Dr. Ann Ishimaru | Thursday Pre-Conference Workshop, Friday Morning Keynote Speaker
Pre-Conference: Cross-Linguistic Work in the DL Classroom (3-hour, registration limited to 100)
Planning for students’ opportunity to “language” their deep content understanding in both program languages is an integral part of biliteracy instruction. This workshop will focus on lesson planning for cross-linguistic bridge level 1, bridge level 2, and metalinguistic centers.
Keynote: El Power of Our Students’ TestimoniesÂ
In order for students to leverage all that they are and all that they can be, they must engage in critical self-reflection from a young age. Testimonios are integral to this process. As educators, we must continue to leverage the cultural and linguistic gifts that students bring into the classroom. Participants in this session, through the use of the Testimonio Framework, will engage in activities that empower the diverse student communities they serve.
Dr. José L. Medina is the founder and Chief Educational Advocate at Dr. José Medina: Educational Solutions. Prior to establishing the boutique educational consulting firm, Dr. Medina was the Director of Languages and Culture at the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) in Washington, DC. José provides dual language technical assistance, professional development, and job-embedded support to dual language programs across the United States and globally. He is a former dual language school principal and has served as an administrator and educator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Dr. Medina is a co-author of the third edition of the widely used Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education. He has also authored three bilingual children’s poetry books focused on his testimonio.
Valentina Gonzalez | Saturday Keynote
Keynote: Uniting with Families of MLs in Purpose
Families are at the heart of multilingual learners’ success, bringing with them unique cultural knowledge, experiences, and strengths. This keynote examines how educational systems can intentionally collaborate with families to foster communities of voice, power, and purpose that promote student growth. Together, we’ll explore ways to honor family perspectives, foster meaningful collaboration, and establish pathways that enable families to feel valued as co-educators. By uniting in purpose, educators and families can amplify opportunities for multilingual learners to thrive academically, linguistically, and socially.
Jo Napolitano spent nearly two decades reporting for The New York Times, Chicago Tribune and Newsday before winning a Spencer Education Fellowship to Columbia University in 2016: She was paid to attend the Graduate School of Journalism so she could write a long-form piece on young immigrants.