Every student deserves to belong before they're asked to achieve.
Your newcomer students can't wait for you to figure this out.
Meet Derick: The Heart Behind the Work
I have served 23 years in public education, 14 of which were directly with ELL students and families in two roles: first as a teacher, then years later as the Director of Ohio's premier High School Newcomer Program in the state's largest urban school district.
I'm Derick Vickroy, and in those years serving ELL students and families, I have truly found my purpose—both as an educator and in the walk of my life.
My purpose is threefold:
- To support parents who want nothing more than better opportunities for their children—many of whom have literally walked to the edge of a continent to get here through unimaginable circumstances.
- To show students that they possess unbelievable resilience and courage as they balance the pressure of being first-generation Americans with adapting to a new culture, language, and educational system.
- And to encourage and build the capacity of educators who are the front-line supporters of these students and families, doing the sacred work every day.
In my role as Director, I developed a comprehensive program focused on one core truth: students can't learn if they don't feel safe, welcomed, and valued.
Yes, we develop English language proficiency. Yes, we address rigorous academic content standards. But our most important work happens before any of that—it's building trust with students and families who've often experienced more disruption and loss than most of us can imagine.
Now I'm on a mission to help more schools get this right. Because every newcomer student deserves a place where they belong, support to overcome barriers, and educators who believe in their potential.
Purpose Driven:
Newcomer Education Consultation Services builds educator capacity to support ELL students with specialized focus on newcomer programming. We empower districts, admins, and teachers to create culturally responsive learning environments through expert guidance, strategic program development, and practical solutions.
How I support the sacred work
Building Programs Where Students Belong First
I help districts design comprehensive newcomer programs grounded in the truth I learned as a Director: students can't learn if they don't feel safe, welcomed, and valued. Together, we'll build systematic support that addresses barriers before academics, creates culturally responsive environments, and honors the courage it took for families to get here.
Strategic Support for Visionary Leaders
District leaders carry the weight of creating equitable systems for students who've experienced unimaginable disruption. I partner with superintendents, curriculum directors, and ELL coordinators to develop district-wide strategies that build capacity, align resources, and ensure every school has the tools to support newcomer success—even when budgets are uncertain.
Walking Alongside Building Leaders
Principals are the front-line champions for newcomer students, often navigating complex challenges with limited support. Through one-on-one coaching, I help you build the confidence, strategies, and systems to lead your staff in creating schools where newcomer students don't just attend—they thrive. Because your leadership directly impacts whether students feel they belong.
Empowering the Educators Doing the Daily Work
Teachers are the ones showing up every single day for students balancing first-generation pressure, new languages, and new cultures. I provide practical, evidence-based professional development that builds your capacity to create culturally responsive classrooms, implement effective ELL strategies, and trust your ability to make a profound difference in students' lives.