Edgar Serrano
The National Network for Early Language Learning (NNELL)
JNCL Position: Board Member at Large
STATEMENT
For over a decade in international sales across Latin America, I learned what JNCL has always known: language education drives our economy, diplomacy, and national security.
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Economy: We don’t do business with companies—we do business with people we trust and understand.Multilingual professionals open markets and build bridges.
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Diplomacy: Authentic communication breaks stereotypes and builds mutual respect.
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National Security: Trust between nations begins with trust between people.
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Yet my deepest passion comes from the classroom. Teaching young children has shown me how early language learning transforms lives. In Mississippi, where most programs begin in middle school, I’ve spent more than 25 years working to change that—teaching from PreK through university, leading statewide advocacy as MFLA Executive Director, and advancing early language policy as NNELL President.
As a native Mexican Spanish speaker, I’ve seen how cultural authenticity deepens understanding. Language connects us to real people, real histories, and shared humanity. I want to help our country see what I’ve seen: that early language education is not enrichment—it’s essential. Through JNCL, I hope to strengthen federal support for language pathways that begin in early
childhood and ensure access for all learners.
I bring policy implementation experience, advocacy leadership, and several years of service as Mississippi’s State Delegate to JNCL-NCLIS. It would be an honor to serve and continue advancing the mission that has guided my life’s work.
BIO
Edgar Serrano is a nationally recognized language education advocate passionate about early language learning and cultural connection. As President of the National Network for Early Language Learning (NNELL), Executive Director of the Mississippi Foreign Language Association (MFLA), and Lecturer of Spanish at the University of Mississippi, he champions early language initiatives and leads statewide advocacy as Mississippi’s Delegate to JNCL-NCLIS. He also served on JNCL’s Outreach Committee, chaired by Norah Jones.
He was the driving force behind implementing the Seal of Biliteracy in Mississippi and later led its acceptance at the University of Mississippi—the first higher education institution in the state to grant Seal recognition for college credit.
Recognized as the 2018 AATSP Outstanding Teacher of the Year and featured in The Language Educator (Summer 2025), Edgar brings more than 25 years of combined experience in PreK–higher education, curriculum development, and international business across Latin America. His global sales experience provided firsthand insight into the economic power of multilingualism.
A native of Mexico City, Edgar holds an M.A. in Modern Languages (Spanish and TESOL) and a B.B.A. in International Business from the University of Mississippi.