Friday, May 15, 2026
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Registration
May 15, 7:00am – 8:00am60 minMain Foyer -
Education and Training Pathway at Memorial
Parent, Family, & Community EngagementCynthia Ramirez De Lopez Lead with Marely Garcia
May 15, 9:40am – 10:50am70 minMaverick (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
This presentation showcases how future bilingual educators serve as campeones de lenguaje, la cultura, y la comunidad by completing internships in local elementary schools, where they apply dual language and culturally responsive practices. Research affirms that developing students’ first language strengthens second-language acquisition and overall academic success, and that affirming cultural identity is essential for bilingual learners’ engagement and well‑being . Additionally, field‑based experiences deepen preservice teachers’ understanding of dual language pedagogy and strengthen preparation for bilingual/dual language classrooms . By uplifting language, culture, and community through authentic service, these interns embody the spirit of Still We Rise and demonstrate the trans-formative impact of bilingual educator pathways. -
From Prompt to Practice: GenAI Strategies for Bilingual Classroom
Hybrid International StrandDr. Carlos Lindade (Portugal) Lead
May 15, 9:45am – 10:40am55 minLa Villita (Level: Ground Floor, Cap 30)Show details
This session will offer a series of hands-on, classroom-ready examples showing how generative AI can support key areas of teaching and learning in bilingual classrooms. Participants will explore practical ways in which these tools can assist with lesson planning, the design of engaging bilingual materials, formative assessment, and the development of student-led activities that encourage creativity and autonomy. The session will introduce a range of accessible, easy-to-use tools that teachers can adapt to their own educational contexts while ensuring alignment with curricular standards and learning objectives. Attention will also be given to the development of students’ and teachers’ digital literacy, with particular emphasis on critically evaluating AI-generated content and understanding its pedagogical potential and limitations. Participants will leave the session with a clear idea of the importance of establishing clear guidelines and classroom practices that foster the responsible, ethical, and purposeful use of AI in educational settings. -
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From Insight to Impact: Aligning Data, Funding, and Equity
Sponsored by Summit K-12 (Diamond) Sponsored SessionsEricka Avila Dillon Lead
May 15, 9:45am – 10:40am55 minLaurel (Level: 2nd Floor, Cap 45)Show details
Equitable instruction for Emergent Bilingual (EB) students requires more than just good intentions—it requires a data-backed blueprint. In this session, we dive into the "how" of supporting district-wide EB initiatives. We will audit multi-year data trends, map evidence-based resources to specific funding streams, and bridge the gap between financial planning and instructional achievement. Attendees will walk away with a ready-to-use implementation framework that equips them to advocate for EB students and lead their districts toward a more equitable and inclusive future. -
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NeuroLectoGramática: domina la gramática y libera tu potencial lingüístico
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsJaime Leal Sotelo Lead
May 15, 9:45am – 10:40am55 minReal (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
¿Buscas una estrategia sólida y científicamente validada para que tus estudiantes no solo memoricen, sino que comprendan y dominen la gramática? Acompáñanos en esta sesión interactiva para explorar la Rutina de NeuroLectoGramática, un poderoso protocolo de lectura de 3 pasos diseñado a partir de los últimos estudios sobre el cerebro y la adquisición del lenguaje. -
Voces del mundo: enseñando español en Costa de Marfil
Hybrid International StrandKante Kadjatou (Costa de Marfil) Lead
May 15, 10:55am – 11:50am55 minLa Villita (Level: Ground Floor, Cap 30)Show details
¿Alguna vez te has preguntado cómo se vive la enseñanza del idiomas más allá de nuestras fronteras? Esta ponencia te invita a descubrirlo a través de la inspiradora experiencia de una docente en Costa de Marfil. Exploraremos qué impulsa a una maestra a dedicarse a la enseñanza de idiomas, la extraordinaria diversidad y riqueza lingüística del país y cómo transcurre un día en su aula. También se abordarán elementos como el perfil de los estudiantes, los recursos didácticos que emplea, así como los retos y oportunidades que enfrenta en su contexto educativo. Acompáñanos en este recorrido y aprende de la valiosa experiencia de Kante, profesora de español en Costa de Marfil. -
Building Bilingual Teacher Pipelines Through Leadership
Administrator/ AdvocacyDr. Lorena Claeys Lead with Dr. Karina Villa, Ms. Christina King, M.a., Mrs. Renee Tondre-garza, Lpc Dr. Claudia Garcia-treviño, M.a. Sr. Alejandra Treviño, Fma, M. Ed
May 15, 10:55am – 11:50am55 minLaurel (Level: 2nd Floor, Cap 45)Show details
This session examines how educational leaders can expand bilingual teacher pipelines through advocacy, policy-informed decision-making, and strategic partnerships. Participants will explore the Culturally Efficacious Signature Teacher Residency (CESTR) model developed by the Academy for Teacher Excellence Research Center at UT San Antonio and how the model supports paraprofessionals and community members in becoming certified bilingual educators.
