From the classroom to Californians Together, Shelly Spiegel-Coleman has dedicated her life to improving education for all students—no matter what language they speak to their loved ones at home. Last month, she was inducted into the Multilingual Education Hall of Fame at the 2025 National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) Conference. We are incredibly proud to work with Shelly every single day as she works tirelessly to support the policies and practices that are needed to ensure every student can thrive in the classroom and beyond.
We know we are not alone when we express our gratitude to Shelly—a giant in our field and a shining example of what it takes to be a fierce advocate and a champion for equity.
As multilingual education advocate Amelia Larson stated in her induction speech, “[Shelly’s] unwavering advocacy, visionary leadership, and commitment to equity has shaped policies, programs, and practices that empower students, families, and educators alike […] You have not only elevated the voices of English learners, but you have also inspired countless educators to champion their success.”
Larson went on to share a story from the Californians Together 25th Anniversary gala in which California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recalled, in a speech, his first meeting with Shelly. “You and I need to talk.” Those were the first words Shelly uttered to the then-new state legislator. Those are the same words she opened with when she ran into Thurmond at the gala.
They are essentially the same words Shelly said to me on my first day at Californians Together. From the California education chief to a brand-new member of a nonprofit’s communications staff, Shelly can immediately identify potential champions for our state’s 1.1 million multilingual students. Beyond believing in your potential, Shelly can quickly make you believe that you can make a difference in the lives of students, families, and educators. Such belief is especially meaningful in times of uncertainty.
Californians Together came from crisis. After voters approved Prop 227 in 1998 and effectively banned multilingual instruction, education professionals and advocates formed the Californians Together coalition. In light of recent discord federally, Shelly reminds uneasy advocates that “we’ve been here before”. These words echo in the minds of Californians Together staff who are more energized than ever to fight for the rights of multilingual learners and newcomers.
As our former executive director, and now strategic advisor, Shelly has helped deliver major victories that have moved us far beyond dark times in which students were made to leave their home language and culture at the schoolhouse door. From establishing the nation’s first State Seal of Biliteracy in 2008 to 227’s eventual repeal in the form of 2016’s Prop 58, Shelly has been at the forefront of change—both as a leader and as an encouraging voice for her colleagues at every level. Shelly is a true believer that real change is driven by individuals and organizations who are dedicated to getting smart on policy and finding the courage necessary to raise their voices.
She knows this to be the case because her entire career, from the classroom to the county office, to Californians Together, has been dedicated to using her voice to speak up for those who are denied opportunities. At the induction ceremony, Shelly made a statement about the multilingual education policy and advocacy community. True to her nature, Shelly used her acceptance speech to praise the entire Californians Together coalition, staff, and leadership.
We are incredibly grateful to NABE for recognizing Shelly’s brilliance and enduring advocacy for multilingual learners in California and beyond. There are few more deserving of this recognition and applause than Shelly Spiegel-Coleman.