Graça Castanho

Maria da Graça Borges Castanho, Ph.D., is a professor at the Universidade dos Açores, Portugal, with an internationally recognized career, as a result of her contribution in the areas of Education, Portuguese Language, Culture and Literature Teaching, political action and defense of Human Rights in her country and abroad.
Born in Maia, S. Miguel, Açores, in September, 1960, Professor Graça was a daughter of Carlos de Melo Castanho, a prestigious businessman, and Jorgina da Conceição Borges, a distinguished elementary school teacher. Throughout her childhood, Professor Graça Castanho has listened carefully to the values instilled in her family and community about the importance of Education. She always knew that her mission in life was contributing to a better world. From an early age, she was recognized for her above average creativity and communication skills, which defined her entire path.
After high school, she received a BA in Teaching Portuguese and English at the University of the Azores (1986), a MA in Curriculum and Instruction at Lesley University, Massachusetts, a PhD on Reading Across the Curriculum at the University of Minho, Portugal, her first post-doctoral degree at Harvard University with a study on Early Literacy in Portuguese: Practices and Priorities in the Republic of Mozambique; and a second post-doctoral fellowship at Lesley University on Multicultural Education in the Teaching of Portuguese as a World Language.
With over two dozen Honors, awarded in Portugal, USA, Canada, Bermuda, Brazil, Cape Verde and Mozambique, Professor Graça Castanho was elected City Councilwoman for the City of Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel, Açores; Vice-President of Casa do Povo da Maia; and President of Assembleia Municipal da Junta de Freguesia da Maia. She was specially appointed to be a member of the Child Protection Commission; Education Counselor at the Embassy of Portugal, Washington DC, for the Teaching of the Portuguese Language in the USA and Bermuda; Head of the Communities Department of the Government of the Azores; President of CRAI (Immigration Council); Chair of Cultural Literacy Strategic Plan of Maia; Director of Universal Design for Learning in Portugal; Co-founder of the Portuguese World Language Institute; the First Commissioner of the Portuguese National Reading Panel; Consultant of Associação de Crianças Desfavorecidas de Cabo Verde and Observatório de Cidadania Ativa de Cabo Verde.
As a Professor at the University of the Azores, she has developed research on language and teaching; offered teacher's training, organized webinars and conferences in Portugal, US, Brazil and Canada, promoted tens of study trips with her students; and devoted herself to writing and publishing her work. She has also been the Representative of the European Erasmus Program in the Education Department; President of the Student Teaching Practicums; Director of the Preschool and Elementary Education Master's degree; Director of History & Geography in Elementary and Secondary Education Master's degree; Program Design Director for Master's degree in different subjects; Member of Scientific Committees; Jury member; Task Force participant; responsible for the establishment of National and International MOUs; supervisor of Master's and PhD theses, etc.
With the objective of sharing knowledge among general audiences, Professor Castanho published hundreds of newspaper articles, was a regular guest of dozens of media outlets in several countries, and directed and hosted a TV Talk Show Program "A Voz dos Açores/The Voice of the Azores" which allowed a hundred guests to talk about their lives, including the Laureate Nobel Prize in Medicine 2006, Doctor Craig Mello.
In recent years, in addition to teaching undergraduate and master's courses, Professor Graça Castanho designed and directs three major international projects aimed at promoting Human Rights, focusing on the Right to Education and People's Happiness.
In all stages of her career, Professor Graça Castanho excelled for active listening and free, democratic and fair communication, as a way of promoting intergenerational empowerment and human dignity.
== EDUCATION ==
- Post-doctorate of Education, Lesley University. Multicultural Education in the Teaching of World Languages with focus on Ensino da Língua Portuguesa e Interculturalidade no Mundo Global: Pedagogia Aplicada (2017)
- Post-doctorate of Education, Harvard University. Early Literacy in Portuguese: Practices and Priorities in the Republic of Mozambique (2007)
- Doctorate of Education, Universidade do Minho, Portugal. Metodologia do Ensino do Português, with a focus on Reading Across the Curriculum (2002)
- Master of Education, Lesley University. Curriculum and Instruction, Lesley University, MA USA. First Master Thesis written in Portuguese as well as the first that used nonsexist language in Portuguese. (1993)
- Bachelor of Education, Universidade dos Açores. Português-Inglês - Ensino do 3º Ciclo do Ensino Básico e do Secundário (1986)
== SELECTED HONORS ==
- Recipient of Top 25 Outstanding Listeners Women in the World 2021 by the Global Listening Center.
- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Meeting at the United Nations, New York, N.Y. Peoples’ Happiness as a Human Right Project was presented at a face-to-face meeting (Feb 20, 2020)
- Appointed Principal Investigator and Director of FLAD Grant Funding Project at the University of the Azores. Responsible for designing and delivering Portuguese Summer Institutes for teachers of Língua, Cultura e Literatura Portuguesas from the USA, with the collaboration of colleagues. University of the Azores (2012, 2013, 2014, & 2015)
- SMTV Award for Leading 100 Television Programs – A Voz dos Açores, broadcasted internationally and in designated Portuguese TV Channels and radios programs in Portugal, US and Canada (2019)
- ACRIDES de Cabo Verde Recognition for the support provided that included resources such as children’s library books and the children’s project. Santiago, Cabo Verde (2019)
- Observatório da Cidadania Ativa de Cabo Verde. Recognition for services provided within the scope of this Foundation. S. Vicente, Cabo Verde (2019)
- Committee Chairperson of Communities Tribute to Dr. Craig Mello who is Portuguese American Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine. Fall River, MA (2018)
- Casa do Povo de Maia Recognition for the research recovery project of Maia's Cultural Heritage. Ribeira Grande, S. Miguel, Azores (2017)
- Association of Immigrants in the Azores AIPA Special Recognition for the work done on behalf of immigrants living in the Azores. Ponta Delgada, Azores (2017)
- Audiência Portugalidade-Prize for Promoting the Portuguese Language in the World. Ribeira Grande S. Miguel, Azores (2015)
- Mundo Português Newspaper Presidential Candidate Recognition 2015. ´E candidata a Presidente da República (2015)
- Seniors Association of S. Miguel Honor in recognition of the work done on behalf of Elderly People including the Creation of the Palliative Care Center. Ponta Delgada, Azores (2015)
- Lírio Azul Association Distinction in recognition of the relevant role played in the Fight against Women Discrimination and advocacy for Human Rights. Porto, Portugal (2015)
- Portuguese Cultural Institute Fernando Pessoa International Prize, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, for the work done in the celebration of the 260 years of Azorean settlement in Rio Grande do Sul and for contributing to the promotion of Portuguese language and literature in Brazil (2013)
- Book Chapter titled The wide scope of Immigration in the Azores and its relationship with crime. In Guia, M., Wonde, M and Leun, J. Social Control and Justice: Crimmigration in the Age of Fear. Netherlands: Eleven International Publishing. (Book nominated to the Rokkan Prize 2013 for Comparative Social Sciences Research)
- Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) Recognition for impact of the Universal Design for Learning Teaching Portuguese Worldwide Project with special participating in Online Book (2013)
- Chairperson of the International Exhibition on the Azores in S. Paulo Brazil. Governo dos Açores and Casa dos Açores de S. Paulo Brazil (2012)
- Comendadora Title bestowed by Casa dos Açores de São Paulo for public service to the Azorean Communities in Brazil, São Paulo (2012)
- Casa do Povo aa Maia Special Library Naming Recognition for the Biblioteca-Infanto Juvenil Profª Doutora Maria da Graça Borges Castanho in Maia, Ribeira Grande, S. Miguel, Azores (2009)
- Unión Caboverdeana Independente e Democrática (UCID pelas Americas), Special Recognition during the Celebration of the Portuguese Language in North America, "for outstanding performance, philanthropy and contribution, in favor of the development of Portuguese language and culture teaching, among the Portuguese speaking communities in the Americas." Fall River, MA (2010)
- Portuguese World Language Impact Award. XXIII Congress of the Portuguese Language, Luso American Education Foundation of the United States (East) in collaboration with the Portuguese World Language Institute at Lesley University. Cambridge, MA (2009)
- Tribute by the National Library of Mozambique for the creation of the Children’s Reading Center which included offering children’s books along with Specialized Professional Development for librarians and teachers (2008)
- ‘Comendadora’ Honorific Title by Academia de Letras Biguaçu, Santa Catarina, Brazil, for special contributions in relation to the Projecto Missão Açores-Brazil (2008)
- Visiting Post-doctoral Scholar, at Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Cambridge, Massachusetts, EUA (2002-2007)
- Tribute by the Academia São José de Letras, Santa Catarina Brazil for special contributions to maintain the cultural ties between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil (2007)
- Personality of the Year in Defense of the Portuguese Language. Portuguese Cultural Center of Manassas, Virginia as Washington DC USA (2005)
== SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS ==
- City Councilor for Education Appointment by the Mayor, City Council, Ponta Delgada City Council, Ponta Delgada, Azores (2019-Present)
- Project Director of Peoples’ Happiness as a Human Right. Universidade dos Açores (2018-Present)
Portuguese National Reading Panel, Member of the Scientific Committee appointed by the Minister of Education, Doutora Maria de Lourdes Rodrigues (2006-Present)
- Associação de Crianças Desfavorecidas de Cabo Verde and Observatório da Cidadania Ativa de Cabo Verde. Consultant (2018; 2019)
- First Commissioner Portuguese National Reading Panel – Portugal appointed by the Minister of Education Professor Doutor David Justino, Published in the Diário da República (2004-2006)
- Chair of Plano Estratégico de Literacia Turístico-Cultural da Maia (2017-Present)
- Conselho Consultivo para os Assuntos da Imigração Committee Member COCAI. Government appointment (2010-2012)
- President of CRAI – Conselho Regional dos Assuntos para a Imigração Government Appointment (2010-2012)
- Government of the Azores Cabinet Member Position. Communities Department Head with the mission to address Migration Policies in the Azores and in Azorean Communities worldwide (2010-2012)
- International Diplomacy Position at the Embassy of Portugal in Washington DC USA as the Education Councilor for the Teaching of the Portuguese Language in the USA and Bermuda. Appointed by both the Minister of Education and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Washington DC USA (2002-2005).
