Interview with Dr. Dilini Toussaint, 2026-2027 VP Membership of NYS TESOL
Back to BlogInterview with Dr. Dilini Toussaint, 2026-2027 VP Membership of NYS TESOL
04/21/2026
Let's get to know Dr. Dilini Toussaint in quick interview between her and Katie Leven, Vice President of Communications.
KATIE:
Today I’m sitting down with our 2026-2027 VP Membership of NYS TESOL, Dr. Dilini Toussaint! I first met Dilini through email as she wrote a piece for the NYSTESOL blog last year entitled "Building Bridges: How ENL Teachers and Literacy Coaches Can Collaborate Effectively."1 I love and fully support this idea that all teachers are teachers of our multilingual learners of English. She continued that theme with a post this year: "NYS TESOL Is for Every Educator - Not Just ENL Teachers"2
Dilini has been an enthusiastic new member on the Executive Board. I look forward to getting to know you even more through this interview! Thank you for joining me in the hopes of better understanding your work and aspirations as the 2026-2027 VP Membership of NYS TESOL.
DILINI:
Thank you for having me.
KATIE:
Of course! I love getting to know our new members! I feel that is one of the most important parts of being on the board is making strong connections with colleagues! What inspired you to join as the VP of Membership for NYS TESOL?
DILINI:
My journey as a language learner has been the foundation of my passion for supporting multilingual learners. Moving to the U.S. from Sri Lanka at age 11, I faced the challenge of navigating a new language, culture, and school system, often feeling both excited and overwhelmed. I remember the moments when a teacher’s encouragement, a classmate’s patience, or a small sense of belonging made a world of difference in my learning. Those experiences showed me how transformative a supportive environment can be not just for language acquisition, but for a student’s confidence, identity, and sense of possibility.
It was these early experiences that inspired me to dedicate my career to creating spaces where both students and educators feel empowered. I understand the importance of having a network of support, of knowing that you are not alone in your challenges, and of having access to tools and strategies that make teaching and learning more effective. Serving as VP of Membership for NYS TESOL allows me to connect with and support the teachers who guide multilingual learners every day. I am motivated by the opportunity to help them feel valued, inspired, and part of a larger professional community, where their work is recognized and amplified, and where together we can advocate for the success and well-being of every multilingual learner.
KATIE:
Awww! I love that reminder that small things make a huge difference in helping others to feel comfortable enough to grow as a learner! I’m so excited to have your energy and enthusiasm on the board! You showed me how your own life experiences have shaped your “why.” How have your experiences as a language educator shaped your understanding of what NYS TESOL members need and value?
DILINI:
As an educator, I’ve seen the many ways teachers adapt, innovate, and advocate to meet the diverse needs of multilingual students. This experience has shown me that NYS TESOL members value not only practical resources and professional development, but also connection, community, and recognition. Teachers need access to strategies that work in real classrooms, opportunities to learn from one another, and a professional network that listens and amplifies their voices. My experiences help me understand these needs and guide my work in strengthening our membership.
KATIE:
I completely agree! The practicality piece is important, as is being surrounded by like-minded individuals! How do you see a strong membership base contributing to NYS TESOL’s mission of supporting teachers and multilingual learners?
DILINI:
A strong membership base is the heart of NYS TESOL’s mission. When educators are engaged and connected, we create a powerful community that shares knowledge, celebrates successes, and drives innovation. Together, members contribute to the growth of the profession and the advancement of multilingual education. Every member strengthens the organization’s ability to provide resources, professional learning, and advocacy that directly benefit teachers and the students they serve.
KATIE:
Yes! We are stronger together! In what ways can membership help amplify advocacy for multilingual learners?
DILINI:
Membership amplifies advocacy by uniting educators around a common purpose. Each member brings unique perspectives, insights, and experiences from their classrooms and communities. Together, we can influence policy, raise awareness of multilingual learners’ needs, and promote evidence-based practices that improve outcomes. A strong, engaged membership ensures that the voices of educators and learners are heard at every level from school buildings to state and national policy discussions making advocacy more coordinated, impactful, and meaningful.
KATIE:
I know the impact and meaning were what shaped my interest in joining NYS TESOL. Looking ahead, what trends or needs do you believe should shape NYS TESOL’s membership strategy in the coming years?
DILINI:
Looking ahead, NYS TESOL’s membership strategy should be guided by the evolving needs of multilingual learners and the educators who support them. Members increasingly need access to high-quality professional learning that is practical, research-based, and aligned with current instructional approaches, including sheltered instruction, co-teaching, and data-informed assessment practices. At the same time, equity, inclusion, and linguistic justice must remain central, with professional development and advocacy efforts that center student voice, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and the rights of multilingual learners. Building strong professional communities and collaborative networks is essential to combat isolation and foster innovation, while leadership development opportunities can prepare educators to coach peers, lead programs, and advocate at school, district, and state levels. Additionally, supporting educators in data literacy and technology integration strengthens instructional decision-making and ensures students’ progress is effectively monitored. Finally, empowering educators to engage families and communities in authentic, culturally responsive ways further amplifies student success. By addressing these trends and needs, NYS TESOL can cultivate a membership base that feels connected, supported, and inspired, ultimately advancing its mission to empower educators and multilingual learners across New York State.
