WABE 2026 Annual Conference has ended

Create Your Own Event

WABE 2026 Annual Conference

11:15am PDT

Building Academic Vocabulary: Strategies that Work

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Ballroom G2, Yakima Convention Center

In this interactive session, participants explore GLAD strategies that build academic language across grade levels and content areas. Classroom-ready tools such as visuals, 10/2, gestures, and color-coding support multilingual learners’ academic vocabulary development. Participants leave with immediately usable strategies that increase student talk, engagement, and equitable access to rigorous instruction.

Speakers

Kristin Odegaard

Multilingual Learner Specialist, Lake Stevens School District

Kristin Odegaard is a Multilingual Learner Specialist for the Lake Stevens School District and a BeGLAD Certified Agency Trainer (CAT). She brings three decades of experience supporting linguistically diverse students across the educational spectrum. Kristin began her career with... Read More →

WABE Vocabulary pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Ballroom G2, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:15am PDT

Design with the End in Mind: Backwards Planning for ELD with WIDA Key Language Uses.

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Ballroom 300, Yakima Convention Center

Move beyond guesswork by designing with the end in mind. Participants will learn how our district used WIDA Key Language Uses, functions, and features to co-construct clear learning targets and develop common units of instruction for our secondary English Language Development courses. We will share our collaborative process, struggles and successes to design instruction that intentionally develops academic language for every student.

Speakers

Megan Anderson-Riley

TOSA, YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Megan Anderson Reilly is a multilingual specialist and a mentor for early career educators for Yakima School District. Megan has extensive teaching experience working with multilingual learners in a variety of instructional contexts. She is an advocate for equitable practices, programs... Read More →

WABE 2026 Design with the End in Mind pptx

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Ballroom 300, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:15am PDT

Designing for Understanding: The Art of Equitable Teaching

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Ballroom G1, Yakima Convention Center

In this one-hour session, participants are introduced to the Culturally Responsive Education (CRE) mental model with a specific focus on understanding—not coverage or compliance—as the primary learning target for students. Drawing on examples from Culturally Responsive Education in the Classroom and Brilliant Teaching, the session makes the case that Equity is not achieved by treating all students the same, but by designing learning goals that are meaningful, culturally resonant, and cognitively empowering. When teachers clarify what it means for students to understand—and intentionally design learning experiences that allow students to draw on their identities, experiences, and cultural fluencies—they create fairer opportunities for all students to engage deeply and demonstrate competence. This session connects clarity of purpose in instructional design to Equity in opportunity, positioning understanding as both a pedagogical goal and an ethical commitment.

Speakers

Dr. Adeyemi Stembridge

Educational Consultant, Keynote Speaker

Adeyemi Stembridge, PhD is an educational consultant and author who specializes in Equity-focused technical assistance. He partners with teachers and administrators to design culturally responsive systems and learning experiences. Dr. Stembridge has served as a technical assistance... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Ballroom G1, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:15am PDT

Developing Systems for Multilingual Learner Success

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Ballroom 400, Yakima Convention Center

In this session, we will share templates, toolkits, and strategies using the OSPI Multilingual Learner Statewide Strategic Plan. We will explore how to integrate multilingual learners in a Multi-tiered System of Supports, develop strong pathways for graduation, and leverage multilingual students and families' assets through culturally responsive practices. Join us to develop systems for multilingual learner success!

Speakers

Virginia Morales

Assistant Director of Multilingual Education, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Virginia Morales is the Assistant Director of Multilingual Education with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. She has over 20 years’ experience in the field of Multilingual Education. Most recently, Virginia was a Professional Learning Specialist at WIDA. In addition... Read More →

Kristin Percy Calaff

Director of Multilingual Education, Office of Homeless Youth

Dr. Kristin Percy Calaff is the Director of Multilingual Education for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. She has over 35 years of experience as a dual language teacher, principal, district administrator, and state leader. Kristin holds a Ph.D. in Multilingual/Multicultural... Read More →

Developing Systems for ML Success Slides pdf

Developing Systems for ML Success Handout pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Ballroom 400, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:15am PDT

Family Engagement That Works — Centering Parent Voices

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Ballroom H, Yakima Convention Center

How can districts move beyond compliance and truly engage multilingual families? This session explores the requirements outlined in Washington’s Dual Language Law (RCW 28A.300.577) and shares authentic parent perspectives on what meaningful engagement looks like.
Participants will learn practical strategies for building trust, creating advisory structures that empower families, and designing culturally and linguistically responsive communication. Through real examples and parent feedback, we’ll highlight how districts can transform family engagement into a powerful tool for equity and student success.

