I completed the Specialist Master Class! In this course, Specialists Jeff Kuhn and Elizabeth Plummer introduced foundational concepts and critical considerations for integrating emerging technologies, such as generative AI, in English language learning spaces.
Author: drcowinj
Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin, an Associate Professor at Touro University, received the 2024 Touro University CETL Faculty Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching and the Rockefeller Institute of Government awarded her the prestigious Richard P. Nathan Public Policy Fellowship (2024-2025). As a Fulbright Scholar and SIT Graduate, she was selected to be a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist. Her expertise in AI in education is underscored by her role as an AI trainer and former Education Policy Fellow (EPFP™) at Columbia University's Teachers College. As a columnist for Stankevicius, she explores Nicomachean Ethics at the intersection of AI and education. She has contributed to initiatives like Computers for Schools Burundi, served as a resource specialist for Amity University in Uttar Pradesh, India, and participated in TESOL "Train the Trainer" programs in Yemen and Morocco. Her research interests include simulations and metaverse for educators-in-training, AI applications in education and language acquisition and teaching, and distributed ledger technologies, with a focus on her 'Education for 2060' theme.
In conclusion, my commitment extends beyond transactional interactions, focusing instead on utilizing my skills and privileges to make a positive, enduring impact on the world.
Sara Sylaj, Advanced TESOL Certificate Candidate at Touro University on Differentiated Assessment
Our advanced certificates lead to NYSED certification in specialized areas and an extension/annotation on your NYS teaching credentials.
The extra credits can make all the difference, and specialization can help make you a more marketable, knowledgeable, and well-rounded educator.
Intensive, focused coursework and hands-on learning are benchmarks of the advanced certificate programs at the Graduate School of Education. We unite pedagogical theory and classroom practice, explore innovative teaching and outreach methods, and emphasize culturally responsive instruction.
Pursuing an advanced certificate is an ideal—and affordable—way for experienced teachers and educational personnel to strengthen their expertise in a specific area, from program development for gifted children to teaching English Language Learners with disabilities.
Most programs require 12-15 credits, inclusive of fieldwork. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible for an extension/annotation on your New York State teaching credentials, and your earned credits can apply to an additional salary differential.
With advanced certification, not only will you be able to more effectively and compassionately serve diverse student populations, you’ll increase your value as an educator and improve your career prospects.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Our 15-credit Advanced Certificate in TESOL will allow you to expand your teaching to ESL or strengthening your capacities to serve a diverse student body. Evening, Sunday, and online courses are available.
Sara Sylaj was born in Albania and moved to the U.S at the age of 12. She holds a master’s degree in Italian education from Hunter College and is seeking an advanced TESOL certificate at Touro University. She currently work as a substitute teacher in the NYC DOE.
My experience at Touro University has been fruitful and productive, learning about different strategies and tools I can use to meet English learners’ language and academic needs and help them build confidence in their abilities as they acquire new knowledge in different content areas.
Sara Sylaj, Advanced TESOL certificate candidate at Touro University
The assignment: Differentiated Assessment Using Authentic Student Products with Emphasis on The Practices and Principles of Differentiation
Assignment Objectives:
Understand and integrate principles of differentiation into assessment techniques.
Modify existing lesson plans to incorporate differentiated assessments using authentic student products.
Integrate and discuss anonymized student products, focusing on differentiating assessment based on readiness, interest, and learning profile.
Reflect on the practices and principles of differentiation and its impact on multilingual learners.
Paper:
Present both the original and modified lesson plans.
In-depth discussion on the integration of anonymized student products and their relevance to differentiated assessment.
Application of the differentiated strategies suchas Graphic Organizers, RAFTs, Choice Grids, VAK Tasks, etc. to provide clarity on the execution of differentiated assessment.
Video: Produce a 2-4 minute video presenting a chosen aspect of differentiated assessment, specifically showing how a student’s anonymized product illustrates YOUR PERSONALIZED differentiation in action.
Assignment Reflection:
Reflect on your understanding and application differentiation FOR ELLs/MLs.
Discuss how differentiated assessment, grounded in student readiness, interest, and learning profile, impacts multilingual learners.