The session highlights leadership practices that support Grow‑Your‑Own programs, including mentorship structures, district‑university collaboration, and policy strategies that remove barriers and expand access to bilingual programs for aspiring teachers. Presenters will also discuss culturally sustaining leadership approaches that value multilingualism and cultural identity as essential assets.
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for building sustainable Grow Your Own pathways, cultivating community-rooted educators, and rising together as champions of language, culture, and community. -
Campeones del idioma desde Pre‑K: Conectando hogar, escuela y comunidad
Parent, Family, & Community EngagementDubelsa Lara Lead
May 15, 10:55am – 11:50am55 minMaverick (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
This presentation will share practical, research‑aligned strategies to position Pre‑K families as active partners in developing children’s bilingual language and cultural identity in dual language and ESL classrooms. Drawing on over 20 years of classroom experience and a recent Top Family Engagement award using ReadyRosie, the session will model how everyday home routines, stories, and traditions can be transformed into rich language and literacy opportunities that honor students’ linguistic and cultural assets. Participants will leave with ready‑to‑use ideas for communication, family activities, and classroom projects that connect home, school, and community, fully reflecting the theme “Still We Rise: Campeones de lenguaje, la cultura, y la comunidad.” -
Where Language and Disability Meet: What Districts Must Do Differently
Featured SessionsLizdelia Piñón Lead
May 15, 10:55am – 12:05pm70 minPine (Level: 2nd Floor, Cap 40)Show details
Where Language and Disability Meet explores how schools can better serve multilingual students with disabilities by rethinking systems that often separate language development from special education. This session challenges deficit-based approaches and highlights how they contribute to misidentification, limited access, and inequitable outcomes for emergent bilingual learners.
Participants will examine how policy, instruction, and collaboration can work together to create more inclusive, asset-based environments that honor students’ linguistic and cultural strengths. The presentation offers practical strategies for equitable identification, bilingual and culturally sustaining instruction, stronger collaboration between multilingual and special education teams, and authentic family partnership.
Grounded in research and real-world district examples, this session empowers educators, leaders, and advocates to move beyond compliance and toward transformative practices. Attendees will leave with concrete tools and a renewed vision for creating classrooms and systems where multilingual students with disabilities are fully included, supported, and positioned to thrive. -
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Effective Instructional Practices in Dual Language earning all points on TELPAS
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsDora Leija Lead
May 15, 10:55am – 11:50am55 minReal (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
Presentation will include videos, examples and modeling of the 3 dual language techniques:the dictado: diario duo and lota Lara to lead our students to high academic achievement in both English and Spanish. These strategies have led our campus to earn our 10 points for the last 3 years on TELPAS and to outperform monolingual academic achievement. -
“Tejiendo Puentes entre México y las Américas: Identidad Transnacional y Colaboraciones Educativas Interculturales”
Hybrid International StrandMargarita Machado - Casas (Mexico - USA) Lead
May 15, 1:45pm – 2:40pm55 minLa Villita (Level: Ground Floor, Cap 30)Show details
This presentation highlights an innovative cross-cultural initiative that strengthens educational experiences through collaboration among the United States, Mexico, and Latin America. Centered in Oaxaca, the project demonstrates how international partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for both local communities and students in U.S. educational settings. Participants will learn about Oaxaca Vive, a model that brings together educators, students, artists, and community leaders in shared spaces of learning that connect language, culture, the arts, and education. -
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From Parents to Professionals: Fortaleciendo las capacidades en nuestras comunidades
Parent, Family, & Community EngagementDenise Segura Lead
May 15, 1:45pm – 2:40pm55 minMaverick (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
This session highlights the transformative journey of a Salado DLI Academy that has moved beyond traditional parent involvement to a robust parent capacity-building model. We will share how our district empowers families by providing ESL and GED classes, as well as specialized pathways for parents to earn their Instructional Assistant and Substitute certifications. By investing in our parents' professional growth, we have cultivated a resilient ecosystem where bilingualism serves as a bridge to career opportunities and school leadership. Attendees will learn how this model has effectively eliminated our LPAC parent shortages and substitute teacher gaps, creating a sustainable cycle of advocacy and support. We will provide a roadmap for participants to replicate these certification pathways, demonstrating how bilingual education empowers families to rise above systemic challenges and become the primary voices for their classrooms and communities. -
