by Yvonne Francisco

(story originally published in Spanish at Lowell Corazon Latino)

Amila Colon, a math teacher and STEM coach at Butler Middle School, is transforming lives by teaching math in Spanish to Spanish-speaking parents so they can help their children with homework.

In her second year at the school, Amila organized a Spanish Math Night, an inclusive space that also welcomed Portuguese-speaking parents. The initiative was so well received that parents asked for more sessions: “If you can do this four more times, I’ll be able to help my child with math homework.” Inspired by their enthusiasm, she envisions a Family Math Institute, where parents can learn continuously and feel empowered to support their children.

“On that Math Night I said: ohh, I understand your curriculum now, now I can help my kid with homework”, said a parent.

Actions like these have a direct impact on Latino students’ academic performance and interest in learning. By teaching parents, Amila not only strengthens family relationships but also aids the way for better grades and increased confidence in the classroom. Moreover, initiatives like this boost interest in STEM, but also can now provide effective help to parents with their children’s assignments. Thanks to Amila’s enthusiasm, her students also take ownership their learning. Some of her students also had the opportunity to teach parents how to resolve some math problems. 

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Amila moved to the United States at age 11 without speaking English, facing challenges similar to those many of her students experience today. As a mother whose children also attended Lowell Public Schools, her connection to the community is deep and personal. This experience not only drives her passion for teaching but also fuels her commitment to creating spaces where families feel included and supported.

Amila is not only an outstanding teacher but also a community leader. Her enthusiasm for empowering young Latinas led her to work on developing the CHICAS program, an initiative dedicated to motivating and supporting Hispanic girls in their academic, personal, and professional growth. This program aims to inspire students to pursue their goals, overcome barriers, and become agents of change in their communities.

“It’s been a pleasure. I wake up every single Saturday and I come here with joy, I leave here with joy to be here with the girls, the staff and the parents…”, expressed very enthusiastic Ms. Colon when referring to the coaching program.

While, the principal of Butler Middle School, Jaime Moody, describes her as an exceptional leader: “She implements, facilitates, and grows; she is amazing.” As the only math coach of color in Lowell, Amila serves as a role model, not just for her students but also for her colleagues. Her tireless work combines teaching, mentoring, and advocacy while building bridges between the school and families.

We need more educators like Amila in public schools. According to the Lowell Public Schools Hispanic-Latino Experience Report from October 2023, graduation rates for Hispanic-Latino students in Lowell Public Schools (LPS) for 2020 and 2021 were lower than those of all students, and the dropout rate for Latino students (4.7%) was slightly higher than the overall rate (2.7%).  

When Amila learned about the challenges that Latino students face in Lowell, she didn’t hesitate to take action. She reached out to Fortaleza, an organization dedicated to empowering Hispanic and Latino students in the community, seeking support for her project to create inclusive and impactful programs, taking into account the gender disparity among STEMS fields, where women are generally underrepresented; in the United States, only about 3% of Hispanics working in STEM fields are women.

Now Amila’s work addresses these disparities by empowering parents and students alike, ensuring that math becomes not only a subject but also a bridge to greater opportunities. For Amila, math is more than numbers; it’s a tool to transform lives, foster equity, and open doors for future generations.

Amila Colon began her journey with the CHICAS program, focusing on empowering Latina girls through academic and personal growth opportunities in STEM. However, her vision extends far beyond this initial initiative. For Amila, the goal is to create inclusive programs that inspire and empower everyone, ensuring that her impact transcends boundaries and fosters equity and opportunity for all.