Evaluate YOUR practices, challenges, and successes in implementing differentiation. Please note that you will write your reflection from an I-perspective, with explicit references to your work and professional growth.
“AI Meets Law: How the UAE Is Building the World’s First Dynamic Legislative Ecosystem” Exclusive for Stankevicius
AI Meets Law: How the UAE Is Building the World’s First Dynamic Legislative Ecosystem
In this exclusive article for Stankevicius, I explore the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) comprehensive transformation of its legislative system through the strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI). With the UAE Cabinet’s approval of an AI-powered legislative ecosystem, the nation is boldly stepping into a new era of governance where laws evolve in real-time, powered by data and artificial intelligence. This paradigm shift signifies the UAE’s strategic vision: legislation that is efficient and adaptive to the social, economic, and technological currents of the 21st century.
Cowin, J. (2025, April 16). AI meets law: How the UAE is building the world’s first dynamic legislative ecosystem. Stankevicius. https://stankevicius.co/tech/ai-meets-law-how-the-uae-is-building-the-worlds-first-dynamic-legislative-ecosystem/
The ASTUTE(C) Framework by Dr. Jsmin (Bey) Cowin
The ASTUTE(C) AI Teaching infographic is designed for educators, faculty developers, instructional designers, and academic leadership seeking to strategically incorporate AI tools into teaching and learning. It provides a structured overview of over 50 curated tools organized into thematic categories such as Assessment, Content Creation, Data Analysis, Communication, and Productivity. Each tool is directly linked for immediate access, allowing users to explore and adopt solutions that align with their instructional goals. The infographic is especially useful in faculty training, curriculum redesign, and educational technology planning, offering a practical entry point for those navigating the expanding AI landscape. Centered on six pedagogical principles—Adaptive, Strategic, Technologically-Enhanced, Upskilling, Teaching, and Enrichment—it serves as a roadmap for institutions aiming to build AI capacity with intention and clarity.
Precision in practice: Structured prompting strategies to enhance TESOL by Dr. Jasmin Cowin
Introduction: Precision in Practice
A background in prompt engineering helps language educators refine curriculum development approaches, streamline lesson planning, and craft assessments and rubrics that address the diverse needs of multilingual learners (MLs). Educators can direct Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, ClaudeAI, Cohere, Gemini, and others to produce diverse forms of instructional content by crafting prompts to elicit specific language features, ranging from controlled grammar exercises to rubrics.
Cowin, J. (2025, March). Precision in practice: Structured prompting strategies to enhance TESOL. TESOL International On CALL Newsletter. https://my.tesol.org/news/1166339
Vision 2060: A Practical Toolkiet for Educators
Touro University Graduate School of Education
💡 I am honored to deliver “A Practical AI Toolkit for Educators” on April 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM CET, which will focus on practical AI tools to enhance teaching strategies.
Don’t miss this opportunity to integrate AI into your educational practices!
Enroll now: https://lnkd.in/drZ-X9zu
(The session link will be sent 2 days in advance)
Organized by: Cinta Gallent Torres-Torres & Laura Angelini, ASPAI Project Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir
Thank you to my dear colleague Orna Levin, who created the connection with Cinta and Laura.
✔️ We are stronger when we support each other!
Touro University Bilingual Teaching Certificate Candidate Sandy Gonzalez using Total Physical Response for Math
Celebrating Exemplar Work in TESOL
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role as faculty at Touro University’s TESOL & Bilingual department is the opportunity to highlight and honor the exceptional work of our students – work that embodies the high standards we aspire to our TESOL & Bilingual Education department under the leadership of Seongshin Kim, Ph.D. – Chair/Associate Professor for TESOL, Bilingual Education, & Teaching Literacy. When students grant permission to publish their work, they allow us to share model examples of excellence that illustrate the effective integration of theory and practice in our field. This act not only celebrates their achievement but also fuels a commitment to continuous improvement and ethical teaching practices.
The Value of Publishing Student Work
By publishing exemplary student work, we:
1. Validate their efforts and creativity: Recognizing outstanding accomplishments reinforces a culture of achievement and motivates others to strive for excellence.
2. Showcase authentic application of learning: These works serve as tangible examples of how theory—especially historical perspectives on language acquisition and current teaching methods—translates into effective classroom practice.
