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Coaching and Consulting®

Sustainable Instructional Systems for Secondary Schools Serving Newcomer and Refugee Multilingual Learners

We partner with secondary schools to design structured, sustainable instructional systems that strengthen student belonging, increase engagement and academic growth, and protect teacher capacity.

Schedule an Exploratory Conversation

We intentionally partner with a limited number of schools each academic year to ensure depth, quality, and sustained impact. Partnership capacity is planned in advance and discussed during exploratory consultations.

The Context

As newcomer enrollment increases in secondary schools, MLL (ESL/ENL/ELD) educators are navigating growing caseloads, complex student needs, and evolving instructional demands. Students are adjusting to new languages, academic expectations, and cultural environments, often while managing significant life transitions.

Schools are deeply committed to supporting multilingual learners well. Yet without structured, embedded systems, support can become fragmented, inconsistent, and difficult to sustain over time.

When student belonging is intentionally strengthened, engagement increases, and academic growth becomes possible.

That is where we collaborate.

What We Do

We design and implement structured, embedded systems that align belonging, engagement, and academic expectations across secondary settings.

Our work ensures that multilingual learners experience consistent support, educators feel equipped and confident, and instructional practices remain sustainable beyond a single initiative.

Our Partnership Model

Secondary Newcomer Teacher Support Partnership

Designed for secondary schools seeking structured, system-level alignment rather than isolated professional development sessions.

A structured 4–6 month embedded collaboration aligned with academic planning cycles and grounded in real classroom practice.

This partnership includes:

• Leadership alignment and needs assessment

• Classroom observation cycles

• Individualized coaching for MLL (ESL/ENL/ELD) educators

• Belonging-centered language development strategies

• Manageable, high-impact instructional shifts

• Sustainability planning to protect teacher capacity

Outcomes

By the conclusion of the partnership, schools experience:

• Greater instructional consistency

• Increased educator clarity and confidence

• Clear systems that sustain student belonging, engagement, and academic growth over time

Because this work is relational and embedded within existing structures, partnerships are typically secured in advance of the academic year to allow for thoughtful integration into school improvement goals and budgeting cycles.

Institutional investment is customized based on school size, coaching scope, and partnership design.

Schedule an Exploratory Conversation

Let's Begin the Conversation

We partner with secondary school leaders and district MLL teams, exploring structured, sustainable support for newcomer and refugee multilingual learners.

During your exploratory conversation, we will review institutional priorities, current support structures, and partnership alignment.

Schedule an Exploratory Conversation

Evidence of Impact

“I’m so grateful to Mehtap Akay, not only a true professional but also a wonderful, kind person. She guided me through the process of starting my teaching career in the U.S., helping me review my resume and other materials, and sharing insights about the working culture that you simply can’t find online. After talking with her, I felt a real boost of confidence and realized, “I can do it” and I did. Her support and encouragement made a huge difference in my journey."
— Olha L., ESL & Chinese Teacher

“When I moved to the United States, I struggled to balance my personal life with my academic goals. Dr. Mehtap Akay introduced me to practical techniques for time management and showed me how to apply them to my ongoing tasks. She guided me through applying for and completing my master’s degree, making it much easier to adapt to a new environment while pursuing my academic passions.
— Meryem A., Grad School Student

“I learned SO much! That was an AMAZING 5 hours. I learned how I can support students, was encouraged to be positive in the classroom! Time went by SO quickly.”
— Fellow Teacher at KIPP Charter School, Touro University SEL PD for K-8 Teachers

"Great PD! This was the best one I had so far this year!”
— Fellow Teacher at KIPP Charter School, Touro University, SEL PD for K-8 Teachers

"Dr. Akay is a formidable presence and professional leader with comprehensive knowledge, expertise, and practical problem-solving strategies to achieve the most positive, fulfilling, and meaningful experiences for the young newcomers. My memories of the Summer Academy, the students, and Dr. Akay’s integrity, devotion and commitment will remain close in my heart always, and I am thankful for having the honor of learning under her tutelage as well as the opportunity to follow her example of understanding and compassion.
Dorothy K., ESL teacher*
*Collected from the colleagues from recent role/s & organizations served.

"...What stood out to me was Mehtap’s integration of intellect and compassion in her pedagogical and leadership approaches: she took the time to get to know both the teachers and the students by listening in a patient and empathetic manner while providing insightful advice and perspectives...The literacy-centered techniques and approaches that Mehtap taught during the program were helpful in allowing me to better serve the students. The observations provided by Mehtap during initial assessments allowed me to better tailor the lessons to suit the individual needs and goals of the students. I’m grateful for her insights and support throughout the program.”
— Dr. Andrea B.*

"...Mehtap's passion for education and commitment to our youth were truly inspiring. Mehtap excels at connecting with students from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages engagement. Working alongside her was transformative. Her dedication and positivity greatly impacted our students and inspired the entire team. I highly recommend Mehtap for any initiative where she can positively influence as an educational coach and consultant.”
— Celine Diene, Lead ESL Teacher*

"Mehtap has been an invaluable source of support and guidance throughout my graduate school application process. Her insightful recommendations, such as tailoring my cover letter to align with each program's mission and vision and including cultural components, were truly pivotal. Thanks to her thorough feedback, I was accepted to a highly competitive graduate program, which marked one of the most significant milestones in my academic career. I am deeply grateful for her unwavering support, professionalism, and expertise."
— S.B., Grad School Coaching Client