- Statement by Dr. Diogo Feio, Portuguese Secretary of Education in the prestigious TV Program Prós e Contras with Fatima Campos Ferreira RTP (November 2004)“A Professora Graça Castanho é a Coordenadora mais qualificada de todos os tempos na Coordenação do Ensino do Português no Estrangeiro e o que já fez nos EUA deve servir de inspiração para as outras Coordenações de Ensino Português no Estrangeiro” (Prof Graça Castanho is the most qualified Education Professional of all time in the Coordination of Teaching Portuguese abroad and what she has already accomplished in the USA should serve as inspiration for the other Portuguese Teaching Coordinations around the world”).
- Child Protection Commission Member, Ponta Delgada City Council. Ponta Delgada, Azores (1998-20)
- Representative of the European Erasmus Program (and Socrates Program (European Union) in Education Department University of the Azores (1999-2002)
== ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICE ==
HISTORY MAKING AS A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IN PORTUGAL. Professor Castanho was the first Portuguese woman in the Azores and the second in Portugal to be a candidate to the Presidency of the Republic of Portugal, running as an Independent (2015).
- Elected City Councilwoman for the City Council of Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel Azores (1998-2000)
- Elected Vice-President of Casa do Povo da Maia, Ribeira Grande (2017-Present)
- Elected President of Assembleia Municipal da Junta de Freguesia da Maia, Ribeira Grande, S Miguel, Azores (2009-2013)
== PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AT UNIVERSIDADE DOS AÇORES ==
Assistant Professor at the University of the Azores (1996-Present)
Responsibilities included Teaching Bachelors and Masters’ Courses, such as:
• Innovative Practices in Education and Training • Didactics of Portuguese • Reading and Writing Strategies • Portuguese Language Teaching Methodology • Curriculum and Gender • Gender Dynamics at School and in Society • Languages Didactics Seminar • Supervision of Portuguese-English and Portuguese-French Internships • Research Projects Design and Development • Introduction to Professional Practice (Pre-School / 1st Cycle / 2nd Cycle / Formal Non-School Contexts) • Economic
and Social Culture • Human and Behavioral Resources • Orality and Writing Workshop • Supervision of Research Reports, Master's Thesis and Doctoral Dissertations • Nonsexist Language (Gender Equity Studies Degree).
== RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES ==
· President/ Director
· President of the University of the Azores Student Teaching Practicums
· President of the Committee responsible for the Practicum for Portuguese-English and Portuguese-French in Elementary and Secondary Education (Bachelors)
· Director of the Preschool and Elementary Education (Masters)
· Director of History & Geography in Elementary and Secondary Education (Masters)
· Director of Elementary Education Program (Bachelors)
· Director of Didactics in the Department of Education Sciences
· Program Design Director for Masters’ degrees (3rd Cycle of Basic Education and High School level), according to Bolonha Agreement (an European Union University Accreditation Framework), on the teaching of: Mathematics; Portuguese and Classic Languages; Philosophy; History and Geography; Biology and Geology; Physics and Chemistry; English and French; Portuguese; and French.
· Scientific Committees
· Master’s degree on Elementary Education at the University of the Azores
· Department of Educational Sciences
· Master of History and Geography Teaching Secondary Level
· Master’s degree in Pedagogical Supervision, in the following areas: Languages, Physical Education, Science and Pre-School & 1st Cycle
· Project Defending History, Preserving Memory. APEPortugal - Association of Portuguese Abroad, supported by the Portuguese Secretary for Communities. Lisbon Portugal
· I Edition of the Masters’ Degree in Pre-School Education and Teaching Elementary Education
· National Reading Panel by invitation of the Minister of Education, Profª Doutora Lourdes Rodrigues
· Teach Europe Program. European Union in USA for professional learning at the High School level.
· “Jury” Member
· Evidence of Access to the Master in Teaching History and Geography
· University Admission Exams for students over 23 years of age- Elementary Education Degree
· Students’ selection for Master’s degree in Pedagogical Supervision in mother and foreign languages
· Task Force Participation
· Coordinating Committee of the Regional Curriculum for the implementation of the Regional Reading MOU signed between the Regional Secretariat for Education, Government of the Azores and the University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Azores
· Interdepartmental Commission for 2002 Design Summer Program, organized by the Cooperation with the Americas Office, Fundação Luso-Americana (FLAD-Lisbon-Washington DC)
· Coordinating Team Member for the Integration of students from African Speaking-countries in the University Azores
· Master’s Degree in History Group for the creation of the Masters degree in History for teacher education who will be teaching in middle and high school
· Master’s Degree in Education Group for the creation of Masters degree in Teaching English at the Elementary and High School levels.
