The Growing Need to Support Multilingual Families
Amanda Crecelius- May 5
- 4 min read
By Amanda Crecelius
Meet Amanda Crecelius: A Journey from Small-Town Indiana to Global Insights
As a new consultant on the INcompassing Education team, let me introduce myself. My name is Amanda Crecelius (Cri-sil-yus). I grew up in a small town in Crawford County in Southern Indiana. My mother was an elementary school teacher in one of only 5 schools in the county. My father owned his own mechanic shop which, based on the number of men hovering over my dad as he worked, was what I considered one of the hubs of the community.
My mother instilled in me a love for reading, learning, and teaching. My father taught me to work hard and that my dreams and my voice were valuable. They both taught me the merits of being independent and caring deeply about others.
From Living Abroad to Advocating at Home
Those principles led me to leave home and live abroad in both Madrid, Spain and
Mexico City, Mexico for over 13 years of my adult life. From living abroad, I gained a language, a family, and an infused culture. I gleaned empathy for the struggle of a
newcomer and an understanding of cultural clashes, racial tensions, and the unfairness of discrimination. Privilege and value were given to me through circumstances that I did not earn and taken away from others for no reason other than their place of birth and/or color of skin. I wrestled with the predetermined value of my voice against the unheard voices of those deemed unimportant, those who showed generosity with empty pockets, who showed love despite abuse, who when I looked in the mirror of their hearts, I saw my own reflection.
When I returned to Indiana, I knew I wanted to use my voice for those who are often unheard. Many times when I was on the streets in cities abroad, I was not able to communicate my thoughts, my beliefs, my objections, my concerns, my rights, or my dreams. But here at home, many families face even greater barriers—compounded by poverty, systemic inequities, and racial discrimination.
The Linguistic Landscape of Indiana
The numbers make it clear: According to The US Census Bureau, Indiana is more linguistically diverse than ever. As of 2023, over 70 languages are spoken across the state. More than 200,000 residents report speaking English “less than very well,” meaning they face obstacles in everything from education to healthcare to civic participation. And these numbers only tell part of the story—many more voices go uncounted, unheard.
Language Loss: A Challenge Faced by Multilingual Families
For multilingual families, language loss is a real and pressing concern.
When my family returned to Indiana, my then 3-year-old daughter spoke only Spanish. Within just three months of being in an English-dominant environment, she had stopped speaking Spanish altogether. I watched, heartbroken, as she unconsciously distanced herself from her father’s language, culture, and traditions. I know I’m not alone—many families struggle with how to preserve their heritage while adapting to a new linguistic reality. How do we create a bridge between languages instead of a barrier?
Beyond Translation: Building Inclusive Communities
Supporting multilingual families is not solely an educational issue—it’s a community issue. While there has been progress with increased translated materials and greater awareness, written translations alone are not enough.
How are we ensuring that families who do not speak English feel genuinely welcomed?
Are schools creating spaces where multilingual families feel comfortable participating?
How can we elevate their voices in decision-making spaces?
Action Steps: Creating a Welcoming Environment
Building inclusive communities requires action. Here are a few steps schools and organizations can take:
Offer Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Training: Provide educators with professional development to better understand and support multilingual learners and families.
Create Multilingual Communication Channels: Use technology like translation apps (Google Translate or Microsoft Translator) to facilitate communication.
Display Multilingual Welcome Signs: Simple visual cues can make a big impact in creating a welcoming environment.
Engage in Authentic Family Partnerships: Build relationships with families by hosting cultural events, inviting participation, and providing interpreters when needed.
Let’s Take Action Together
I do not have all the answers, but I invite you to join me in asking the right questions. How can we use technology, compassion, and intentional action to build communities where all voices are valued? Language should never be a barrier to belonging. Let’s ensure that every voice has a place at the table.
If you’re an educator or administrator looking for support, INcompassing Education offers coaching, resources, and professional development tailored to the unique needs of multilingual families. Visit our website to explore ways to create inclusive, linguistically responsive environments where every family—regardless of language—feels heard, valued, and empowered.
Contact Amanda Crecelius at amanda@incompassingeducation.com to find out how INcompassing Education can support your district.
📚 Recommended Reading:
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Learning (2nd Edition) by Sharroky Hollie A practical guide for creating inclusive classrooms that honor students' linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Small Group Reading With Multilingual Learners: Differentiating Instruction in 20 Minutes a Day by Nancy Akhavan
Support students at the small-group table in acquiring English as well as developing as readers-simultaneously.
🛠 Helpful Tools:
Create a welcoming environment with languages and symbols that are familiar to families and students.
Parents are Humans (multiple languages available, I recommend the simplified English version)
Use prompts to build relationships with families. Note: Although this resource is designed for parent-child relationship building there are several cards that can be used to connect with families of students in combination with live translation via Google Translate or Microsoft Translator.