Speakers

Cecilia Tamayo

Asst. Director of Multilingual Education, Puyallup School District

Passionate about multilingual education and cultural connection, Cecilia Tamayo brings 20 years of experience as an educator and leader across three countries and two U.S. cities. Originally from Miami, Florida, I grew up bilingual in Spanish and English in a Cuban-Nicaraguan family... Read More →

Teresa Mendoza-Casby

Dual Language Program Supervisor, OSPI

Teresa Mendoza-Casby serves as the Dual Language Program Supervisor at the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Educated in Mexico and holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions, Teresa brings over 20 years of experience in education, teachi... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Ballroom H, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:15am PDT

From Strategy to System: Growing Inclusive Instruction Districtwide with GLAD

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Ballroom I, Yakima Convention Center

This session explores how a district can scale inclusive, research-based instructional strategies—using GLAD—to strengthen language development, student engagement, and equitable access to grade-level content for all learners. Participants will walk away with one district’s map of structures for training, coaching, and sustaining practices that support multilingual learners and all students based on experiences growing GLAD in a district with 10,000 students.

Speakers

Cassandra Clark

Multilingual Learner Specialist, Lake Stevens School District

Cassandra Clark is an experienced educator with a background as a classroom and special education teacher, Multilingual Learner specialist, and reading interventionist. She holds a master’s degree in English Language Learning and currently serves as an ML specialist, supporting... Read More →

7HPT 2020 English pdf

7HPT 2020 Spanish pdf

WABE 2026 From Strategy to System Handout pdf

Give Me 5 poster EN digital 1 pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Ballroom I, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:15am PDT

Increase Reclassification: Supporting Multilingual Learners for WIDA success (Sponsored by Teacher Created Materials)

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Ballroom J, Yakima Convention Center

This session explores how to maximize student success on the WIDA ACCESS by examining it through two critical lenses: the student experience and the teacher’s role in preparation. The session will highlight how schools can increase Reclassified Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) passing rates, strengthen instructional practices, and build systems of support that empower both teachers and students to thrive. Participants will learn strategies for providing compensatory instruction to Multilingual Learners (MLs) to ensure long-term academic success.

Speakers

Nicole Downer

Academic Officer, Teacher Created Materials

Nicole currently works as an Academic Officer for Teacher Created Materials. Previous roles include a principal, assistant principal, Literacy Specialist, and classroom teacher.

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Ballroom J, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:15am PDT

Number Talks and Mathematical Discourse for the Dual Language Classroom

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Ballroom 100, Yakima Convention Center

This workshop equips elementary dual language teachers to strengthen mathematical discourse by valuing students’ full linguistic repertoires. Participants explore translanguaging, teacher noticings, and linguistic agency, engaging in practical strategies that foster participation, conceptual understanding, and equitable learning environments for emergent bilingual students in mathematics.

Speakers

Dr. Terri L. Stockberger

K-12 Outreach Specialist, New Mexico State University

Dr. Terri Stockberger has 30+ years of working with bilingual students in Washington state and New Mexico. Currently she works as a K-12 Outreach Specialist for the STEM Outreach Center and Mathematically Connected Communities at New Mexico State University. She earned her doctoral... Read More →

Parrish, 2011 pdf

ABE Number Talks 4.26 pdf

Stockberger.ABE Number Talks Slides 2026 pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Ballroom 100, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:15am PDT

Positively Passionate ABOUT Prepositions

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Ballroom 200, Yakima Convention Center

Prepositions are small words that pack a lot of meaning. Come learn how prepositions and prepositional phrases work inside noun groups and on their own to indicate time, place, manner, accompaniment, and more. We will share many strategies to help students comprehend and use prepositions and prepositional phrases.

Speakers

Dr. Beth Dillard

Director, Multilingual Education Community Programs, Renton & Everett, Western Washington University

Dr. Beth Dillard is an Associate Professor in the Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University. She is the Director of Multilingual Education Community Programs. She has a PhD in Second Languages Education from the University of Minnesota (2016). Prior, she was a... Read More →

Dr. Caleb Zilmer

Assistant Professor of Multilingual Education, Western Washington University

Caleb Zilmer is Assistant Professor of Multilingual Education at Western Washington University’s Renton campus. He teaches courses for pre- and in- service teachers pursuing their ELL and/or bilingual education (BE) endorsements and coordinates with partner districts to support... Read More →

Dr. Jennifer Green

Director, Multilingual Education Program, Bellingham, Western Washington University

Western Washington University (WWU), our partner school districts, and Washington state share a commitment to increasing the number of bi/multilingual teachers from the communities in which they live, helping to build strong multi- language programs, and increasing the diversity of... Read More →

Positively Passionate ABOUT Prepositions pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Ballroom 200, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

1:45pm PDT

Co-creating Collaborative Professional Learning: Tools and Resources for Community Engagement

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Ballroom 100, Yakima Convention Center

The presentation offers tools and resources for participants to strategically create collaborative professional learning structures that support both pre- and in-service teachers. Specifically, session outcomes center on developing Communities of Practice that embody the rich assets learners and their families bring to dual language schools, the program, and their communities.