· Elementary Education Degree Work Group for the creation of the new Elementary Education Degree Program at the University of the Azores
· President of the new Master in Pedagogical Supervision Task Force Group
· Pedagogical Committee of the Childcare Educators' Training Teachers' Representative
· Access to Higher Education Coordinator Group- responsible for the access to Higher Education for students who are over 23 years old at the University of the Azores
· Responsible for MOUs established with:
- CAST.Org, Portuguese, PWLI, Lesley University & University of the Azores
- MA, NJ & RI Department of Elementary and Secondary Education USA
- George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
- Civil society organizations and entities for Professional Practice in Non-School Formal Education
- Contexts; Pre-School; and Elementary Education • Social Services Institutions in Brazil, USA, Canada, Bermuda
== PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AT OTHER INSTITUTIONS ==
· Centro de Estudos Africanos, Cabo Verde - USA. Estudos Africanos para o Desenvolvimento e Inovação (2019-Present)
· Co-organizer of 3 Online Courses on Happiness Science. (2019-Present)
· CAST- Center for Applied Special Technology, MA (2010-Present)
· Co-organizer of International Events/Conferences/Workshops/Webinars on UDL at Lesley University; University of the Azores; Madeira University; do Minho, Portugal, Universidade Tiradentes, Brasil (2000-2019) Georgetown University. Visiting Professor as the Counselor for the Teaching of Portuguese Language in the USA and Bermuda. Embassy of Portugal USA (2003-2005)
· George Washington University MOU between Regional Department of Communities, Presidential Office, Government of the Azores and GWU; Co-organizer of Lectures on Azores and its Communities Abroad (2012-14)
· Lesley University (2003-present) Co-founder of the Portuguese World Language Institute and teaching selected classes to Education Master and Doctorate Students
· Instituto de Educação e Ensino. Ponta Delgada Azores Founder and President (1996-2003)
· Escola Secundária Domingos Rebelo; Escola Secundária da Ribeira Grande; Escola Roberto Ivens; Escola Canto da Maia; Escola do Nordeste; Liceu Antero de Quental (1978-1998)
· Elementary, Junior High and High School Teacher of Portuguese and English Languages
== RESEARCH & RECENT PUBLICATIONS ==
BOOKS
- Serpa, M. L; Castanho, M. G. & Pinto, H. (IN PRESS). Universal Design for Learning Português: Sucesso e Aprendizagem para Tod@s. Portuguese World Language Institute. Lesley University USA & U Azores
- Castanho, M. G. (2020). Oficina da Língua Portuguesa e Interculturalidade. Lesley University USA
- Castanho, M. G. (2019). Efemérides Mundiais e Internacionais na Senda da Cidadania e dos Direitos Humanos em Língua Portuguesa: Manual com Atividades Pedagógicas para Crianças. Universidade dos Açores
- Castanho, M.G. and Serpa, M. L. (2016). Craig Mello: A Nobel in Medicine with Azorean Roots. Casa do Povo da Maia and Portuguese World Language Institute
-Bonança, R.; Castanho, M. G. et al. (2015). É Carnaval e Ninguém Leva a Mal. Rio Tinto: Lugar da Palavra Editora
- Bonança, R.; Castanho, M. G. et al. (2015). Vamos à Festa do Sr. Santo Cristo. Rio Tinto: Lugar da Palavra Editora
- Castanho, M. G. (2005). À Descoberta da Pré-Adolescência: O Desenvolvimento Físico e Psicológico e o Universo da Leitura. Lisboa: Livros Horizonte
- Castanho, M. G. (2009). O Português no Roteiro das Línguas Europeias mais Ensinadas nos EUA: A ação da Coordenação de Ensino do Português em Washington DC. Cambridge, MA: Portuguese World Language Institute
- Castanho, M. G. (2000). Uma Família em Apuros. Ponta Delgada: Instituto de Ação Social. Governo Regional dos Açores
- Castanho, M. G. (2000). Publication of Children's Literature Books Collection Projeto Aprender a Ler Lendo. Published by the Instituto de Educação e Ensino de Ponta Delgada. Includes the following books: O Patinho Órfão; As Meninas Podem ser Tudo; O Meu Bairro; João Ratão; A Minha Irmã Bebé; Vou de Boleia. NOTE: This collection promotes gender equity in ‘learning to read’ literature. The first collection of this kind in the Portuguese language and children’s literature.
CHAPTERS AND BOOK FORWARDS
-Castanho, M. G. (2020). A educação inclusiva e o desenho universal da aprendizagem. 
- Castanho, M. G. (2017). O Ensino do Português nos EUA: Do Pré-Escolar ao 12º ano. 
- Castanho, M. G. (2017) (Coord.) Introdução. 
