Services

Be ready to stretch your thinking, open your mind to new ideas and ways to look at language. This is different from how we were taught in school and in teacher prep, for that matter. If you want to grow and develop as an effective teacher, this is it. While the phonics side of the reading rope is foundational, this is the rest of it... this is the language comprehension part that helps people understand the how and why of language.

- Gwyneth, Regional Education Services Consortium Coordinator

This will completely transform how you view language instruction for ALL students, not just multilingual learners. Functional language knowledge is the missing piece in K-12 ESL and frankly, general education classrooms, today. This course bridges that gap in a practical, empowering way.

- K-12 ESL Teacher, Summer 2026 Book Study Participant

To any ELA teacher, I would say, you think you know English and grammar but there is so much more to learn. Take a deep dive into the meaning of texts with SFL!

- Sandy Gangestad, PK-12 EL Teacher/Coordinator, Minnesota

This is on the leading-edge of best practices for teaching language, and not just for MLs. It is the perfect complement to WIDA-informed instruction.

- Lisa Palaia, Junior High Multilingual Learner Teacher, Massachusetts

I came in with very little knowledge of Systemic Functional Linguistics, and the course made complex concepts accessible through thoughtful guidance, hands-on activities, and meaningful discussions. Whether you're new to the content or looking to deepen your expertise, you'll gain valuable insights, practical tools, and a stronger lens for analyzing language in the service of learning.

- Rosanna Morillo, Multilingual Enablement Specialist

I am reaching out because I would love to share something that you helped shape. I became the EAL Coordinator at my school in Istanbul. I walked into a system with no organized EAL program, no standardized proficiency screening, no real structure behind the support plans. Teachers expected the EAL department to do all the differentiating for them. Students were falling through the cracks. And the frameworks that were supposed to protect them had become paperwork that nobody followed.

That experience broke something open in me, and what came out was a book. It is called The Differentiation Trap: From Framework to Belonging

Thank you, Ruslana. The seeds you planted are bearing fruit on the other side of the world.

- Luisa J., Istanbul

In the Shorewood School District, both multilingual learner specialists and classroom teachers have partnered with Ruslana, and we are seeing clear results: more inclusive and rigorous instructional practices, stronger student engagement, and improved outcomes. Her work builds capacity across entire systems, and her influence extends beyond the classroom.

I even experienced growth in my own writing through her sessions! Ruslana is a trusted partner for any district committed to advancing equity and strengthening instruction for all learners.

- Dr. Laurie Burgos, Superintendent, Shorewood School District, WI

Dr. Ruslana Westerlund led a full-day professional learning session for St. Louis educators on advancing equity for multilingual learners through the WIDA ELD Standards. The feedback from workshop attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Her deep knowledge of Functional Linguistics brought the standards to life, and she had a real gift for showing teachers how to "make language visible" across content areas and grade levels in ways that felt immediately practical and applicable.

- Rob Greenhaw, EducationPlus

As a result of this learning with Dr. Westerlund, I feel as though I have become more confident in teaching writing curriculum. I know where to start, the extent of what I need to teach my students and how I can help them become successful writers. My students love it too!

Participant, Writing Across Disciplines Course

Dr. Westerlund's expertise and passion for SFL were evident from the outset. Her webinars were meticulously organized, engaging, and enriched with her deep understanding of the subject matter. She adeptly navigated through the complexities of SFL, making the content accessible and relevant to educators of varying backgrounds and levels of experience.

- Maryna, TESOL Ukraine

I would highly recommend taking a class with Dr. Sally Humphrey and Dr. Ruslana Westerlund. They created a supportive learning environment were complex ideas felt approachable, and their thoughtful explanations and willingness to engage with participants made the experience especially valuable.

- Donna, English as an Additional Language Teacher, Singapore

I would strongly encourage colleagues to join. The course provides a practical but deep exploration of language and grammar that challenges you to think beyond traditional ways of teaching language. Dr. Ruslana and Dr. Sally create strong connections between theory, research and classroom practice, making complex ideas accessible and immediately applicable.

I have found myself continually reflecting on my own practice and considering how I can support teachers to be more explicit and purposeful in teaching language.

- Suchita Andrews, EALD Education Leader, Australia