Speakers

Yvonne Oronoz-Williams

Director for MLs Educator Engagement, WCEPS

Yvonne Williams serves as Director for MLs Educator Engagement at WCEPS, where she leads national initiatives that strengthen partnerships with Local Education Agencies and support high-impact instructional practices, with a particular emphasis on multilingual learners. She oversees... Read More →

Dr. Joan Lachance

Associate professor at UNC Charlotte and the Co-Director of EMMA (Educators for a Multilingual and Multicultural America), UNC Charlotte/EMMA

Dr. Joan Lachance is an associate professor at UNC Charlotte and the Co-Director of EMMA (Educators for a Multilingual and Multicultural America) under the auspices of Dual Language Education of New Mexico. She is the co-author of the National Dual Language Education Teacher Preparation... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Ballroom 100, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

1:45pm PDT

Effective Literacy Design for Multilingual Learners: From Comprehensible Input to Academic Output Through Successful Family Engagement

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Ballroom 300, Yakima Convention Center

This session will explore literacy instruction that centers multilingual students’ linguistic assets while prioritizing strong family engagement. The session connects science‑of‑reading principles to multilingual learners, highlights home languages as assets, and models culturally responsive practices that deepen family partnerships, communication, and student literacy success.

Speakers

Katie Sperling

Multilingual Education Program Supervisor, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Katie Sperling is a Multilingual Education Program Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience teaching and leading K–12 language development programs across Washington State. In her current role at OSPI, Katie provides statewide leadership and technical assistance to support... Read More →

Kad El-Atwani

Multilingual Program Supervisor-OSPI, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Kadriye El-Atwani (a.k.a Dr. Kad) is a Multilingual Education Program Supervisor at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), currently residing in Eastern Washington. Before joining OSPI, Dr. Kad served as a Multilingual Education Specialist at the New... Read More →

WABE 2026 Effective Literacy Design for Multilingual Learners pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Ballroom 300, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

1:45pm PDT

Game Changing Dual Language Leadership and Implementation (Sponsored by Ensemble Learning)

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Ballroom I, Yakima Convention Center

This presentation highlights leadership as the driver of dual language success, using Manor ISD’s partnership with Ensemble Learning to illustrate how a clear vision, aligned systems, and sustained professional learning—consistent with the TxEDLIF Leadership Lever—enable program coherence, instructional quality, and improved outcomes for emergent bilingual students.

Speakers

Julie Lara

Managing Director, Ensemble Learning

Dr. Julie Lara is the Multilingual Programs Managing Director at Ensemble Learning, leading initiatives to enhance educational opportunities for multilingual learners.
Previously, she was the Director of the Emergent Bilingual Support Division at the Texas Education Agency (TEA), where she oversaw the development of policies and resources for 1.3 million emergent bilingual students. During her five years as director, she led efforts such as the... Read More →

Aracely Suarez

Multilingual Learner Programming Manager, Ensemble Learning

Aracely Suarez, M.Ed. is a Multilingual Learner Programming Manager at Ensemble Learning with expertise in dual language program implementation, instructional coaching, and language acquisition. She has held leadership roles including Director of Academic Programs, Principal, Assistant... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Ballroom I, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

1:45pm PDT

High-Impact Strategies for Equitable Student Engagement in the Science Classroom

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Ballroom 400, Yakima Convention Center

This session explores how science can be a powerful space for bilingual learners to thrive. Participants examine culturally affirming, language-rich instructional strategies that support sensemaking, elevate multilingual student voices, and expand equitable access to meaningful science learning for all students.

Speakers

Luke Matlack

Regional Science Coordinator, Educational Service District 105

Luke MatlackRegional Science Coordinator

Lorianne Donovan-Hermann

Regional Science Coordinator, ESD 123

Lorianne Donovan serves ESD 123 as the Regional Science Coordinator in Southeastern Washington State. In addition, Lorianne is the SE LASER Director, which works with the ESD districts to ensure quality science instruction for all students. Prior to joining the ESD, Lorianne brings... Read More →

Cari Haug

Regional Science Coordinator, North Central ESD 171

Cari HaugRegional Science Coordinator
Message NCESD

Jane SchuylemanAdministrative Assistant
Message NCESD

... Read More →

Dr. Anatasia Sanchez

Regional Science Coordinator, PSESD

Scientist Circle (1) (4) (1) pdf

Note Catcher for WABE (1) pdf

Initial Model Mystery on the Columbia pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Ballroom 400, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

1:45pm PDT

I want ___________ because________: Improving the Sentence Frame Scaffold

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Ballroom G2, Yakima Convention Center

What if using sentence frames sometimes restricts language learning rather than supporting it? Teachers need to explicitly and systematically teach the language of both the frames and the blanks. Come discuss how and when to use sentence frames along with strategies to ensure students are prepared to produce desired language.

