Alicia Lakhansingh is passionate about working with English language learners and creating school environments where they can succeed.
In this Q&A, Lakhansingh, who graduates this spring with her master’s degree in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education, reflects on the professors who inspired her and the opportunities she’s had to collaborate with other ESOL educators in the Cherokee County School District.
Q: What made you choose to earn your degree at Georgia State University?
A: “I chose Georgia State University because of its strong reputation for academic rigor and its commitment to excellence in educator preparation. The faculty are not only experienced instructors but also recognized leaders in the field, offering insight, mentorship and real-world knowledge that have deeply shaped my growth as an educator. The university’s challenging yet supportive environment has prepared me to lead with confidence and purpose.”
Q: Were there any major achievements/milestones that you reached during your degree program?
A: “One of the most meaningful milestones during my time at Georgia State was being selected for the Cherokee County School District’s Model EL program, which allowed me to collaborate with district leaders and deepen my expertise in supporting English learners. I also had the incredible opportunity to attend the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment Conference, where I learned directly from Dr. Jim Cummins, who studies language proficiency and literacy development for English learners – a moment that profoundly shaped my understanding of language acquisition and equity in education. Most recently, I was honored to receive the Outstanding M.A.T. Student Award (English as a Second Language) from the Department of Middle and Secondary Education at the College of Education & Human Development’s 2025 Honors Day Ceremony. This recognition represents the dedication and passion I’ve poured into my work as an educator and affirms my commitment to making a lasting impact in the field.”
Q: What was your favorite experience in your degree program in the College of Education & Human Development? What makes that experience important/meaningful to you?
A: “My favorite experience in the College of Education & Human Development was the opportunity to learn from and work closely with professors who are truly among the best in the field. What made this experience so meaningful was the genuine investment they showed in our growth – not just academically, but professionally. At Georgia State, it never felt like I was just checking a box to earn a degree; I was fully engaged in meaningful, relevant coursework that directly applied to the work I was doing in the classroom. While many of my peers may have completed their programs quickly, I leave Georgia State feeling deeply prepared, highly qualified and confident in my ability to lead and make a difference in the field of education.”
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: “After graduation, I plan to pursue a specialist degree in curriculum and instruction with a focus on ESOL. I am currently leading a district pilot English language arts program grounded in Jim Cummins’ Whole Language philosophy, with the goal of fostering an inclusive classroom environment. This program is designed not only to align with the English language arts Georgia Standards of Excellence, but also to close the literacy gap through differentiated instruction that supports both ESOL students and other historically disenfranchised learners. Provided that funding continues, I intend to further develop and expand this program over the next two years to implement it districtwide. Regardless, I will continue teaching at a Title I school in the Cherokee County School District and working with the Instructional Extension Program (ExP), where I tutor students after school twice a week. I remain deeply committed to building strong relationships with my students, their families and the broader community.”
Q: What's something you've learned in your degree program that you'll apply to your work after you graduate?
A: “Through my coursework, I’ve come to understand how language, identity and access to meaningful instruction are deeply connected. I will carry this understanding into my classroom by continuing to design inclusive learning environments that affirm students' cultural backgrounds while also meeting rigorous academic standards. This approach will allow me to support literacy development, close achievement gaps and empower all students to succeed.”