Jill A. Bessette
Summary
Education consultant and doctoral candidate (ABD) specializing in the development of instructional systems that advance multilingual learner success in K–12 education. Partners with school and district leaders to design and strengthen structures that support language development and academic achievement, including data-informed decision-making, program development, and equitable identification practices in intervention and special education. Brings over 26 years of experience as a classroom teacher, TESOL educator, and mathematics instructional specialist, integrating language and disciplinary expertise to support multilingual learner and mathematics initiatives. Committed to aligning language development with disciplinary learning while strengthening Tier 1 instructional systems across content areas.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Consultant
LEARN Regional Educational Service Center
Connecticut
08.2021 - Current
Supports school districts in the design and implementation of instructional systems for multilingual learners and bilingual education programs. Works with district leaders, school-based teams, and classroom teachers to develop Title III and bilingual programming, guide district planning, provide professional learning, and implement student-centered language planning structures. In several districts, also leads mathematics instructional improvement initiatives, supporting the integration of language development and disciplinary learning to strengthen instructional systems across content areas.
Adjunct Faculty Instructor
University of Saint Joseph
Hartford, CT, USA
01.2013 - Current
Teach graduate TESOL courses including TESOL Methodology, Second Language Composition, Culturally and Linguistically Relevant Teaching and Learning, and TESOL Materials Development. Contribute to course development and curriculum revision for the MA in TESOL program and serve on the TESOL Advisory Board.
TESOL Educator
Norwich Public Schools
Norwich, CT, USA
01.2017 - 01.2021
Directed English language development instruction for multilingual learners in grades 6–8. Delivered sheltered instruction across content areas, co-taught with classroom teachers, and supported multilingual education through both designated ELD and integrated language instruction.
District Mathematics Coordinator
Norwich Public Schools
Norwich, CT, USA
01.2007 - 01.2017
Led district mathematics curriculum development and implementation, guiding educator teams in designing standards-aligned instructional programs. Provided instructional coaching and professional development to support classroom practice and implementation across schools. Developed systems for collaboration and curriculum alignment while monitoring student outcomes and using data to inform leadership decisions.
Classroom Teacher and Mathematics Instructional Coach
Hartford Public Schools
Hartford, CT, USA
01.1999 - 01.2007
Served as an elementary classroom teacher (Grades 2, 4, and 6) and mathematics instructional coach supporting teacher professional learning in mathematics instruction. Participated in Content and Instructional Coaching training through the Institute for Learning (IFL), University of Pittsburgh (2004–2006) as part of district mathematics coaching development.
Education
Doctor of Education (EdD) - TESOL - ABD
Anaheim University
03-2026
Graduate Certificate - TESOL
Grand Canyon University
01-2019
Master of Arts - Curriculum & Instruction - Mathematics Education
University of Texas at Arlington
01-2017
Master of Arts - Holistic Teaching and Learning
The Graduate Institute
01-2002
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education & English
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
01-1998
Skills
Multilingual learner program and systems design
Language development across content areas
Instructional coaching and educator professional learning
Collaborative leadership across district, school, and classroom levels
Asset-based and equitable multilingual learner education
Mathematics instruction and language integration
Timeline
Education Consultant
LEARN Regional Educational Service Center
08.2021 - Current
TESOL Educator
Norwich Public Schools
01.2017 - 01.2021
Adjunct Faculty Instructor
University of Saint Joseph
01.2013 - Current
District Mathematics Coordinator
Norwich Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2017
Classroom Teacher and Mathematics Instructional Coach
Hartford Public Schools
01.1999 - 01.2007
Graduate Certificate - TESOL
Grand Canyon University
Master of Arts - Curriculum & Instruction - Mathematics Education
University of Texas at Arlington
Master of Arts - Holistic Teaching and Learning
The Graduate Institute
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education & English
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Doctor of Education (EdD) - TESOL - ABD
Anaheim University
Scholarly And Professional Presentations
- Bessette, J. A., Leading for Multilingual Learner Success: Policy, Budget, and Curriculum That Work for All Students, Connecticut Association of School Superintendents (CAPSS) / Connecticut Association of Bilingual Education (CABE)
- Bessette, J. A., Black Multilingual Learners: Assuring Anti-Racism and Linguistic Equity in English Language Classrooms, TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo, 2024
- Bessette, J. A., Empowering LEAs: The Evolving Role of Local Education Agencies, TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo, 2024
- Bessette, J. A., The Importance of an Asset-Based Mindset and Using Asset-Based Terminology When Referencing the ESSA Subgroup - English Learners, National Association of English Learner Program Administrators (NAELPA), 2023
Professional Leadership And Service
- Executive Board Member National Association of English Learner Program Administrators (NAELPA), 2022 - 2025
- Local Education Agency (LEA) Committee Chairperson (NAELPA), 2023-2025
- TESOL Advisory Board Member, University of Saint Joseph
Research Interests
- Multilingual learner instructional systems
- Language development across disciplinary content areas
- Asset-based approaches to multilingual learner education
- Refugee and forced migrant student support
- Teacher leadership in multilingual learning environments
Research Agenda
My research examines how school and district systems can support equitable multilingual learner education through sustainable program design, instructional leadership, and structures that recognize and support teachers as instructional leaders and professionals.
Publications
Bessette, J. A. (2024, January 29). Pass the mic—From advocate to activist: One teacher’s journey. Language Magazine.