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BETAC Staff Members

Rachel Stead was appointed Director of the BETAC in September. She spent thirteen years as an ESL and Spanish teacher, having taught in several school districts throughout the Capital Region and overseas. She has certification as an ESOL, Spanish, Social Studies and English Teacher; and, as a School District Administrator. Rachel is currently a doctoral student at the University at Albany, pursuing a PhD. in curriculum and instruction. Her research and training interests include second language acquisition and technology, and teacher preparation and professional development. She is looking forward to working with the educators in the BETAC region. Rachel enjoys spending time at home with her husband and two sons, and their dog, Newman.

Suzanne Chaves began as a Resource Specialist for BETAC in April 2010. She had previously worked at the Mid-Hudson BETAC in New Paltz, as well as in districts across New York State as an ESL and Spanish teacher for 14 years. In addition to having three children to keep her busy at home, Suzanne is pursuing doctoral studies in the Educational Theory and Practice program at SUNY Albany. She is very interested in exploring the richness of cultural diversity in the classroom and working with teachers to share reflective and culturally responsive practices.

Xrystya Szyjka has been with the Questar III BETAC since February 1998 as an ESL Trainer. Xrystya brings her personal as well as professional experiences to the BETAC. "Growing up the daughter of immigrants makes me intensely aware of the issues that not only Limited English Proficient students face, but the entire family as well." Xrystya is a Ukrainian-American and grew up bilingually and biculturally. Professionally, she has experience working in small urban districts as well as higher education. Her areas of interest include the psycho-social experiences of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students and the effect of these experiences on all aspects of the learning process, as well as language policy and its relationship to education and instruction.

Mercedes Reyes became the BETAC's Bilingual Administrative Assistant in January 2007. She was born in the Bronx, and grew up bilingually and biculturally speaking Spanish at home with family. When she was twelve she moved with her family to the Dominican Republic where she attended a bilingual Spanish English school. Mercedes returned to the Albany area and completed her senior year of High School locally. She went on to the Sage Colleges and graduated in 2007 with a B.S. in Business Administration / Organizational Management with a minor in Spanish from Russell Sage College. Given her background Mercedes is very pleased to be part of the BETAC team where she feels she can use her bilingual skills and organizational management skills to contribute to the success of the team.

Questar III/BETAC Service Area 2004-2005 Powerpoint (Overview)

Advisory Council