166. The Power of Being Bicultural: Lessons for Educators & Multilingual Learners with Gabby Rivera

Equipping ELLs

Did you know that supporting your students' growth goes far beyond bilingualism and language itself?

In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher welcomes Gabby Montenegro Rivera, a bilingual and bicultural educator with a powerful personal story. Gabby, who grew up in Panama with Colombian and Panamanian roots, shares her journey of embracing both Latin and American cultures, highlighting the challenges and advantages of being bicultural.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How early exposure to English shaped Gabby’s academic and personal growth
• The difference between bilingualism and biculturalism, and why both matter
• The cultural barriers multilingual learners face in education
• How to foster a sense of belonging for bicultural students in the classroom
• The emotional impact of living between two cultures, and what “home” really means

As an educator, understanding the cultural experiences of multilingual learners is key to helping them succeed. Gabby shares eye-opening insights on the importance of cultural fluency, her personal struggles with writing in English despite being fluent, and why teachers should actively create spaces where students can embrace both their linguistic and cultural identities.

Plus, Gabby dives into how language influences personality and how educators can bridge cultural gaps in the classroom.

Whether you're a teacher, student, or someone passionate about cultural identity, this episode is filled with practical strategies and inspiring takeaways.

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to support bicultural students in and beyond the classroom!

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