English learners represent one of the fastest-growing student groups in U.S. schools, yet educators consistently report that they feel underprepared to meet these students’ needs. This forum will explore the training teachers receive, the policies shaping instruction, and the classroom practices that best support multilingual learners.
Join us to gain:
- Research-based insights into dual-language programs—who they serve best, where inequities persist, and what solutions are emerging
- Fresh national data on how teachers rate their professional development for working with English learners, including gaps and needs
- Actionable strategies for supporting English learners in the science of reading era, from bridging languages to making cross-linguistic connections explicit
- Opportunities for reflection and interaction, including a quiz to test knowledge learned throughout the event
Attendees will walk away with strategies and practical solutions to ensure equity and opportunity for this diverse group of students.
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Agenda
2:00pm ET
Welcome & Introduction
We'll highlight key insights from recent Education Week reporting on supporting English learners.
Daniela Franco Brown is an Assistant Managing Editor for race, opportunity and equity.
2:10pm ET
Interactive Session: The Landscape of Teacher Training on English Learners
What percentage of teachers nationally think that the professional development they receive for working with English learners is sufficient? How much professional development on average do teachers get on engaging with English-learner families? How many teachers feel they need additional training on how to support students’ ability to switch between languages in the classroom? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Education Week staffers share analyses of new EdWeek Research Center survey findings.
Daniela Franco Brown is an Assistant Managing Editor for race, opportunity and equity.
2:20pm ET
Industry Perspective: Digital Strategies to Support Multilingual Learners
Sponsor content provided by Sora.
Explore how a digital platform helps language learners thrive, with built-in scaffolds that make reading engaging and equitable for every student. Learn practical ways to integrate these resources into schools in your districts to support multilingual students, whether they’re in the classroom or at home.
Explore how a digital platform helps language learners thrive, with built-in scaffolds that make reading engaging and equitable for every student. Learn practical ways to integrate these resources into schools in your districts to support multilingual students, whether they’re in the classroom or at home.
Sydney Kalnay
Training Manager,
OverDrive
Sydney, the Training Manager at OverDrive, has over 20 years of experience leading product training in the tech industry. She’s passionate about strategic planning and creative problem-solving, crafting innovative, out-of-the-box solutions that drive results. She combines her deep expertise with a spark of magic — transforming complex concepts into engaging learning experiences that inspire and empower.
2:30pm ET
Panel Discussion: How Schools are Supporting English Learners in the Science of Reading Era
As states and schools shift toward evidence-based reading instruction, teachers and administrations are figuring out how these reforms can best serve English learners and students in bilingual programs. This session will explore strategies from the field for bridging languages, making cross-linguistic connections explicit, and ensuring that reading reforms don’t leave multilingual students behind. Educators and researchers will share insights into what works in classrooms and how policies can better align with the needs of diverse learners.
Sarah Schwartz is a reporter for Education Week who covers curriculum and instruction.
Alejandra Ramirez
Elementary Reading Coordinator,
Southside Independent School District, San Antonio, TX
Alejandra Ramirez serves as an Elementary Reading Coordinator, where she helps teachers bring the science of reading to life in every classroom. Passionate about bilingual and literacy instruction, she works alongside educators to strengthen reading outcomes for all students.
Melissa Martinez
Director of Bilingual Programs,
Southside Independent School District, San Antonio, TX
Melissa Martinez serves as the Bilingual Programs Director at Southside ISD, where she works alongside educators to strengthen bilingual and dual language programs. She integrates innovative strategies and professional development opportunities that advance multilingual learners and biliteracy. Through this work, she fosters teamwork, cultivates a culture of innovation, and drives student growth and success.
3:15pm ET
Industry Perspective: Leveraging AI to Support English Learners’ Growth
Sponsor content provided by Avant Assessment
Hear from two education and technology experts as they discuss how artificial intelligence can provide educators with clearer visibility into English learners’ progress, make growth along the language continuum easier to visualize, and connect data directly to instruction. This session demonstrates how technology can be used to empower teachers and support multilingual learners, never to replace classroom instruction.
Hear from two education and technology experts as they discuss how artificial intelligence can provide educators with clearer visibility into English learners’ progress, make growth along the language continuum easier to visualize, and connect data directly to instruction. This session demonstrates how technology can be used to empower teachers and support multilingual learners, never to replace classroom instruction.
H. Yalan King
President,
Mira
H. Yalan King is President of Mira, where she leads efforts to make AI-powered learning accessible in any language and for any purpose, helping students succeed in class, preparing learners for college and careers, and enabling organizations to thrive across cultures. She has led global EdTech companies and founded the Mandarin Institute, creating nationally recognized programs that expanded world language opportunities. With a career spanning business, education, and nonprofit leadership, Yalan combines vision and practical expertise, and is passionate about using AI to open pathways for learning and reimagine what education can be.
Genevieve Olvera
VP of Sales,
Avant, The Language Proficiency Company
Genevieve began her career working with pioneers in the field of second language acquisition in research, assessment and data. She has dedicated her career to collaborating with district and state leaders in language, literacy and EdTech initiatives across the country. With her experience in managing state and large EL/ML assessment projects, she understands the importance of finding the right language solutions to transform programs and foster an environment for success.
3:25pm ET
Panel Discussion: Who Truly Benefits from Dual-Language Programs?
As dual-language immersion programs continue to expand across the country, questions remain about who really benefits from them. Are English learners gaining equitable access, or are native English speakers reaping more of the rewards? This session will explore the benefits, challenges, and equity questions surrounding dual-language education, drawing on the latest research and experiences from the field.
Jennifer Vilcarino is a digital news reporter for Education Week.
Anya Hurwitz
President and Executive Director,
SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language)
Dr. Anya Hurwitz has more than 25 years of experience in education as a teacher, school leader, and nonprofit executive dedicated to strengthening outcomes for multilingual learners. Before joining SEAL, she helped launch a small public secondary school in the Bronx and led a network of 24 diverse schools for the NYC Department of Education. Since becoming SEAL’s Executive Director in 2017, she has guided its growth into a statewide model for language-rich, student-centered education. SEAL is a nonprofit with a powerful research- and evidence-based approach to advancing the educational outcomes of multilingual learners. Dr. Hurwitz holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley.
Patrick Proctor
Professor and Department Chair,
Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College
Dr. Proctor is a professor in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College, and chair of the Teaching, Curriculum, and Society department. He is a former 3rd and 4th grade dual language teacher and education specialist for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. At Boston College, he is a co-founder of the Bilingual Education Certificate program which prepares Massachusetts educators for bilingual education endorsement. His research focuses on multilingual literacy development, curriculum implementation and evaluation, and bilingual teacher education.
3:55pm ET
Test Your Knowledge: Teacher Training on English Learners
Throughout the forum, Education Week staffers shared insights on the current national landscape of English-learner education and how well prepared teachers are to work with this growing population of students. Test your knowledge and solidify your learning by participating in an interactive quiz.
Daniela Franco Brown is an Assistant Managing Editor for race, opportunity and equity.
4:05pm ET
Closing Thoughts
Closing Thoughts
Daniela Franco Brown is an Assistant Managing Editor for race, opportunity and equity.