Speakers

Dr. Beth Dillard

Director, Multilingual Education Community Programs, Renton & Everett, Western Washington University

Dr. Beth Dillard is an Associate Professor in the Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University. She is the Director of Multilingual Education Community Programs. She has a PhD in Second Languages Education from the University of Minnesota (2016). Prior, she was a... Read More →

Dr. Jennifer Green

Director, Multilingual Education Program, Bellingham, Western Washington University

Western Washington University (WWU), our partner school districts, and Washington state share a commitment to increasing the number of bi/multilingual teachers from the communities in which they live, helping to build strong multi- language programs, and increasing the diversity of... Read More →

Dr. Cory Mathieu

Assistant Professor, Western Washington University

Dr. Cory Mathieu is an Assistant Professor in the Multilingual Education Program at Western Washington University. She teaches classes in the EL and Bilingual Education endorsement programs. Cory is the leader of the Secondary Dual Language Initiative at the Center for Advanced Research... Read More →

Improving the Sentence Frame Handout pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Ballroom G2, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

1:45pm PDT

Native American Inclusion and ML Engagement

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Ballroom H, Yakima Convention Center

Discover how one school elevates Native wisdom alongside diverse multilingual voices through intentional, small‑step practices. Learn how identifying building languages, celebrating cultures, strengthening translation services, and deepening family partnerships support engagement for Native American students while also extending to a global approach that honors all home languages and cultures, creating a more inclusive, connected school community.

Speakers

Mike Frederickson

ML Instructor, Waller Road Elementary, Puyallup School District

Mike Frederickson, ML Paraeducator - Presented at the Western Washington Native American Educators Conference 2025, co-leads the Cultural and Climate Committee, leads the annual school Culture Night, facilitates monthly cultural activities, and has been a member of the District Diversity... Read More →

Taylor Heersink

3rd Grade Teacher, Puyallup School District

Taylor Heersink, 3rd Grade Teacher -
M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction, Law Student at Purdue Global, Administrative Intern, Leads the Student Equity Advisory Council, Building Assessment Coordinator, Member of the District Social Studies Cadre, Member of the MTSS Oversight Committee, Member of the Culture & Climate Committe... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Ballroom H, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

1:45pm PDT

Schoolwide Progress Monitoring: Communicating Multilingual Learner Growth to Empower Families

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Ballroom G1, Yakima Convention Center

This session explores a schoolwide TBIP progress-monitoring system that integrates CCSS and WIDA ELD standards. Participants engage with language-infused, grade-level rubrics used by teachers and ML specialists to track growth, inform tiered supports, and empower families to advocate for their child’s language and academic development.

Speakers

Cat D'Avignon

MLL Specialist, Mount Vernon School Disctrict

Cat D'Avignon is a ML Specialist in Mount Vernon, WA. She is passionate about inclusive Tier 1 learning environments and rigorous learning experiences for all students. She has served as ML Specialist for 3 years and has 13 years of classroom teaching experience.

Brianna Pimentel

ML Specialist, Mount Vernon School Disctrict

Brianna Pimentel is a bilingual ML Specialist in Mount Vernon, WA. She is passionate about dual language education and serving emerging bilingual students.

Ashleigh Moe

Principal, Mount Vernon School Disctrict

Ashleigh Moe, Principal of Little Mountain Elementary, is a visionary educator who excels in creating systematic approaches to support multilingual learners in classrooms.

Jordan Lee

Teacher, Mount Vernon School Disctrict

Jordan Lee is a fifth-grade teacher in the Mount Vernon School District with 11 years of instructional experience. He is deeply committed to strengthening students’ writing skills and expanding their use of academic language across content areas. Jordan firmly believes that proficiency... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Ballroom G1, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

1:45pm PDT

Writing with Multilingual Learners

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Ballroom 200, Yakima Convention Center

This WIDA session focuses on writing instruction that uses the Teaching and Learning Cycle (TLC) as a way to empower multilingual writers, not only to produce successful academic writing but also, more importantly, to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and different audiences. We want students to know how to leverage writing as a powerful tool to understand the world, express themselves effectively, learn from one another, and argue for the things they believe in. This vision requires intentional, language-focused instruction and is strengthened when it occurs through authentic writing tasks in the content areas. We will explore each stage of the TLC and look at how it apprentices multilingual learners into writing in various academic genres.

Speakers

Emma Sandoval

WIDA

Emma Sandoval works within the Educator Learning, Research, and Practice department at WIDA on the development and facilitation of professional learning experiences and resources, a role that connects her with wonderful educators making a difference in the lives of multilingual learners... Read More →

WIDA Writing with Multilingual Learners 2026 WABE Conference pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Ballroom 200, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm PDT

Finding Their Math Voice: Open Tasks that Build Agency and Access for Multilingual Learners (Sponsored by Savvas Learning)

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Ballroom 100, Yakima Convention Center

Empower multilingual learners to take ownership of mathematics. We will explore open tasks and specific language strategies that lower entry barriers while maintaining grade-level rigor. Based on research from NCTM and CGCS's ML framework, this session delivers practical tools to build engagement, collaboration, and equity in your classroom.

