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Experienced
We stay active in the field and keep abreast of changes (e.g., educational trends, legalities, compliance).
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Relevant
We use up-to-date, research-based, culturally and linguistically diverse content.
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Supportive
We cultivate and collaborate ongoing relationships with our clients. We serve as a resource AND a coach.
About Us
At SJL Educational Consultants, we know educators of English learners and other diverse students need professional development that includes the most relevant resources and strategies. We understand that a lack of teacher training can limit student achievement resulting in lower standardized test scores, lower graduation rates, and the inability to meet gap closing measures.
We design high-quality professional development that is research-based and relevant to both teachers and students. When teachers receive training that is tailored to their specific student population and customized to meet their needs, they create culturally and linguistically responsive environments that support students and yield dramatic improvements in both academic achievement and college and career readiness.
Our Mission
At SJL Educational Consultants, we know English learners and other diverse students need specialized instruction and tailored support. We believe educators deserve high-quality professional development that includes the most relevant resources and strategies. We offer customized training and support services so educators can confidently serve their students and improve instructional outcomes.
Meet the Team
Sara Levitt
Founder
Sara Levitt is an educator, consultant, and national trainer dedicated to helping schools create equitable, language-rich learning environments where all students thrive. She is the founder of SJL Educational Consultants and teaches graduate courses at the University of Findlay, Ohio Dominican University and Muskingum University. Described as funny, dynamic, and engaging, Sara creates professional learning experiences that meet educators where they are and provide practical, immediately applicable strategies. She specializes in supporting multilingual learners, literacy development, and differentiated instruction across content areas. Sara is a past president of Ohio TESOL and currently serves as Conference Chair. She is also a member of OEA’s English Learner Cadre, where she collaborates with educators across the state to strengthen supports and advocacy for multilingual learners. Her passion is working with teachers and administrators to better the educational experience for all learners.
Kelly Blum
Instructor
Kelly Blum has 30 years of education experience in Westerville, Ohio. She first arrived in the area as a student of French and English education at Otterbein, where she continued on to obtain her M.A. and a TESOL endorsement as well. She currently serves as Secondary TESOL Curriculum Specialist for Westerville City Schools and is an adjunct professor for Ashland University. Her passion for culturally sustaining instructional practices drives her creation of professional development opportunities for colleagues. She believes in collaborative problem-solving approaches to make a difference one learner/educator/classroom/school community at a time until a far-reaching impact brings positive change for many.
Jessica Burchett
Instructor
Jessica Burchett is currently a TESOL Educator for Marion City Schools and she teaches TESOL and Reading endorsement courses as an adjunct for local universities. Jessica has worked in education for over 20 years, most of those years with English learners. Jessica is a past president of Ohio TESOL and served on the board as Professional Development Coordinator for several years. She is active with TESOL International having served on both the PK-12 Interest Section Committee and the Professional Development Advisory Council. Jessica works as a consultant presenting workshops in various areas including all areas of TESOL, Cultural Competence, Diversity and Equity, and Literacy.
Jennifer Fennema-Bloom
Instructor
Dr. Jennifer Fennema-Bloom is Chair of Language and Culture, Director, and Associate Professor of TESOL and Applied Linguistics at the University of Findlay, located in Findlay, Ohio. She earned her Ed.D. from Teachers College Columbia University and her dissertation on Pedagogic Code-Switching won first place in The National Association for Bilingual Education’s (NABE) Outstanding Dissertation Competition in 2009. She sits on the Ohio Department of Education’s English Learner Advisory Committee and the executive board of Ohio TESOL as treasurer. She is also the chief editor of the Ohio TESOL Journal and is the author of the Wego Foundation’s Step into English Program. This Program encompasses a six-volume English textbook series, teacher’s guides and accompanying curriculum for the Foundation’s elementary schools located in Taiwan and China. Her current research interests focus on linguistics and brain-based research for effective teaching, assessment, and curriculum development for second language learners. She conducts pre-service and in-service teacher training throughout the US, Asia, and the Middle East.
Kat Potts-Brooks
Instructor
With 27 years of experience in education, Kat has dedicated her career to supporting students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a particular focus on English learners. Kat has served in a variety of roles—including teacher, tutor, and coordinator—each of which has strengthened her commitment to helping multilingual students succeed academically and thrive in their school communities.
Throughout her career, Kat has been a strong advocate for English learners and their families, working to ensure they have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need.
Kat is also an active member of the OEA EL Cadre in Ohio, collaborating with fellow educators to promote effective practices and equity for English learners across the state. Her passion lies in empowering students, building meaningful connections with families, and fostering inclusive learning environments where every student can succeed.
Rebecca Levitt
Instructor
Rebecca Levitt is a veteran educator who specializes in early childhood education. Rebecca's passion is creating developmentally appropriate activities for children that engage their minds through sensory, hands-on experiences while fostering their social emotional development. Her down-to-earth style puts participants at ease which is particularly helpful as her sessions are extremely interactive.
Rebecca uses best practices, current research and a hands-on approach to create immersive learning experiences for educators of young learners. Her "why not" philosophy is particularly evident when she is caring for her five-year-old twins and thirteen-year-old son. They are use to digging up worms, sharing their hexbugs, and practicing the games she devises for her trainings. Rebecca is a patient trainer who adapts training to meet the needs of her participants. Whether you are signing up for an engaging class, or one-on-one coaching, you will walk away feeling empowered with new tools in your toolbox.