3. Promote transparency and scholarly dialogue: Sharing these projects encourages constructive discussion among educators and candidates, furthering professional growth and innovation.
Connection to AAQEP Standards
Linking this practice to AAQEP standards emphasizes the importance of quality assurance and rigorous assessment in educational programs. AAQEP champions initiatives that demonstrate:
1. Evidence-based Practice: The publication of exemplar work acts as concrete evidence of effective instructional strategies and culturally responsive teaching—key tenets of Touro’s TESOL paradigm.
2. Continuous Improvement: By openly sharing high-quality work, we establish benchmarks that peer educators and teacher candidates can analyze and aspire to, fostering an environment of consistent professional development.
3. Accountability and Transparency: This process highlights our commitment to ethical practices and quality instruction, reinforcing the values that AAQEP standards advocate.
In essence, when exemplary student projects are disseminated publicly (with the proper permissions), they serve as motivational tools and proof points for the quality and impact of our instructional approaches. By publishing work produced in such a dynamic and impactful course, I am not just celebrating student success; I am also providing a clear, accessible model of how thoughtful integration of differentiated instruction and cultural responsiveness can lead to authentic excellence for aspiring TESOL & Bilingual teachers.
EDPN 673: Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language
This course provides a historical overview of second language acquisition theories and teaching methods. Students learn how to apply current approaches, methods and techniques, with attention to the effective use of materials, in teaching English as a second language. Students will engage in the planning and implementation of standards-based ESL instruction which includes differentiated learning experiences geared to students’ needs. Emphasis is placed on creating culturally responsive learning environments. Includes 15 hours of field work.
Sandy Gonzalez holds a B.S. in Legal Studies from Post University and an M.S. in Education from St. John’s University. As a Special Education Secondary Generalist since 2013, she has always been dedicated to supporting diverse learners. Already fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, intermediate in Italian, and now learning French, she is currently pursuing an Advanced Bilingual Teaching Certificate at Touro University to better serve the growing needs of English Language Learners in her high school. Her passion for language learning and inclusive education drives her commitment to empowering students with the skills and confidence to succeed.
Touro University has reinforced my passion for bilingual education while allowing me to grow as an educator enhancing my teaching strategies to better support the diverse linguistic backgrounds of my students.
Sandy Gonzalez,
Touro University Bilingual Teaching Certificate Candidate
Mini Lesson Vimeo Video Link:
CLICK HERE for Methods Presentation Slides Canva Link
Exclusive for Stankevicius “Global Supply Chains – From Fragmentation to Forecasting – an Interview with Wolfgang Lehmacher” by Dr. Jasmin Cowin
In this exclusive interview for Stankevicius Wolfgang Lehmacher offers a candid perspective on today’s logistics challenges: how de-globalization intersects with systems-level inefficiencies, why predictive analytics alone can’t solve carbon emissions, and what kind of innovation -cultural as much as technical – is required to redesign supply chains for a turbulent future. His views dovetail with the research evidence: that building intelligent, AI-powered supply chains requires not just algorithms but alignment—between systems, stakeholders, and strategies.
Cowin, J. (2025, March 25). Global supply chains – From fragmentation to forecasting – An interview with Wolfgang Lehmacher. Stankevicius. Retrieved from https://stankevicius.co/world/global-supply-chains-from-fragmentation-to-forecasting-an-interview-with-wolfgang-lehmacher/
Touro University TESOL Candidate Anastasios Panagiotidis on Complex Texts and Addressing Challenges for ELLs/MLs in the Content Area
EDDN 637 Second Language Learners and the Content Areas
Students will become acquainted with and practice effective approaches, methods, and strategies for teaching and evaluating English language learners in the content areas (ELA, social studies, math and science). Throughout the course, students will explore the impact of culture and language on classroom learning. Special challenges in teaching and assessment in each content area will also be discussed. Includes 15 hours of field work.
