Dr. Gliset Morales
Valley Equity Consulting, LLC
Equity-Centered Educational Consulting for Multilingual Learners and Inclusive Education
Amapola Arts & Valley Equity Consulting: A Shared Practice
Valley Equity Consulting lives within Amapola Arts because our work brings art, education, language, and culture together. Amapola Arts centers creativity and community, while Valley Equity Consulting supports schools in serving multilingual learners through inclusive, culturally sustaining practices.
Interested in professional learning or consultation?
Contact Dr. Gliset Morales to discuss customized support for your school, district, organization, or conference.
Amapola Arts & Valley Equity Consulting: A Shared Practice
Valley Equity Consulting lives within Amapola Arts because our work brings art, education, language, and culture together. Amapola Arts centers creativity and community, while Valley Equity Consulting supports schools in serving multilingual learners through inclusive, culturally sustaining practices.
Supporting Inclusive, Language-Responsive Learning Environments.
I’m Dr. Gliset Colón Morales, founder of Valley Equity Consulting, LLC. I’m from Buffalo’s Valley neighborhood and have family roots in Puerto Rico. My Afro-Boricua and Taíno roots shape my work and my commitment to equity in education.
I bring more than twenty years of experience in education and over ten years in bilingual teacher preparation. Through Valley Equity Consulting, I work with districts, universities, and community organizations to strengthen how schools serve multilingual learners, including students with disabilities.
My work focuses on practical, research-informed strategies that support teachers, strengthen programs, and make learning environments more inclusive.
Professional Learning Areas
Multilingual Learners + Inclusive Education
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Language Difference vs. Disability: Practical Decision-Making within MTSS for Multilingual Learners
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Academic and Linguistic Demands: Planning Rigorous, Language-Responsive Instruction for MLLs and Students with Disabilities
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High-Leverage Practices for Inclusive Classrooms Serving MLLs and Students with Disabilities
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Leveraging UDL and AI to Reduce Academic and Linguistic Barriers
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Writing Culturally and Linguistically Responsive IEPs for Multilingual Learners
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Building Educator Advocacy for Multilingual Learners and Students with Disabilities
Arts-Integrated Teaching + Multimodal Learning
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Designing Arts-Integrated Curriculum that Centers Multilingual Learners
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Storytelling Through Clay, Painting, and Mixed Media in Multilingual Classrooms
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Multimodal Literacies to Support Language Development and Access for MLLs and Students with Disabilities
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Creative Assessment Strategies that Elevate MLL Voice, Culture, and Identity
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Art as Language: Inclusive Arts Integration Across the Curriculum for Diverse Learners
Leadership, Advocacy + Systems Change
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Policy and State-Level Advocacy for Multilingual Learners and Inclusive Education
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Art as Advocacy: Centering Multilingual and Latino Student Voices
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Advancing Disability and Language Equity in Multilingual Communities
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Strengthening Inclusive Systems through Culturally Responsive and Language-Responsive Practices
Request a Consultation
Services
Valley Equity Consulting provides equity-centered professional learning focused on multilingual learners, inclusive education, educator advocacy, and arts-integrated instruction.
Services include:
• Keynote presentations
• Workshops and seminars
• Instructional coaching sessions
• Facilitated curriculum planning
• Book studies and collaborative inquiry sessions
• Conference presentations
• Arts-integrated professional learning experiences
Sessions may align with CR-SE, UDL, ALDs, HLPs, MTSS-I, and arts/content-area standards.
Customized partnerships and consultation services are available.
Credentials
Ph.D., Special Education — University at Buffalo (2016)
M.S.Ed., Bilingual Special Education — Buffalo State College (2008)
B.S.Ed., Exceptional Education — Buffalo State College (2003)
Teaching Certifications and Endorsements
New York:
Students with Disabilities, 1-6, Professional
Childhood Education, 1-6, Professional
Bilingual Education Extension, Professional
Select Publications
Full CV available upon request.
Colón, G. & Alsace T. O. (2022). Bilingual Special Education for the 21st Century: A New Interface. IGI Global.
Colón, G., Zgliczynski, T., & Maheady, L. (2022). Using flexible grouping. In McKlesky et al. (Ed.), High Leverage Practices for Inclusive Classrooms (2nd Edition). Routledge.
Alsace, T. O. , Akinsulure-Smith, A. M., & Colón, G. (2021). Professional development module: Approaches to Educating Refugees and Immigrants. CUNY - Initiative on Immigration and Education. CUNY-IIE.
Hunter, J. D., & Colón, G. (2020). #YouthLivesMatter: Writing critical micropoems as urban social critiques, English Journal, 110(2).
Maheady, L., Zgliczynski, T., & Colón, G. (2018). Using flexible grouping. In McKlesky et al. (Eds.), High Leverage Practices for Inclusive Classrooms, Routledge.
Colón, G. (2016). PALS for ELLs: Friend or foe? Effects of peer-assisted learning strategies on reading skills of English language learners with and without disabilities. [Doctoral dissertation]. University at Buffalo.
Impact and Testimonials
Featured Testimonials
“Equity isn’t extra — it’s essential. This PD changed how I think about planning for students.”
— Jessica, Long Island
“I always leave with tools I can use immediately for multilingual learners and students with disabilities.”
— Katherine, Capital Region
“So much heart in your work — it’s impossible not to feel seen and inspired.”
— Sarah, Western NY
Equity, Belonging & Language Justice
“Beautifully done. A powerful reminder that our students are whole, cultural beings.”
— Lisa, Western NY
“This PD finally centered multilingual learners and the right to their own languages.”
— Amanda, Long Island
Classroom Impact & Student Learning
“Engaging, practical, and grounded in real classroom scenarios — this will impact how we support students and families.”
— Kieran, Long Island
“I now understand how to draft IEP goals that address socio-linguistic needs — game changing.”
— Sasha, Capital Region
“The clay identity work was transformative — students deserve this.”
— Ami, Western NY
Systems, Leadership & Dual-Designation
“I finally understand how to distinguish language difference from disability.”
— Diana, NYC
“Authentic, powerful, and grounded in real stories.”
— Tony, Long Island
“One of the first PDs that truly aligned MTSS, ENL, and Special Education.”
— Jessica, Long Island