Small Districts, Big Voices with Desiree Kiesel
From ML Chat: Conversations with Multilingual Educators by Flashlight Learning
February 4, 2026 · 57 min · Episode 68
About this episode
Desiree Kiesel discusses the impact of relationship-building and adaptability in small districts for multilingual learner success.
Drawing from her work in small, rural districts, Desiree Kiesel explores how relationship-building, asset-based approaches, and adaptability play a key role in multilingual learner success. You’ll hear how smaller districts can move quickly to implement new strategies, like speech and debate, to build student confidence and amplify student voice. See how innovation can start small and grow to make a big impact.
People in this episode
Guest: Desiree Kiesel
Topics covered
- multilingual education
- relationship-building
- asset-based approaches
- student confidence
- small districts
- innovation
Keywords
- multilingual learners
- small rural districts
- speech and debate
- student voice
- education strategies
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