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About Us
BETAC Staff Members
 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.
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