Speakers

Ricardo Sinclair

Curriculum Field Specialist, Savvas Learning Company

At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, personalized next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional... Read More →

RS WABE Finding Their Math Voice Open Tasks that Build Agency and Access for Multilingual Learners For Upload pptx

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom 100, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm PDT

From Confusion to Conversation: Improving Home Language Survey Practices

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Ballroom H, Yakima Convention Center

The Home Language Survey is essential for identifying multilingual learners, yet misconceptions can lead to confusion for staff and families. This session shares how our district partnered with OSPI to create clear guidance when families request changes. Participants will explore lessons learned, practice scenarios, and strengthen family-centered communication.

Speakers

Bethany Martinez

Director of Migrant & Multilingual Services, Wahluke School District

Bethany Martinez has over 20 years of experience supporting multilingual learners and advancing bilingual education. She oversees the Migrant, Multilingual Ed, Language Access and Dual Language Programs in Wahluke School District, providing instructional leadership and professional... Read More →

From Confusion to Conversation HLS WABE pdf

From Confusion to Conversation scenarios pdf

Home Language Survey Resource FAQs and Family Engagement Strategies OSPI Wahlukedocx docx

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom H, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm PDT

Launching Successful Co- Planning and Co- Teaching Systems

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Ballroom G2, Yakima Convention Center

Come join us in learning about Federal Way Public School's journey in designing and implementing effective co-planning and co-teaching systems. Participants will learn about structures such as intentional scheduling, building strong teacher partnerships, and using pilot cycles to support implementation and continuous improvement.

Speakers

Karina Vanderbilt

Multilingual Specialist, Federal Way Public Schools: Evergreen Middle School

Karina Vanderbilt is currently a Multilingual Specialist in Federal Way Public Schools. Prior to this role, she served as the Multilingual Director at Puget Sound Educational Service District. In her 17 years in education she has served as a teacher, school leader and state policy... Read More →

Rebekah Small

Multilingual Facilitator, Federal Way

Ann Modarelli

Federal Way Public Schools

PPT pdf

Station 1 District Priorities pdf

Station 4 Cycles vs Year long pdf

Station 2 Co Teaching Models pdf

Station 3 Data and Measurement pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom G2, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm PDT

Practical considerations for secondary dual language education programs: What, how, and why

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Ballroom 400, Yakima Convention Center

This interactive presentation will provide guidance for some of the most common logistical questions around secondary DL programs like: What courses to teach? How to include newcomer or heritage students? How to maintain bilingual/biliteracy trajectories? Come prepared to consider the policies, practices, and structures of successful secondary DL programs!

Speakers

Dr. Cory Mathieu

Assistant Professor, Western Washington University

Dr. Cory Mathieu is an Assistant Professor in the Multilingual Education Program at Western Washington University. She teaches classes in the EL and Bilingual Education endorsement programs. Cory is the leader of the Secondary Dual Language Initiative at the Center for Advanced Research... Read More →

Mathieu, C. WABE 2026 Secondary DLI Handout docx

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom 400, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm PDT

Semillas: Plant Seeds to Empower and Engage Families of Multilingual Learners

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Ballroom 300, Yakima Convention Center

Family engagement is essential to K–12 multilingual learner success. This interactive session explores equity-centered, research-based family engagement practices through real-world dual language case studies. Participants will design a practical, context-specific engagement strategy and leave with actionable tools to support sustainable family-school partnerships.

Speakers

Yvonne Oronoz-Williams

Director for MLs Educator Engagement, WCEPS

Yvonne Williams serves as Director for MLs Educator Engagement at WCEPS, where she leads national initiatives that strengthen partnerships with Local Education Agencies and support high-impact instructional practices, with a particular emphasis on multilingual learners. She oversees... Read More →

Engagement Plan Template docx

Semillas Note taker WABE 2026 docx

PPT Presentation pptx

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom 300, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm PDT

Small Shifts, BIG IMPACT: Breaking the Box to Spark Student Ownership

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Ballroom I, Yakima Convention Center

Break the box! Learn simple, creative strategies that spark student ownership through deeper student & family connection, engaging conversations, and passion based hooks that slide seamlessly into everyday lessons. PLUS: best practices to align leaders, teams, departments, families, and community partners so students become active participants, and architects of their learning.