Anastasios Panagiotidis states that he is “a high school Earth Science teacher who proudly serves the South Huntington Union Free School District. As I enter my tenure year at the age of 25 my love and compassion towards the culturally and academically diverse student population have inspired me to craft lessons that not only target individual student needs but make learning relatable to the world outside of school. This is all in hopes that each student, regardless of language or academic abilities, can reach their highest possible potential through my instruction. “
I am eager to continue growing as a young educator, and Touro University has gifted me the tools, knowledge, and wisdom I strive to acquire as I continue to develop and mature as an educator, while allowing me the opportunity to broaden my horizons in a wide variety of areas relative to the rapidly evolving field of education.
Anastasios Panagiotidis, TESOL candidate, Touro University
The assignment description: Text Analysis & Critique
Analyzing Complex Texts and Addressing Challenges for ELLs/MLs in the Content Area
Objective:
The objective of this assignment is to deepen your understanding of the cognitive and linguistic demands of complex texts in the content areas and to analyze a specific chapter or aspect of a content-area text currently used or recommended by the New York State/BOE. By closely examining the underlying concepts, you will develop a thesis and purpose for your analysis. You will critically evaluate the challenges that make the selected concept or section difficult for ELLs and provide substantial, logical, and concrete development of ideas in your critique.
Analyzing text complexity for English Language Learners (ELL) and Multilingual Learners (ML) requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account various factors. You can begin by examining the linguistic demands of the text, including vocabulary, sentence structure, and discourse patterns, ensuring they align with the proficiency levels of the students. Additionally, you, the teacher should consider the cultural and background knowledge necessary to comprehend the text, as well as the cognitive processes required, such as inference or critical thinking. Furthermore, evaluating the organization and coherence of the text, along with its purpose and intended audience, allows you, the teacher to gauge its appropriateness and relevance for ELL/ML learners. By conducting a thorough analysis of text complexity, you can make informed decisions about instructional strategies, adaptations, and scaffolding techniques to support their students’ language development and comprehension skills.
Deliverables:
Analysis of a Chapter or Aspect: Select a chapter or aspect of a content-area text and thoroughly analyze its complex nature. Identify and explain the quantitative elements, qualitative factors, and reader and task considerations that contribute to its complexity.
Development of Thesis and Purpose: Based on your analysis, develop a clear and concise thesis statement that reflects the main idea or argument of your analysis. State the purpose of your analysis, outlining the specific goals and objectives you aim to achieve.
Linguistic analysis which involves examining the linguistic features and demands of a text in order to determine its suitability for language learners. It focuses on various aspects of the text, including vocabulary, sentence structure, and discourse patterns, with the aim of aligning them with the proficiency levels of the students. Here’s a breakdown of these elements:
- Vocabulary: The analysis considers the range and complexity of words used in the text. It examines whether the vocabulary is appropriate for the students’ language proficiency level, taking into account factors such as word frequency, difficulty, and relevance to the topic. It also considers the presence of idiomatic expressions, figurative language, and specialized terminology that might pose challenges for learners.
- Sentence structure: The analysis looks at the complexity and variety of sentence structures employed in the text. It considers factors such as sentence length, grammatical structures (e.g., verb tenses, conditionals, relative clauses), and syntactic complexity. The aim is to ensure that the sentence structures are within the grasp of the students’ language proficiency level, allowing for gradual progression and challenges appropriate to their abilities.
- Discourse patterns: This aspect of linguistic analysis examines how ideas and information are organized and presented in the text. It includes analyzing discourse markers (e.g., conjunctions, transitional phrases) that indicate relationships between ideas, as well as cohesive devices (e.g., pronouns, repetition, referencing) that connect sentences and paragraphs. The analysis ensures that the text’s discourse patterns are comprehensible and aligned with the students’ proficiency levels, promoting their understanding of the text’s overall structure and coherence.
Exclusive! Forging the Future: President Trump’s AI Vision and OpenAI’s Challenge to DeepSeek by Dr. Jasmin Cowin for Stankevicius
In my latest and exclusive Stankevicius article, I examine OpenAI’s escalating battle with China’s DeepSeek, now labeled as “state-controlled” and a national security risk. With mounting concerns over innovation, surveillance, and global AI leadership, the stakes have never been higher. Read the full story here.
Cowin, J. (2025, March 18). Forging the future: President Trump’s AI vision and OpenAI’s challenge to DeepSeek. Stankevicius. Retrieved from
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