Marisela Santillan and student Haley Gonzalez connect through the Future Bilingual Educators program, building a pathway toward future careers in education.
At Eastmont Junior High School, Marisela Santillan is helping students imagine their future in education.
Now in its fifth year, the Future Bilingual Educators program recruits and supports bilingual students who may one day return to teach in Eastmont. This “grow your own” approach creates a clear pathway from student to educator, beginning as early as 9th grade.
Students explore education through hands-on experiences, including volunteering at school events, working with elementary students, and attending opportunities like the Educators Rising Leadership Conference in Portland. These early experiences help students see themselves in the profession while building confidence over time.
A key part of the program is mentorship. Santillan pairs students with bilingual educators across the district who share their personal journeys into teaching. Through regular check-ins and ongoing communication, mentors support students academically and personally while building lasting relationships.
“The goal is to build trust and rapport,” Santillan explains. “Students leave with a connection they can return to later for support, recommendations, or guidance.”
Currently, 10 bilingual educators across the district serve as mentors in the program, making this an important investment in growing and sustaining a strong, representative educator workforce.
As students continue into high school, many deepen their experience through the Teaching Academy at Eastmont High School, where they study learning styles and instructional strategies while spending significant time in elementary classrooms, working alongside teachers and supporting student learning.
Students may also take child development courses, participate in CTE pathways, and explore options like Running Start or partnerships with Central Washington University and Wenatchee Valley College. Some graduate with up to 16 college credits already completed.
With 17 students participating this year and a new cohort beginning each January, the program continues to grow by building a strong pipeline of future bilingual educators who are prepared to give back and strengthen academic excellence and community partnerships across Eastmont.
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