Speakers

Dr. Jamie Lee

WABE NW Region - Seat 2, Puyallup SD

Dr. Jamie Lee serves as the Executive Director of Federal Programs and Student Success in Puyallup School District. She is a strong advocate to advance equitable, transformative PreK–12 programming, and leads district initiatives including MTSS, Title I–IV, LAP, and multilingual... Read More →

Camille Empey

Founder and CEO, Active Players Outreach

Camille Empey is the Founder and CEO of Active Players Outreach and a Bilingual Educator and instructional leader with 25 years in K–12 education, including 15 years in the classroom and 10 years in leadership. She is a passionate advocate for Multilingual Learners (MLLs), and Dual... Read More →

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom I, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm PDT

Teaching Metalinguistics Across Disciplines; What Every Teacher Can Do to Amplify Language Learning

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Ballroom 200, Yakima Convention Center

Together we will experience a cycle of key instructional routines that every teacher, regardless of grade or content area, can employ to ensure students make growth in conceptual development and linguistic skills. You will engage in strategies as you learn about neuroscience and learning, the Science of Reading (SOR) and literacy development for Multilingual Learners.

Speakers

Christine Champie

Academic Essentials

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom 200, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm PDT

Unifying for Literacy: A District’s Journey to Multilingual Learner Success (Sponsored by Summit K12)

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Ballroom J, Yakima Convention Center

Discover how leaders of a district came together to shape the future of literacy instruction by building a unified, system-wide framework with multilingual learners at its heart. In this dynamic session, we’ll dive into how they aligned resources, fostered coherence, and built the infrastructure needed to deliver equitable, high-quality language and literacy education. Walk away with practical strategies and a vision for empowering every multilingual student to thrive.

Speakers

Amelia Larson

Chief Academic Officer, Summit K12

Amelia Larson - Amelia is the Chief Academic Officer at Summit K-12, renowned for her dedication to fostering equitable outcomes and driving transformative change in K-12 education. She focuses on advancing multiliteracy among linguistically, culturally, and economically diverse students... Read More →

Lucy Estrada

Director of Multilingual and Student Success, Vancouver Public Schools

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom J, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm PDT

Widening WIDA Speaking Opportunities

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Ballroom G1, Yakima Convention Center

Participants will learn how to structure WIDA-like speaking practice for their ML students with multiple examples to take away and use in their classes. Rubrics will be shared along with practical tips for providing feedback to students with opportunities for peer feedback and self-reflection.

Speakers

Greg Davis

ML Coordinator, Tumwater School District

Davis has been an educator and leader since 19992, having taught English Language Learners in Russia for 2 years and in the US at the K-12, community college, and university levels for 25+ years. He holds an MA in TESOL, an MAT in Teaching Math and is endorsed in math, science, bilingual... Read More →

WABE26 Widening WIDA Speaking Opps Sampler PPT pptx

Multilevel Classroom Speaking Rubric xlsx

WIDA WA 2026 Davis Widening WIDA Speaking Opportunities pptx

multilevel classroom speaking rubric rev pdf

Friday April 24, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom G1, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

8:00am PDT

Be GLAD! (Guided Language Acquisition Design) Strategies for Language Development and Academic Success (Sponsored Session)

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Ballroom 200, Yakima Convention Center

Award-winning GLAD strategies promote language acquisition, high academic achievement, and 21st-century skills with phenomenal proven results. Participants will experience a handful of research-based teaching techniques to support MLs across disciplines. Come reignite the excitement of teaching, as we show you how to empower yourself and your students to succeed!

Speakers

Cassandra Clark

Multilingual Learner Specialist, Lake Stevens School District

Cassandra Clark is an experienced educator with a background as a classroom and special education teacher, Multilingual Learner specialist, and reading interventionist. She holds a master’s degree in English Language Learning and currently serves as an ML specialist, supporting... Read More →

Kristin Odegaard

Multilingual Learner Specialist, Lake Stevens School District

Kristin Odegaard is a Multilingual Learner Specialist for the Lake Stevens School District and a BeGLAD Certified Agency Trainer (CAT). She brings three decades of experience supporting linguistically diverse students across the educational spectrum. Kristin began her career with... Read More →

7HPT 2020 English pdf

7HPT 2020 Spanish pdf

7HPT 2020 Traditional Chinese pdf

7HPT 2020 Simplified Chinese pdf

Awareness Packet 2025 full resolution pdf

One Page Be GLAD Training Options upd. 8.2025 pdf

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Ballroom 200, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

8:00am PDT

Collaboration in Action: High‑Impact Co‑Teaching for Multilingual Learners

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Ballroom 100, Yakima Convention Center

When ELD specialists and classroom teachers plan with intention around high impact strategies, language learning shifts from routine to action! This session dives into the core moves of high‑impact co‑teaching, offering a clear look at how each co-teachers’ strategic role accelerates language development. Using a thoughtful planning guide and language‑rich strategies in three clear unit phases, co-teachers provide language learners what they need to achieve unit outcomes. The model culminates with all students producing high‑level language and literacy tied to a social‑justice‑focused action plan—affirming that for multilingual learners language is action.

