Doctoral Graduate Presents Research on Multilingual Learner Success at National Conference
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Simone Wilkinson Presenting at the ECOLT Conference
Simone Wilkinson, Ed.S. ’13, graduated with her Ed.D. in Education Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University in May 2025. Her dissertation, “Exploring the Relationship of Program Type on Multilingual Learners Students’ English Growth and Promotion in Secondary School,” addresses the educational experiences and outcomes of Multilingual Learners (ML) and focuses on how the type of English Learner program and the duration of ML classification influence English proficiency growth and promotion towards graduation.
This past September, Wilkinson had the opportunity to present a version of her dissertation at the East Coast Organization of Language Testing (ECOLT) conference at Georgetown University. As a member of many bilingual and multilingual education servers, Wilkinson heard of ECOLT for the very first time last year when open calls for proposals began.
The conference opened the door for continued research and networking opportunities with fellow professionals. Questions were raised that identified areas of improvement and clarification for future presentations. This experience provided Wilkinson with the opportunity to recognize her abilities as a researcher and educator and see that her work is recognized positively.
“When things got hard, I doubted what I was doing was right,” Wilkinson said. “After seeking guidance from my professors and connecting with my cohort, I came to understand that the Seton Hall community genuinely wants to see its students succeed. Lean into your community and give yourself grace.”
Simone Wilkinson, Ph.D.
To Wilkinson, Seton Hall is more than a community; it is a place where she feels a sense of belonging that fosters teamwork and connection. Speaking of her dissertation advisor, Jennifer Timmer, Ph.D., Wilkinson expressed her appreciation for her continued support and thoughtfulness during her time at Seton Hall and after. Wilkinson also thanked Associate Professor David Reid, Ph.D., stating that his teaching of Qualitative Research prepared her for possibilities of questioning, biases and taking things for granted.
“I couldn’t have done it without the support of the Roosevelt Senior High School faculty and staff [where she is the Assistant Principal] and I am grateful to my family and husband who supported me in completing my research and watching my kids,” Wilkinson expressed.
Excited to continue to work with Timmer and Reid, Wilkinson hopes to present at more conferences – such as the American Educational Research Association – in the future.
Wilkinson has been accepted to present at the ACT Summit July 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. She also looks forward to continuing to highlight the importance of tailored EL program models and resource allocations in collaboration with this year’s theme, Where Policy and Practice Meet Purpose.
