New Course! Elevating Strengths: Supporting Multilingual Learners Facing Adversity

I am excited to announce the launch of Elevating Strengths: Supporting Multilingual Learners Facing Adversity, a comprehensive self-paced online course designed for educators and professionals supporting multilingual learners impacted by trauma, violence, or chronic stress. This 10-hour course employs a strengths-based approach and provides practical, research-backed strategies to apply immediately to enhance student outcomes.

Why This Course?

I’ve authored books, peer-reviewed articles, and book chapters, and worked with educators across the U.S. and internationally. My focus is on advancing empathetic, strengths-based approaches to support multilingual learners facing adversity.

This course was created in direct response to repeated requests for a more flexible, accessible format, one that allows educators to engage anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace.

The goal? To help students flourish.

Self-paced learning: Complete on own schedule

What to Expect

Self-paced learning: Complete on own schedule
10 hours of expert content: Aligned with professional development standards
- Note: The PD Provider Registry of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approves this course
Strengths-based approach: Focus on students’ assets and potential
Research-based & field-tested: Refined through beta and pilot testing
Practical strategies: Ready for immediate use in classrooms and schools
Meaningful reflection activities and supportive, personalized feedback

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for:

Classroom educators (all grades and content areas)
School and district leaders
Instructional specialists and coaches
Paraprofessionals and support staff
Counselors, social workers, and advocates
Anyone working with or supporting multilingual learners

Enroll Today

Click here to enroll

Have Questions?

Feel free to contact me for more information about this and other online courses and speaking engagements.

#MultilingualLearners #TraumaSensitiveEducation #ResponsiveTeaching #TeacherPD #BilingualEducation #DualLanguage #ESOL #ELL #InclusiveEducation #OnlinePD #StrengthsBased #EducationLeadership

Debbie Zacarian

Dr. Debbie Zacarian is a recognized expert in strengths-based leadership, inclusive education, and policy design that champions equity for all learners. With a rich background that includes advanced degrees in clinical psychology and educational policy—and over 30 years of experience as a district administrator, university professor, and leader of an educational service agency—she brings a strong foundation of scholarship and research to every aspect of her work. As the founder of Zacarian & Associates, she partners with schools, universities, and organizations around the world, delivering keynotes, workshops, mentoring, and consulting that spark real transformation. Widely respected for her innovative thinking and practical impact, Dr. Zacarian has authored numerous best-selling books, influential journal articles, and forward-thinking policies. Her work is grounded in the belief that every learner—especially multilingual students and those facing adversity—deserves not only equitable opportunities, but a sense of connection, purpose, and respect. Through her writing and speaking, she equips educators and leaders with the tools and insights they need to build inclusive learning environments where all students can grow, contribute, and flourish.