Speakers

Lara Smith

High Level Trainings

Lara Smith is an educator with over 25 years of experience as a language teacher, school principal, and currently a high school vice principal. Throughout her career, she has championed effective instruction for multilingual learners and has trained countless educators in sheltered... Read More →

Jody Bader

Next Steps with Project GLAD

Jody Bader is an educator with over 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher, ELD specialist, instructional coach, education researcher, and one of the Northwest’s leading OCDE Project GLAD® trainers. She began her career as a teacher and ESL trainer in a culturally and socio-economically... Read More →

Collaboration in Action Handout pdf

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Ballroom 100, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

8:00am PDT

English Learners for a Transformed World (2nd Edition): A Guide to Collaborative Professional Learning (Sponsored by DLeNM)

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Ballroom J, Yakima Convention Center

Our interactive session offers the participants an opportunity to co-create communities of voice, power, and purpose via collaboration structures that serve to empower multilingual learners. Anchored to the new, 2nd edition of the Collier, Thomas, & Lachance book, Educating English Learners for a Transformed World, we share applicable tools to co-create and grow collaboration practices in DLBE settings. Specifically, we'll do some deep dives into several of the chapter topics such as Full Gap Closure, Program Effectiveness, Enrichment Programs, Testing, and Future Action Recommendations. Come join us!

Speakers

Dr. Joan Lachance

Associate professor at UNC Charlotte and the Co-Director of EMMA (Educators for a Multilingual and Multicultural America), UNC Charlotte/EMMA

Dr. Joan Lachance is an associate professor at UNC Charlotte and the Co-Director of EMMA (Educators for a Multilingual and Multicultural America) under the auspices of Dual Language Education of New Mexico. She is the co-author of the National Dual Language Education Teacher Preparation... Read More →

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Ballroom J, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

8:00am PDT

Looking for Clues for KLUs

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Ballroom I, Yakima Convention Center

Join Katelynn Brown, a Professional Development Specialist in the world of Multilingual Education, in this practical, high-leverage session. Katelynn will guide participants through deconstructing the WIDA Standards to identify the “hidden language clues”—the specific grammatical features, cohesive devices, text structures, and disciplinary vocabulary—that underpin each Key Language Uses in rigorous academic text.

Speakers

Katelynn Brown

WABE Board Member, Vancouver School District

Eastern Washington University (International Affairs; German)
TESOL experience - Prague, The Czech Republic
TESOL experience - Jeon Ju City, Korea
TESOL experience - Tapei, Taiwan
Whitworth University (Masters in Teaching, ELL endorsement)
General Education Experience (Battle Ground S... Read More →

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Ballroom I, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

8:00am PDT

Puentes de Confianza: Building Trust With Spanish-Speaking Families in Challenging Times

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Ballroom 300, Yakima Convention Center

Presentation highlights the work of a Spanish Family Liaison in the Evergreen School District and the intentional strategies used to engage, support, and advocate for families during challenging times.

Speakers

Adriana Ramirez Reyes

BILINGUAL FAMILY LIAISON, EVERGREEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

I am an immigrant from Mexico who came to the U.S. at age 10. My experiences navigating the school system shaped my path, and I now work as a family liaison empowering parents to support their children’s academic success.

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Ballroom 300, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

8:00am PDT

Supporting Mathematical Sensemaking in Word Problems

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Ballroom G1 & G2, Yakima Convention Center

If you have seven pencils and I have 14 apples, how many chickens will fit on the roof? Mathematical word problems can feel nonsensical, especially for multilingual learners! Learners thrive when given appropriate language scaffolding rather than decontextualized or over-simplified problems. This workshop supports educators in identifying and implementing language supports to promote mathematical literacy and sensemaking.

Speakers

Dr. Beth Dillard

Director, Multilingual Education Community Programs, Renton & Everett, Western Washington University

Dr. Beth Dillard is an Associate Professor in the Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University. She is the Director of Multilingual Education Community Programs. She has a PhD in Second Languages Education from the University of Minnesota (2016). Prior, she was a... Read More →

Dr. Saraswati Noel

Assistant Professor in Multilingual Education, Western Washington University

Dr. Saraswati Noel is an Assistant Professor in Multilingual Education at Western. Her current work focuses on supporting multilingual learners in mathematics. She previously was a middle school and high school math teacher at a school centered on supporting recent immigrants and... Read More →

Experiential Responses pdf

Saturday April 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Ballroom G1 & G2, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:00am PDT

A Través De Mis Ojos: Leading with Story to Empower Multilingual Learners and Advance Equity

Saturday April 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Ballroom 400, Yakima Convention Center

Through storytelling and reflection, this session invites leaders to explore identity, equity, and advocacy for multilingual learners. Participants will learn strategies to reduce barriers without lowering expectations, amplify student voice, and lead with cultural humility. Discover how personal narrative can inspire inclusive leadership and empower the next generation.