- Castanho, M. G. (Coord.) (2014). A Expressão Dramática ao Serviço do Ensino da Língua Portuguesa: Do Texto à Representação. USA: Portuguese World Language Institute. ISBN: 978-1-4951-1499-1
- Castanho, M. (Dir.) (2014). Do Ensino da Literacia à Reescrita dos Contos Tradicionais. Cambridge, MA: Portuguese World Language Institute. Lesley University
- Castanho, M. (2014). O Contributo da Expressão Dramática no Ensino do Português como Língua Não Materna. Cambridge, USA: Portuguese World Language Institute
- Castanho, M. (2014). As Dimensões Pedagógico-Didáticas dos Textos Narrativos. In Maria G. Castanho (Coord.). A Expressão Dramática ao Serviço do Ensino da Língua Portuguesa: Do Texto à Representação. Cambridge, USA: Portuguese World Language Institute
- Sousa, F., Castanho, G., & Morgado, J. C. (2014). Portugal - Teacher education with an Atlantic flavor. In P. M. Rabensteiner & G. Rabensteiner (Eds.) Education (pp. 33-47). Baltmannsweiler: Schneider Verlag Hohengehren
- Castanho, M. (2014). Forward: Antologia no Feminino: 9 Ilhas 9 Escritoras. In Helena Chrystello e Rosário Girão (Coord.). Vila Nova de Gaia: Calendário de Letras
- Castanho, G. (2013). The wide scope of Immigration in the Azores and its relationship with crime. In Guia, M., Wonde, M and Leun, J. Social Control and Justice: Crimmigration in the Age of Fear. Netherlands: Eleven International Publishing. (Book nominated to the Rokkan Prize 2013 for Comparative Social Sciences Research)
- Castanho, G. (2012). The Regional Department for the Communities at the Service of Migrants and their Quality of Life. In Human Rights and Quality of Life in the Portuguese Speaking Communities in the USA and Canada. Ponta Delgada: Governo dos Açores
- Castanho, M.G. (2012-Present). Editor and mentor to over a100 Portuguese Children’s books publications authored by university students at the University of the Azores and through Book Builder CAST – UDL USA
== RESEARCH REPORTS ==
- Castanho, M. G. (2017). Multicultural Education in the Teaching of World Languages with focus on Ensino da Língua Portuguesa e Interculturalidade no Mundo Global: Pedagogia Aplicada). Lesley University. Post Doctoral Research Report
- Castanho, M. G. (2010). Early Literacy in Portuguese: Practices and Priorities in the Republic of Mozambique. Research Report for the Degree of Post-Doctorate in Education. Massachusetts: Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Post-Doctoral Research Report
- Co-author of PIRATA Project on Azorian Play Culture and Practices among Children. FCT financial support
- Castanho, M. G.; Serpa, M. L. & Serpa, V. (2000). A Manutenção e Expansão do Ensino da Língua Portuguesa nos Estados Unidos da América para o Novo Milénio: Plano Global. Ponta Delgada: Expresso das Nove
- Castanho, M. G. (1993). A leitura: Atitudes e preferências dos educandos dos 4º, 5º e 6º anos de escolaridade nas escolas oficiais portuguesas nos Estados Unidos da América – progenitores e docentes, mediadores determinantes. Master’s Thesis Research, Lesley University, School of Education, Cambridge, MA, EUA.
- Committee Chair and Committee member for over 100 Research Reports, Master Thesis and Doctoral Dissertations in Portugal and internationally
== PRINT MEDIA & WEBSITES ==
- Castanho, G. B. with Pinto,H & Serpa, ML. UDL Guidelines v2.0 Checkpoints and Graphic Organizer Adaptation-Translation into Portuguese (2021) 
- Castanho, G. 2016 Presidential Candidate to the Republic of Portugal (2015)
- Castanho, G. B. with Helena Pinto, Abreu, N. & Maria B Serpa UDL Guidelines and checkpoints, including infographics v1.0 Translation into Portuguese (2013)www.cast.org
- Director/Author: Revista Comunidades, Direção Regional das Comunidades; Newsletter, DRC; Comunidades, Açoriano Oriental; Comunidades Açorianas no Mundo, Mundo Português (2010-2012)
Section Gente Notável in Spirits SATA Magazine featuring international notables from Azorean backgrounds. It was the first initiative of its kind (2010-2012)
- Coordinator and Author of a biweekly Two Page Newspaper Column entitled ‘A Língua Portuguesa em Destaque’, in Açoriano Oriental Newspaper. Published over 200 articles (2002-2005)
- Co-Founder of a website Notáveis dos Açores featuring biographies of notable Azorean background people in the world (2012) 
- Science and Technology Park-NONAGON. Partner in the creation of the Prestige Network Azores, a network of noble scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs from the Azores, living in all continents (2011& 2012) 
- Videos Producer “Portuguese a Language of the Future / Português Uma Língua com Futuro” (2005) & “Add Another Language to your Future/Acrescente outra Língua ao teu Future”. Universidade dos Açores & Lesley University (2012) . (2012-Present). A UDL application site to publish, and to access and read digital books in Portuguese (that engage and support diverse learners within the UDL framework)
- Video Producer and Director. UDL-Happiness. Castanho, G (2020). 10 Reasons Why UDL is Universal and the path to happiness
- Video Co-producer, director and host. (High-School & University Level in Portuguese) UDL: Um Breve Olhar. Castanho, G, Pinto (2019). 
- Video Co-producer, director and host. (K-Elementary School Level) in Portuguese Um Breve Olhar sobre UDL. Castanho, G, Pinto (2014).
- SMTV TV Weekly Talk Show Program Director and Host. A Voz dos Açores (2017-2019) 
== SELECTED INSTITUTES / SEMINARS / SPECIAL EVENTS/ORGANIZATIONS ==
Initiated, organized and/or co-organized numerous conferences and special events nationally and internationally.