KATIE:
I love those values: connected, supported, inspired! This ties in with your recent initiative to start NYS TESOL group memberships. Can you tell me more about this new opportunity for NYS educators?
DILINI:
Yes! We are excited to offer a special group rate for educators who want to grow professionally as a team. You can bring your entire department or school team and pay just $25 per educator instead of $45.
KATIE:
That’s great! Why do start this iniative?
DILINI:
Joining as a team allows you to: build a powerful professional network, share strategies across content areas, strengthen schoolwide support for multilingual learners and grow together as educators.
KATIE:
What would you say for those organizations who don’t have 20 ENL teachers to join?
DILINI:
We believe it truly takes a village to support multilingual learners. Supporting these students is not the responsibility of one teacher alone. In today’s classrooms, all teachers are ENL teachers, and meaningful support happens when we work together across disciplines and roles. Those twenty teachers could include ENL specialists, general education teachers, administrators, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, literacy coaches, other interventionists and more!
KATIE:
I completely agree. It’s easy to forget how many educators work with our students every day! From art and physical education teachers to interventionist, special education professionals and more! I’ve had such a wide variety who have signed up for my share groups and other PD classes wanting to learn how to support students who speak other languages at home. It warms my heart when teachers choose to use their own time to serve children better! Where can organizations sign up for this group NYS TESOL membership?
DILINI:
Please contact me, Dr. Dilini Toussaint, VP of Membership at VPmembership@nystesol.org.
KATIE:
Thank you so much for your time talking with me today! I appreciate your enthusiasm as the VP of Membership! You’ve jumped in with an already full plate and continue to amaze me with your dedication and meaningful inspiration to others!
Referenced Blog posts:
1Building Bridges: How ENL Teachers and Literacy Coaches Can Collaborate Effectively
https://nystesol.org/blog/nys-tesol-blog/2025-05-12-building-bridges-how-enl-teachers-and-literacy-coaches-can-collaborate-effectively
2NYS TESOL Is for Every Educator - Not Just ENL Teachers
https://nystesol.org/blog/nys-tesol-blog/2026-02-21-nys-tesol-is-for-every-educator---not-just-enl-teachers
Let's get to know Dr. Dilini Toussaint in quick interview between her and Katie Leven, Vice President of Communications.
KATIE:
Today I’m sitting down with our 2026-2027 VP Membership of NYS TESOL, Dr. Dilini Toussaint! I first met Dilini through email as she wrote a piece for the NYSTESOL blog last year entitled "Building Bridges: How ENL Teachers and Literacy Coaches Can Collaborate Effectively."1 I love and fully support this idea that all teachers are teachers of our multilingual learners of English. She continued that theme with a post this year: "NYS TESOL Is for Every Educator - Not Just ENL Teachers"2
Dilini has been an enthusiastic new member on the Executive Board. I look forward to getting to know you even more through this interview! Thank you for joining me in the hopes of better understanding your work and aspirations as the 2026-2027 VP Membership of NYS TESOL.
DILINI:
Thank you for having me.
KATIE:
Of course! I love getting to know our new members! I feel that is one of the most important parts of being on the board is making strong connections with colleagues! What inspired you to join as the VP of Membership for NYS TESOL?
DILINI:
My journey as a language learner has been the foundation of my passion for supporting multilingual learners. Moving to the U.S. from Sri Lanka at age 11, I faced the challenge of navigating a new language, culture, and school system, often feeling both excited and overwhelmed. I remember the moments when a teacher’s encouragement, a classmate’s patience, or a small sense of belonging made a world of difference in my learning. Those experiences showed me how transformative a supportive environment can be not just for language acquisition, but for a student’s confidence, identity, and sense of possibility.
It was these early experiences that inspired me to dedicate my career to creating spaces where both students and educators feel empowered. I understand the importance of having a network of support, of knowing that you are not alone in your challenges, and of having access to tools and strategies that make teaching and learning more effective. Serving as VP of Membership for NYS TESOL allows me to connect with and support the teachers who guide multilingual learners every day. I am motivated by the opportunity to help them feel valued, inspired, and part of a larger professional community, where their work is recognized and amplified, and where together we can advocate for the success and well-being of every multilingual learner.
KATIE:
Awww! I love that reminder that small things make a huge difference in helping others to feel comfortable enough to grow as a learner! I’m so excited to have your energy and enthusiasm on the board! You showed me how your own life experiences have shaped your “why.” How have your experiences as a language educator shaped your understanding of what NYS TESOL members need and value?
