the ESL department chair for elementary schools in her district. In this capacity, she advocated for and developed programs to strengthen students’ language acquisition.
She was instrumental in promoting innovative, effective programs that made language learning more accessible. As department chair, she also mentored other teachers, helping them better understand the needs of multilingual learners and adopt practices that fostered empathy and inclusivity.
Joanne’s dedication to language education didn’t stop there. She soon took on a new challenge, becoming the principal of a dual-language school, where she played a key role in establishing it from the ground up. This role allowed her to shape a learning environment that celebrated linguistic and cultural diversity.
As principal, she built a community where students of all backgrounds could feel seen, supported, and empowered to share their cultures. Joanne’s leadership was crucial in making the school a welcoming space for all, creating a model of what a truly inclusive educational environment could look like.
Furthermore, Joanne was an adjunct instructor at Molly University’s graduate division of education, specializing in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Her work at Molly University enabled her to share her hands-on experience with aspiring educators, instilling in them the values of empathy, patience, and cultural awareness. She encouraged her students to look beyond language barriers and see the depth and richness each learner brings to the classroom.
Currently, Joanne is the TESOL coordinator and an Assistant Professor at SUNY Empire University, where she continues her impactful work in the School for Graduate Studies.
In her current role, she focuses on equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to support diverse learners in various educational settings. Joanne’s research covers a broad range of critical topics, including multicultural education, bibliotherapy, literacy strategies for multilingual students, mental health considerations for immigrant learners, and best practices for teaching English, dual-language, and multilingual students.
Her firsthand experiences deeply influence her work, and her research often highlights the importance of addressing both the academic and emotional needs of students going through new cultural landscapes.
Through her contributions, Joanne remains a powerful advocate for ELLs and a respected voice in education. Her book, It’s Raining Fish, reflects her dedication to breaking down barriers and developing mutual respect between students and teachers of different backgrounds.
By bringing the story of a young boy named Manuel, she sheds light on the complexities faced by ELL students and the potential of educators to make a difference through understanding and open-mindedness.
Joanne’s career shows her commitment to multilingual learners and her belief in the importance of empathy in education. She continues to impact both young students and non-traditional adult learners, advocating for their success with boundless passion and compassion.
Through her book, research, and teaching, Gloria Joanne Kramer-Gordon inspires educators everywhere to embrace inclusivity, making her a trailblazer in multilingual education.
