Valerie Butrón

Affiliation

Will County ROE Education Innovation Service Center

Biography

Valerie Butron is an educator, author, and co-founder of Tumbao Bilingual Books, a publishing and services company dedicated to multilingual and multiethnic stories. A former bilingual teacher, ESL coordinator, and district leader, she brings deep expertise in bilingual education, English learner advocacy, and culturally responsive instruction. Valerie leads professional development across the country and teaches graduate courses at the University of St. Francis. Her bilingual children’s books, including We Celebrate Juneteenth Unidos and We’re Going to the Guelaguetza, center culture, connection, and belonging. As a Black, Spanish-speaking mother raising an AfroLatina daughter, Valerie’s work reflects her lived commitment to equity, language justice, and affirming diverse identities.