DILINI:
As an educator, I’ve seen the many ways teachers adapt, innovate, and advocate to meet the diverse needs of multilingual students. This experience has shown me that NYS TESOL members value not only practical resources and professional development, but also connection, community, and recognition. Teachers need access to strategies that work in real classrooms, opportunities to learn from one another, and a professional network that listens and amplifies their voices. My experiences help me understand these needs and guide my work in strengthening our membership.
KATIE:
I completely agree! The practicality piece is important, as is being surrounded by like-minded individuals! How do you see a strong membership base contributing to NYS TESOL’s mission of supporting teachers and multilingual learners?
DILINI:
A strong membership base is the heart of NYS TESOL’s mission. When educators are engaged and connected, we create a powerful community that shares knowledge, celebrates successes, and drives innovation. Together, members contribute to the growth of the profession and the advancement of multilingual education. Every member strengthens the organization’s ability to provide resources, professional learning, and advocacy that directly benefit teachers and the students they serve.
KATIE:
Yes! We are stronger together! In what ways can membership help amplify advocacy for multilingual learners?
DILINI:
Membership amplifies advocacy by uniting educators around a common purpose. Each member brings unique perspectives, insights, and experiences from their classrooms and communities. Together, we can influence policy, raise awareness of multilingual learners’ needs, and promote evidence-based practices that improve outcomes. A strong, engaged membership ensures that the voices of educators and learners are heard at every level from school buildings to state and national policy discussions making advocacy more coordinated, impactful, and meaningful.
KATIE:
I know the impact and meaning were what shaped my interest in joining NYS TESOL. Looking ahead, what trends or needs do you believe should shape NYS TESOL’s membership strategy in the coming years?
DILINI:
Looking ahead, NYS TESOL’s membership strategy should be guided by the evolving needs of multilingual learners and the educators who support them. Members increasingly need access to high-quality professional learning that is practical, research-based, and aligned with current instructional approaches, including sheltered instruction, co-teaching, and data-informed assessment practices. At the same time, equity, inclusion, and linguistic justice must remain central, with professional development and advocacy efforts that center student voice, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and the rights of multilingual learners. Building strong professional communities and collaborative networks is essential to combat isolation and foster innovation, while leadership development opportunities can prepare educators to coach peers, lead programs, and advocate at school, district, and state levels. Additionally, supporting educators in data literacy and technology integration strengthens instructional decision-making and ensures students’ progress is effectively monitored. Finally, empowering educators to engage families and communities in authentic, culturally responsive ways further amplifies student success. By addressing these trends and needs, NYS TESOL can cultivate a membership base that feels connected, supported, and inspired, ultimately advancing its mission to empower educators and multilingual learners across New York State.
KATIE:
I love those values: connected, supported, inspired! This ties in with your recent initiative to start NYS TESOL group memberships. Can you tell me more about this new opportunity for NYS educators?
DILINI:
Yes! We are excited to offer a special group rate for educators who want to grow professionally as a team. You can bring your entire department or school team and pay just $25 per educator instead of $45.
KATIE:
That’s great! Why do start this iniative?
DILINI:
Joining as a team allows you to: build a powerful professional network, share strategies across content areas, strengthen schoolwide support for multilingual learners and grow together as educators.
KATIE:
What would you say for those organizations who don’t have 20 ENL teachers to join?
DILINI:
We believe it truly takes a village to support multilingual learners. Supporting these students is not the responsibility of one teacher alone. In today’s classrooms, all teachers are ENL teachers, and meaningful support happens when we work together across disciplines and roles. Those twenty teachers could include ENL specialists, general education teachers, administrators, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, literacy coaches, other interventionists and more!
KATIE:
I completely agree. It’s easy to forget how many educators work with our students every day! From art and physical education teachers to interventionist, special education professionals and more! I’ve had such a wide variety who have signed up for my share groups and other PD classes wanting to learn how to support students who speak other languages at home. It warms my heart when teachers choose to use their own time to serve children better! Where can organizations sign up for this group NYS TESOL membership?
DILINI:
Please contact me, Dr. Dilini Toussaint, VP of Membership at VPmembership@nystesol.org.
KATIE:
Thank you so much for your time talking with me today! I appreciate your enthusiasm as the VP of Membership! You’ve jumped in with an already full plate and continue to amaze me with your dedication and meaningful inspiration to others!
Referenced Blog posts:
1Building Bridges: How ENL Teachers and Literacy Coaches Can Collaborate Effectively
https://nystesol.org/blog/nys-tesol-blog/2025-05-12-building-bridges-how-enl-teachers-and-literacy-coaches-can-collaborate-effectively
2NYS TESOL Is for Every Educator - Not Just ENL Teachers
https://nystesol.org/blog/nys-tesol-blog/2026-02-21-nys-tesol-is-for-every-educator---not-just-enl-teachers
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