Deeper Learning 2026

What if schools moved beyond protection toward innovation to truly accompany immigrant and multilingual students on their educational journeys? In this Den conversation, Lara Evangelista, Executive Director of the Internationals Network for Public Schools, and Chandler Patton Miranda, author of Sanctuary School, explore how schools serving newly arrived students have reimagined deeper learning as a culturally sustaining and empowering practice for some of the country’s most marginalized youth. Drawing on decades of research and practice, they discuss how the Internationals approach to school design, project-based learning, and portfolio assessment fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and deeper learning. Together, they illuminate what it takes to resist unjust policies and hostile social contexts, ensuring that newcomers and multilingual learners can thrive in school and beyond.

About the Den Speakers:

Chandler Patton Miranda, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Education at Molloy University and an anthropologist of education whose work examines how schools serve recently arrived immigrant youth in an ever-changing political climate. A former high school teacher, her research explores how educators move beyond protection to create inclusive, empowering schools that reflect the principles of deeper learning. Her book, Sanctuary School (Harvard Education Press, 2025), about one Internationals Network high school, draws on ethnographic research to illustrate how educators resist exclusionary policies through care, creativity, and collective leadership. Chandler’s scholarship has been published in journals such as Harvard Educational Review, Anthropology & Education Quarterly, and Equity & Excellence in Education. Her work invites educators to reimagine schools as places of belonging, innovation, and renewal for immigrant youth.

Lara Evangelista is the Executive Director of Internationals Network, a national nonprofit that partners with public school systems to design and sustain multilingual learning environments for newcomer immigrant students that are grounded in deeper learning, whole-child practices. During her 28 years in New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), Lara led transformative work to improve outcomes for Multilingual Learners (MLLs) as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district leader. She served as a founding team member and then principal of The Flushing International High School and later as Deputy Superintendent for the Consortium, Internationals, and NYC Outward Bound Schools (CIOB) District in NYC. Lara holds degrees in languages and education from Georgetown University, New School University, Hunter College, and Teachers College, Columbia University, where she is a doctoral candidate in the Urban Educational Leadership program.

Join Dr. Mendoza and Dr. Goodman as they share how educators can move beyond compliance, embrace the Center for Love & Justice's equity stances, and truly center youth voice in daily practice. In this session, they will have honest dialogue around strategies for fostering student agency, pushing past the barriers, and doing the work that innovation demands for our young people, without taking “no” for an answer. Participants will walk away with methods, mindsets, and moves that help young people lead their learning.

About the Den Speakers:

Dr. Jesse Mendoza is a dedicated educator, community advocate, and public servant from Bell Gardens, California. He graduated from Bell Gardens High School before earning a B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Long Beach, and an M.A. in UOP. In May 2025, he completed his Doctorate in Education, strengthening his commitment to academic excellence and community leadership.
At Bell Gardens Intermediate School, Dr. Mendoza has developed impactful dance and performing arts programs that promote self-esteem, creative expression, wellness, and strong ethical values among students. His work has elevated the arts and expanded performance opportunities across the district. In addition to his contributions in education, Dr. Mendoza has served as Mayor of Bell Gardens, focusing on youth empowerment, public service, and community engagement.

Dr. Eric Goodman is an innovative educational leader and Site Director of YELLOWHAB, a 5th-9th grade microschool at Norfolk State University, launching its high school model with Advisory and Internship programs connecting learning to real life. YELLOWHAB's curriculum utilizes the UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing PBL, equity, and belonging through the Center for Love and Justice. With 21 years experience, Dr. Goodman opened the newly built Richard Bowling Elementary in his childhood neighborhood, prioritizing wraparound services and community partnerships. He is a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran and is the current President of the Virginia Elementary Principals Association, which serves 1000+ leaders. Inspired by Shirley Chisholm’s words: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” he ensures life-changing education for every scholar under his leadership happens.