Multilingual Education: Upcoming Events and Professional Development Opportunities

March 13, 2024

As we transition into the spring season, there’s a wealth of events and professional development opportunities tailored for educators, advocates, and professionals in multilingual education. From local marches to national conventions, there’s something for everyone looking to enhance their skills and engage with their communities. Here’s a roundup of what’s on the horizon:

Conferences and Events:

  1. TESOL 2024 International Convention & Expo: March 21–23 Connect, learn, and recharge at the ultimate event for English language teaching (ELT) professionals. With access to 800+ educational sessions, captivating keynote addresses, and networking opportunities, this convention is not to be missed.
  2. 2024 Hybrid Conference: Leading Change in Multilingual Education: March 26–27 Join the National Association of English Learner Program Administrators (NAELPA) for a hybrid conference focused on “Leading Change in Multilingual Education.” Engage with virtual offerings and in-person sessions in New Orleans, featuring keynote presentations and valuable insights from experts in the field.
  3. NABE 2024 Conference: March 28–30 The NABE Annual International Conference is a 3-day event held in New Orleans, offering educational sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, award competitions, and networking opportunities. Online registration is available for this enriching conference experience.
  4. Seal of Biliteracy Training:  April 3 at 3:00-4:30 This virtual event is led by MDE – Office of Educational Supports/Assessment and Accountability.  The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy has been created to recognize high school graduates who exhibit language proficiency in English and at least one additional world language. The Seal is placed on a high school diploma or certificate of completion.
  5. Dia de la Mujer: April 6th, 2024 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, MSU.  DDLM is a statewide leadership and empowerment conference dedicated to the advancement of Latinas. DDLM has become a hub in the Midwest region for the empowerment of Latinas. The success of this community initiative is due to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and sponsors each year. The goal of the conference is to empower, motivate, inspire, train, and work collectively to expand opportunities for Latinas and all women.
  6. Virtual TESOL 2024 International Convention & Expo: April 11–12 Join the global community of English language professionals for the virtual TESOL 2024 Convention and English Language Expo. Gain exclusive access to recordings of keynotes from the in-person convention and over 200 pre-recorded virtual sessions.
  7. Cesar Chavez March in Kalamazoo: April 23 Stand in solidarity and join the Cesar Chavez March in Kalamazoo. Register to participate and order your Cesar Chavez t-shirt to support this meaningful event.
  8. 55th Annual National Migrant Education Conference: April 21–24 NASDME invites educators and advocates to convene in Portland, Oregon, for the 55th Annual National Migrant Education Conference. Engage in professional development opportunities, leadership sessions, and networking events aimed at advancing the cause of migrant education.
  9. MABE 2024 Conference: May 9–10 Explore the agenda and registration information for the MABE 2024 Conference. Taking place at the Laurel Manor Conference and Banquet Center in Livonia, this event offers invaluable opportunities for professional development. Keynote speakers include Valentina Gonzalez, author of “Reading and Writing with English Learners,” and Tonya Ward Singer, author of “EL Excellence Every Day & Opening Doors to Equity.”

Ongoing Training and Programs:

  • Davenport University’s Casa Latina Program: Davenport University is introducing Casa Latina, a new program offering instruction in both English and Spanish. This initiative comes with scholarship opportunities, providing access to education for a broader range of learners.
  • English Learner Family Toolkit and App: OELA has published an updated toolkit designed to support families and educators, offering the latest tips and resources for fostering success in multilingual education.
  • Michigan EL Teacher Network:  This group of educators meets virtually from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of each month.  They discuss utilizing the best practices and successful strategies with the ELD standards.  Free SCECHs are available for all participants.

Professional Development Opportunities:

    • Center for Applied Linguistics Workshops: Delve into three virtual learning workshops covering various aspects of language instruction, including effective multi-tiered systems of support strategies and language and literacy instruction for emergent bilingual learners.
      • English Learners and Effective Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Strategies: This workshop spans four sessions on April 2, 9, 16, and 23, with morning and afternoon sessions each day. Participants will also have access to four hours of self-paced content. The cost is $1225 for individuals or $1425 if registered after March 1. Successful completion earns a certificate of continuing education credit for 24 hours.
      • Language & Literacy Instruction for Spanish/English Emergent Bilingual Learners: Taking place from April 22-25, 29, and 30, this workshop focuses on language and literacy instruction. Participants will engage in afternoon sessions and complete a three-hour self-paced project. Registration is $685 before March 18 or $735 thereafter, with a certificate of continuing education credit for 15 hours upon completion.
      • Newcomers in Your School: Cultural Connections and Instructional Strategies: Scheduled for May 1, 8, and 15, this workshop explores strategies for supporting newcomer students. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered each day, with four hours of self-paced work. Registration costs $975 before April 1 or $1075 afterward, with a certificate of continuing education credit for 16 hours upon completion.
    • Center for Applied Linguistics Online Education: CAL offers a growing cadre of self-paced online courses to help educators learn while they earn credit. These online courses are based on our decades of research on how language is learned and extensive experience in working with educators to help language learners succeed.

These events and opportunities offer unparalleled avenues for networking, learning, and professional growth in the field of multilingual education. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your journey, there’s something for everyone to explore and contribute to the vibrant landscape of language learning and advocacy.