OUR STORY

Our father affectionately calls us las tortuguitas. Turtles, symbols of wisdom and persistence, are known for carrying their homes on their backs. In sharing our expertise, we ground our work in the need for steadfast leadership that activates and honors the linguistic and cultural wealth embedded in the homes, families, and communities we serve.

Dr. Ofelia Garcia describes bilingual children in monolingual schools as “a student with a drum in front of them, one hand is holding a drumstick and playing loudly, but the other hand is tied behind their back.”

Their full power will never be unleashed until monolinguistic norms are dismantled and their other hand is let loose so that the music the child produces will fulfill its full potential and beauty.

The Canizales Group exists so play music with both hands - powerful and beautiful music that can be heard and danced to for generations. We know that music, we dance to that music, and we follow the (heart) beat of that music. 

OUR theory of change

By training equity-focused Latino/x principals to lead high-quality, anti-racist dual language schools, we will increase Latino/x students' access to dual language education. This will promote linguistic and educational equity for bilingual learners and help preserve heritage languages for future generations.

Our CORE VALUES

  • We must disrupt narrow and deficit-based definitions of our communities’ success based on mono-linguistic norms. Emergent bilinguals and heritage speakers deserve linguistic liberation and access to develop and own their socio-cultural capital. We make space for all levels of bilingualism and embrace translanguaging as a marker of intelligence.

  • We believe that joy is an outcome and a powerful catalyst for improved learning, personal development, and the overall well-being of individuals and communities. Seeking joy is revolutionary work.

  • We must continuously prioritize a strong sense of belonging for our students, families, teachers, and school leaders. Belonging is the foundation for learning, safety, a strong community, and identity development. 

  • We are truth-tellers for the dual language community by centering the voices of Latino/x communities. We believe in equitable enrollment for our emergent bilinguals and heritage speakers. We are also committed to closing the Latino/x representation gap for Latino/x principals in the United States.

  • We are unapologetic about anti-racism, and we are committed to asking the tough questions and disrupting any harm to indigenous and Black people and communities. We address anti-blackness and anti-indigenous mindsets and actions within our community with responsibility and courage.

  • We are committed to making a meaningful difference in our schools.  An eye toward impact guides our strategies, actions, and decision-making, ultimately leading toward positive and equitable outcomes for our students, their families, and the broader community.