SAMPLE:
· Universal Design for Learning Teaching Portuguese Worldwide Program, Co-founder and Director for the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (2012-present)
· Initiated and designed Tertúlia de Poesia. Casa dos Açores of New England, MA USA (2020)
· Designed and co-organized Tertúlia de Poesia with Associação Literária do Tarrafal que decorreu no Tarrafal, Ilha de Santiago (2018)
· Designed and co-organized a series of seminars on Educação Afetivossexual nos Açores e sua Diáspora. Açores (2012-2015)
· Chairperson of the World Summit on the Human Rights and Quality of Life of the Portuguese-speaking communities in the US and Canada. in collaboration with MAPS, Lesley University & Boston College. Boston, MAThe keynote was delivered by Dr. Craig Mello, Nobel Prize Laureate for Medicine. (2012)
· Co-Chairperson with Ivonne Domings & of the International Conference on UDL in the Azores. Universidade dos Açores. Keynote speaker was the world renown Dr David Rose, Co-founder of CAST.org and the Head of the Center for UDL in MA USA (2012)
== SELECTED INITIATIVES (ORGANIZER/CO-ORGANIZER) ==
· Celebration of the Official Day of Maia, S. Miguel, Açores, with special participation of the Laureate Nobel Prize in Medicine 2006, Craig Mello. Casa do Povo da Maia, S. Miguel, Açores (2021)
· Plano Estratégico de Literacia Turístico-Cultural da Maia: IV Edição da Noite de Pantas. Casa do Povo da Maia (2021)
· Presentation of the People's Happiness Project to the Government of the Azores' President (January, 2021)
· Presentation of the Peoples' Happiness Project at the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations, New York. (February 20, 2020)
· Celebration of the 70 years of Human Rights. Universidade dos Açores, Câmara Municipal de Ponta Delgada e UPMind Academy (December 10, 2018)
· Certified Laughter Yoga Practicum. Ponta Delgada. S. Miguel, Azores (November, 2017)
· Responsible for the presentation of a play on "Palliative care. A Human Right" to celebrate the World Day of Palliative Care. Coliseu Micaelense, Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel, Açores (2014)
· Co-organizer of the International Conference on Palliative Care. Associação Seniores de S. Miguel. Ponta Delgada. S. Miguel, Açores (2014)
· Aprender@USA Project. Dedicated to students who wanted to study in the USA or do internships. (2012)
· I Encontro Internacional de Desportistas Imigrantes nos Açores. Faial, Azores (2012)
· V Congresso Internacional em Honra do Divino Espírito Santo. Angra do Heroísmo, Azores (2012)
· Celebração dos 260 anos de Povoamento Açoriano no Rio Grande do Sul. Brazil, Porto Alegre, Brazil (2012)
· First International Conference on Jewish Heritage in the Azores. Ponta Delgada. Azores (2012)
· Honoris Causa Committee Initiative brought to the President of the University of the Azores. Honorary Degree bestowed to Dr Craig Mello, Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine (2006) with Azorean ancestry from Maia, S. Miguel Island, Azores and one of the most famous Americans in the world from a Portuguese-Azorean background (2012)
· De Mãos Dadas com os Açores. A program for Azorean families with disabilities visit the Azores (2011 & 2012)
· Specially Designed Summer Youth Program for youth from Azorean communities in the world that spent four weeks in the Azores (2011 & 2012)
· Celebração dos 500 Anos da Presença Açoriana na América do Norte in collaboration with Lesley University & Dighton Rock Museum (2010)
· I Congresso Mundial da Rede de Organizações de Serviço Social, from Azorean Diaspora. Ponta Delgada, Açores (2011)
· Chairperson of Conferência Internacional dos Media em Língua Portuguesa. Media reports and programs Tv hosts, journalist, Toronto Canada (2012)
· Chairperson of Forum The End of Life: From Palliative Care to Thanatology. Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel, Azores (October, 2012)
· Co-Chairperson of 16th International Metropolis Conference. Ponta Delgada, Azores. Metropolis is the largest annual international gathering of world experts from academia, governments and civil society in the fields of migration, integration and diversity (2011)
· Organizer and Chairperson of the International Symposium on Human Rights and Quality of Life in the Portuguese Communities in the United States and Canada. Boston, MA, USA (2011)
· Co-Chairperson of the Celebration of the Portuguese Language in North America, including the "International Conference on the Teaching of the Portuguese Language and Cultures in North America" at Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA; "100 Years of Teaching Portuguese at the Holy Ghost School", Fall River, MA, USA; "Portuguese Language Exhibitor Hall" with pedagogical and cultural activities for children, at Grandes Festas da Nova Inglaterra; "Portuguese Language Impact Awards". Fall River, Massachusetts, USA. (August 27-30, 2010)
· Co-Chairperson of the Conference "The Azores between the USA and The European Union: Geography, Society and Education. Ponta Delgada (2010)
· Children’s Literature Project in Mozambique O Uso de Literatura Infanto-Juvenil no Desenvolvimento Linguístico e Social das Crianças. Biblioteca Nacional de Moçambique e Universidade Pedagógica. Maputo, Mozambique (2007)
· International Collaboration in Washington DC. Teaching Europe with Fun, integrated in the program Teach Europe, organized by the Education Councilors from the Embassies of Portugal, France, Italy and Germany. Johns Hopkins University. Washington DC (2005)
· Co-organizer of the II Conselho Consultivo da Língua Portuguesa nos EUA. Columbia University, New York (2005)
· Co-organizer of the I Conselho Consultivo da Língua Portuguesa nos EUA. Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, USA (2004)
· III Forum Instituto de Educação e Ensino: Estudo Acompanhado e Área de Projeto. Ponta Delgada. S. Miguel, Açores (2001)
· I Semana Multicultural de Ponta Delgada. The 1st Multicultural Community Event in Portugal. Ponta Delgada, Açores (1998)
· II Forum Instituto de Educação e Ensino: Dificuldades de Aprendizagem. Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel, Açores (1998)
· I Forum Instituto de Educação e Ensino: Necessidades Educativas Especiais. Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel, Açores (1996)
== SELECTED CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS: INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL, REGIONAL & LOCAL ==
· Invited Speaker to over two hundred international, national regional and/or state conferences including keynotes, featured presentations, webinars and workshops.