Speakers

Marlene Perez

Multilingual Learner Program Supervisor, Walla Walla Public Schools

Marlene Perez serves as the Multilingual Learner Program Supervisor in the Equity and Dual Programs Department for Walla Walla Public Schools. With over two decades of experience as a bilingual paraeducator, teacher, interventionist, and administrator, she has dedicated her career... Read More →

A Través De Mis Ojos Participant Reflection Worksheet pdf

WABE 2026 presentation pdf

Saturday April 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Ballroom 400, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:00am PDT

Elevating Equitable Opportunities for Academic Discourse for MLLs Using Talk Moves and ELD Strategies

Saturday April 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Ballroom 100, Yakima Convention Center

This highly collaborative, interactive session will revisit frameworks for supporting our multilingual learners’ (MLLs) language development and the continuum of Second Language acquisition, begin to unpack basic “talk moves” and other ELD strategies and understand how integrating these routines into our classrooms and schools can scaffold and support equitable opportunities for academic discourse for every student, specifically our MLLs and complex learners.

Speakers

Sally A. Baer

PhD Student & Multilingual Learner Specialist, Seattle Pacific University and Renton School District

Sally is a dedicated instructional leader, educational advocate and researcher, and has over 20 years of teaching experience as an elementary teacher, reading interventionist and most recently, a multilingual learning (MLL) specialist. Sally also does contract work for WEA, OSPI and... Read More →

2026 WABE Slide Deck Sally Baer pptx

Saturday April 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Ballroom 100, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:00am PDT

Increasing Linguistic and Academic Success in Every Lesson

Saturday April 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Ballroom G1 & G2, Yakima Convention Center

Looking for powerful, practical ways to support language development and deepen content learning? This interactive session introduces high-impact instructional strategies that every teacher, regardless of grade level or subject, can use to amplify student language and promote academic growth. These strategies are designed to activate all domains of language, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, in meaningful and integrated ways. Participants will explore how to create rich opportunities for student talk, scaffold academic vocabulary, and design tasks that support both language and content mastery.

Speakers

Dr. Valentina Gonzalez

Founder, Rooted Linguistics LLC

Dr. Valentina Gonzalez is the founder of Rooted Linguistics LLC and an international multilingual learner consultant working with educators across the nation to support multilingual learners and their families. Her personal experiences as an immigrant and second language learner fuel... Read More →

Saturday April 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Ballroom G1 & G2, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:00am PDT

Supporting Multilingual Families: What We Need from You!

Saturday April 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Ballroom 200, Yakima Convention Center

The OSPI Multilingual Family Advisory Committee is a group of parents and educators who provide leadership on family engagement at the state level. In this panel presentation, you will hear directly from these culturally and linguistically diverse family members about what they need to help their multilingual children succeed!

Speakers

Kristin Percy Calaff

Director of Multilingual Education, Office of Homeless Youth

Dr. Kristin Percy Calaff is the Director of Multilingual Education for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. She has over 35 years of experience as a dual language teacher, principal, district administrator, and state leader. Kristin holds a Ph.D. in Multilingual/Multicultural... Read More →

Teresa Mendoza-Casby

Dual Language Program Supervisor, OSPI

Teresa Mendoza-Casby serves as the Dual Language Program Supervisor at the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Educated in Mexico and holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions, Teresa brings over 20 years of experience in education, teachi... Read More →

Parent Panel Members

Saturday April 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Ballroom 200, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions

11:00am PDT

Using WIDA MARCO DALE to promote Mathematical Discourse in Dual Language Spanish Classrooms

Saturday April 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Ballroom 300, Yakima Convention Center

In math, multilingual learners must comprehend mathematics’ disciplinary literacy, a complex system that includes proficiency, practices, and discourse (Moschkovich, 2015a) . Come learn how to use the WIDA MARCO DALE in Spanish to plan discourse rich instruction that moves students beyond vocabulary to also develop sentence and discourse rich mathematical grade level language, enhancing all students’ linguistic knowledge and mathematical reasoning.

Speakers

Patricia Venegas-Weber

Dual Language Program Supervisor, Office of Superintendent of Public Instriction

Dr. Patricia Venegas-Weber is originally from Chile and holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, specializing in the development of bilingual education teachers’ professional identity. She has more than 20 years of experience in bilingual... Read More →

Erica Bailey Ramos

Dual Language Program Specialist, Edmonds School District

Erica Ramos' commitment to dual language education is both professional and personal. A former dual language student and proud Latina, she works out of a deep dedication to her community and a belief in the brilliance of multilingual learners. Currently a Dual Language Program Specialist... Read More →

Saturday April 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Ballroom 300, Yakima Convention Center

Breakout Sessions