Faces of VBISD: Meet Angie Gutierrez, A Champion for Multilingual and Migrant Students

The Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) is powered by passionate people dedicated to student success. Today, we shine the spotlight on Angie Gutierrez, the Administrator of Multilingual and Migrant Services, whose 25 years of experience are making a profound impact across our community.

Building Bridges, Not Barriers

Angie is a true advocate, overseeing critical multilingual programs across seven local districts. Her mission is clear: to ensure every student feels valued and supported.

• Elevating Instruction: Angie supports teachers and leads the countywide Multilingual Collaboration Network, a vital forum that meets monthly to strengthen language instruction and share best practices among educators.

• Comprehensive Migrant Support: She directs the school-year and intensive Summer Migrant Program across eight districts, serving students from preschool through 12th grade whose families work in agriculture.

• Direct Family Services: Beyond the classroom, her team provides essential HOME services and English classes right in migrant camps, offering advocacy, resources, and a deep sense of belonging.

A Unique Focus on Family

What makes Angie’s department special is its profound commitment to reaching families where they are.

“My department is uniquely focused on elevating the voices and needs of students and families navigating new languages and systems,” Angie explains.

Her team doesn’t just wait for families to come to them—they meet them in camps, homes, and workplaces to ensure every child is supported, moving beyond academics to provide crucial advocacy.

VBISD is also one of only two identification and recruitment centers in Michigan, with Angie’s staff reaching across more than 20 counties to connect migrant students with the educational support they need.

From the Farm to the Office

Angie’s understanding of the community she serves is deeply personal.

A fun fact: As a teenager, Angie worked on a cherry farm and in a blueberry packing house! This firsthand experience of the migrant lifestyle fuels her passion and gives her a deep, personal understanding of the importance of strong educational support.

Angie has been with VBISD for 3.5 years, and what she loves most is seeing the tangible impact on students and families. She’s especially proud of her work to expand services for multilingual and migrant families, proving that access and advocacy can truly change lives.

The Power of Collaboration

For Angie, the VBISD community is defined by its people and its spirit of collaboration. If she had to describe VBISD in one word, she’d choose: collaborative.

“I may not always have every answer, but I can always count on someone in our organization for support,” she notes.

She lives by a powerful mantra that guides her work and inspires her team:

“Every language spoken. Every culture honored. Every student valued. Language is not a barrier—it’s a bridge to connection, culture, and community.”

Outside of work, Angie enjoys spending time camping with her family. She hopes others remember that leadership is ultimately about service and creating pathways for others to succeed.