· Webinar Samples
· As Questões de Género e o Direito à Felicidade. Escola de Formação Turística e Hoteleira. Ponta Delgada Azores (2021)
· Projetos Inovadores em Educação e Formação. Universidade dos Açores (2021)
· Os Direitos Humanos e o Desenho Universal da Aprendizagem no Ensino Básico. Celebração do Dia Internacional dos Direitos Humanos (2020).
· The World Population 's Right to Happiness. CEADI & Universidade dos Açores (2020)
· Índice de Felicidade e o Desenvolvimento Mundial. CEADI & Universidade dos Açores (2020)
== SELECTED KEYNOTES ==
Desenho Universal da Aprendizagem ao Serviço do Sucesso Universal dos Alunos Neurodiversos at the launch of Referencial de Boas Práticas: As Perturbações de Aprendizagem Específicas e os Princípios da Educação Inclusiva. Ponta Delgada. (2020)
· Cidades Educadoras sob o Lema da Felicidade e do Sucesso. Encontro Regional e Nacional da Rede Territorial Portuguesa das Cidades Educadoras. Câmara Municipal da Lagoa (2020)
· Why UDL is Universal and a Path to Happiness. Lesley University, Cambridge, MA. (2020) Universal Design for Learning and Happiness in Teaching Portuguese as a Global Language. UMass Dartmouth, MA; Bridgewater University, Bridgewater, MA; Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA; (2020)
· Celebration of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Universidade dos Açores & Ponta Delgada City Hall (2018)
· Dr. Craig Mello, a Famous Portuguese American, (Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine). Tribute Celebration. Fall River, MA. (2018)
· As Questões de Género. Escola Secundária das Laranjeiras, no âmbito do Estágio Pedagógico do Mestrado em Ensino de História e Geografia (2018)
· A Língua Portuguesa na América do Norte e a Força das Comunidades na sua Promoção e Valorização. XXIV Portuguese Language and Cultures Conference. Lesley University and Luso-American Education Foundation. Boston. (2013)
· Políticas Linguísticas no Mundo Lusófono: O Novo Acordo Ortográfico. XXIII Congresso da Língua e Cultura Portuguesas da Luso-American Education Foundation East. Cambridge, MA: Lesley University (2009)
· Ensino do Português nos EUA: Um Ano de Atividades. XVIII Annual Conference on Portuguese American Education of Luso-American Education Foundation West. UC Berkeley, California (2004)
== INTERNATIONAL MEDIA: INTERVIEWED/FEATURED GUEST ==
Audio and Video Media
Voice of America, Washington DC USA Asas do Atlântico, Sta Maria, Azores Porto TV Porto Portugal TSF RTP / RTP Internacional / RTP - Açores SPTTV – New Jersey, USA SIC / SIC Internacional, Portugal Radio Club de Angra, Azores Radio Club Portugal, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada TVI / TVI Internacional Lisbon Radio Voz do Emigrante – Fall River, MA USA CMTV,
Porto, Portugal Bermuda News, Bermuda Channel 6 & Channel 20 N.Bedford, MA WJFD-New Bedford, MA USA RDP / RDP Internacional / RDP Açores
Newspapers/ Print and Online in English & Portuguese include:
Diário de Notícias, Portugal Lusophone Studies Magazine, RI College Correio da Manhã, Portugal LUSA, Portugal Jornal de Negócios, Portugal Senso Magazine, Toronto Expresso, Portugal New Bedford Standard Times, MA Portuguese Tribune, CA Mundo Português, Portugal Revista Comunidades, Açores Mundo Lusíada, São Paulo, Brasil Acontece/Happenings Magazine, Miami Florida Mundo Açoriano Online A União, Azores Luso –Americano, NJ Diário de Notícias, Lisbon, Portugal The Portuguese Times, MA O Açoriano Oriental, Azores Portuguese American Journal, RI O Jornal, Fall River, MA Diário Insular, Azores
== PROFESSIONAL SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS ==
Initiated and is Co-Director “Peoples’ Happiness as a Human Right Initiative”. Universidade dos Açores; Lesley University and Centro de Estudos Africanos para o Desenvolvimento e a Inovação (2017- Present)
· Designed and Directs the Literacias Açores-Cabo Verde Project (2018-2020)
· TV Host – Program A Voz dos Açores – 100 SMTV Interviews broadcasting from the Azores (2017-2019)
· Co-Chair of Festival Internacional de Cinema Migrações & Interculturalidade. Direção Regional das Comunidades e AIPA (2011 & 2012 editions) Professional Development-Designed and Directed Specialized Professional Development for teachers of Portuguese Language in the USA: Formação no Verão (2012-2015)
· Designed and Co-Organized LEGAL program (Legalization Effort of the Government of the Azores and Logistics to prevent deportation. Direção Regional das Comunidades and Bristol County Xerife’s Office (2011-2012)
· Designed and Co-Founded Rede Internacional de Organizações de Serviço Social, implemented in Azores, USA, Canada, Bermuda and Brazil (2011)
· Comissão Coordenadora do Currículo Regional to implement the Azores Reading Report. Member of the Conselho Científico (2009-2011)
· MOU between the Ministry of Education, Portugal and the Massachusetts Department of Education.
· Responsible for the Program of recruiting teachers of Portuguese Language to MA (2002-2005)
· Conselho Consultivo para a Criação e Acompanhamento do Currículo Regional. Governo dos Açores
· Member invited by the Secretaria Regional da Educação (2003-2005)
· International Education Week, promoted by the US Department of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs.
· Co-organizer as Counselor for the Teaching of Portuguese in the USA and Bermuda (2004)
· Conselho Consultivo da Língua Portuguesa nos EUA. Embaixada de Portugal, DC and Lesley University. Co-Founder with Professor Maria de Lourdes Serpa (2004)
· Initiated and Directed the project Português em Marcha to promote cultural exchanges between students from the US and Azores (2005-2010)
· Initiated and Directed the Portuguese Language Promotion Campaign in the USA. It included TV programs; CD; flyers; Tshirts; participation in over 30 Foreign Language Conferences in the USA (2002-2007)
== COMMUNITY SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS Founder & Co-founder ==
Co-founder Centro de Apoio aos Cuidados Paliativos da Associação Seniores de S. Miguel (2014)
· Plano Estratégico de Literacia Turístico-Cultural da Maia, Founder and Director, Casa do Povo da Maia (2017-Present)
· Celebration of Human Rights International Day, Co-organizer, Universidade dos Açores, Câmara Municipal de Ponta Delgada and UPMind Academy (2016-Present)
· Biblioteca Infanto-Juvenil Profª Doutora Graça Castanho, Founder, Casa do Povo da Maia (2010)
· Two Centers of Children’s Literature in Mozambique – Biblioteca Nacional de Moçambique and Universidade Pedagógica, Maputo (2007)
== CONSULTING EXPERIENCE ==
Consulting Services provided to university/college faculty, teachers, government officials, social services staff, students and other providers in Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Cape Verde, US, Canada, Bermuda in areas such as 1) Teaching of Portuguese Language as a Mother Tongue/2nd/Foreign/Heritage Language; 2) Gender Issues; 3) Palliative Care; 4) Migrations and Multiculturalism; 5) Diaspora & Azorian Communities; 6) Project Development; 7) Human Rights; 8) Happiness Science, etc.
== SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EXAMPLES ==
· Speaking for Coaches. SpeakUp (2020)
· How to Start the School Year Off Right During Covid 19. Professional Development for Mathematics Educators (2020)
· Encontro Regional e Nacional da Rede Territorial Portuguesa das Cidades Educadoras. Lagoa. S. Miguel (2020)
· Diálogo Nacional sobre Prevenção e Combate ao Abuso e Exploração Sexual das Crianças e Adolescentes em Cabo Verde. Instituto de Apoio à Criança e ACRIDES (Associação de Crianças Desfavorecidas). Ilha de Santiago, Cabo Verde. Jan (2019)
· Laughter Yoga Teacher Training with Diploma. International University of Laughter Yoga, Frankfurt Germany (2017)
· Universal Design for Learning UDL CAST and Lesley University School of Education. (2012)
· Book-Builder and the use of New Technologies. CAST, MA (2012-2017)
· Competências Pedagógicas e Didáticas em E-Learning. European Union Project. Universidade dos Açores Online Teaching. (2007)
· Research Seminars at Harvard University, by Doctor Catherine Snow. Supervisor of Post-Doctorate Program (2005-2007)
· The Keys to Washington Seminar. The Diplomats’ Washington Inc. Washington DC (2004)
· Annual Summer Seminar for Language Teachers. UC Stanford University, CA (2005)
· Formação de Futuros Formadores em Avaliação. ESE de Setúbal (1993)
· Reading Recovery Program in English and Portuguese. Lesley University and Harrington School (now King Open School), Cambridge, MA (1992)
Category:1960 births