Bilingual Flourishing Champions through Love and Character Education
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsMaricarmen Esper Lead
May 15, 1:45pm – 2:40pm55 minReal (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
This session shows bilingual educators how to integrate love, cultural identity, and character development into everyday teaching. Participants will learn simple, bilingual strategies that strengthen relationships and nurture virtues like empathy and perseverance. Through practical examples, teachers will discover how to weave character and culture into lessons and routines. Attendees leave with ready‑to‑use tools to help every student feel valued and encourage to flourish and to thrive. -
Click, Scroll… What’s Next? Cyber-Wisdom in the Digital Age
Hybrid International StrandMercedes Del Rocío Valderrábano Zamorano (España) Lead
May 15, 2:55pm – 3:50pm55 minLa Villita (Level: Ground Floor, Cap 30)Show details
En una sociedad hiperconectada, esta ponencia plantea si la educación actual está formando personas capaces de vivir bien en entornos digitales. Frente al predominio de competencias técnicas, se propone la educación del carácter como base para desarrollar el juicio moral y la acción ética.
Desde este marco, se introduce la cibersabiduría como la capacidad de ejercer un juicio práctico éticamente informado en contextos digitales, inspirada en la phronesis aristotélica. Este enfoque integra cuatro dimensiones: alfabetización, razonamiento, autorreflexión y motivación moral.
Se argumenta que los enfoques tradicionales de educación digital —centrados en habilidades técnicas o normas— son insuficientes ante la complejidad del entorno digital, caracterizado por la sobreinformación, la mediación algorítmica y la ambigüedad moral. La cibersabiduría emerge así como una competencia clave para promover el florecimiento humano, permitiendo actuar con prudencia, responsabilidad y orientación al bien común.
Asimismo, se subraya la necesidad de integrar este enfoque tanto en la educación escolar como universitaria. Finalmente, se presenta el trabajo del Centro de Educación en Virtudes y Valores (UFV), orientado al desarrollo de programas y formación docente en cibersabiduría -
The Fab 4: Four Non-Negotiable Scaffolds to Support EBs
Administrator/ AdvocacySonya Monreal Lead with Elizabell Garcia
May 15, 2:55pm – 3:50pm55 minLaurel (Level: 2nd Floor, Cap 45)Show details
This hands-on session will showcase how our department operationalized four required daily scaffolds (The Fab 4) to ensure consistent language support for emergent bilingual students across all content areas. Rather than positioning scaffolds as optional strategies, our district embedded them into curriculum design, instructional expectations, and professional learning structures so that every teacher shares responsibility for language development.
Participants will examine real classroom examples and before-and-after lesson slide decks to see how intentional scaffold integration strengthens rigor while increasing access. -
When Bilingual Education Programs Meet the Magic of Music
Parent, Family, & Community EngagementDr. Gilberto D Soto Lead
May 15, 2:55pm – 4:05pm70 minMaverick (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
The main objective of this presentation is to provide principles and strategies of how music and movement can be related to the expressive and developmental needs of dual language programs for children from their early childhood stages. These music activities and/or curriculum materials presented are intended to increase the enactive, iconic and symbolic learning experiences when creating lesson plans. Group music experiences and activities for children will also be covered. This presentation is mostly hands-on, so be ready to sing, move and dance! -
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Accelerate Learning with Footsteps2Brilliance & Foster Calm Learning with Friendzy!
Sponsored by Teaching Counts! (Silver) Sponsored SessionsTerri Balderrama Booker Lead
May 15, 2:55pm – 4:05pm70 minPine (Level: 2nd Floor, Cap 40)Show details
Discover how to accelerate literacy and support emotional wellness for Emergent Bilingual students through engaging, research-based strategies and resources. This session combines innovative bilingual language and literacy tools with practical approaches to help students thrive academically and socially. Learn how to bridge school and home learning with culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate English and Spanish resources that promote Kindergarten readiness and 3rd grade reading proficiency. Explore how the brain responds to stress and how language and culture influence behavior, while gaining strategies from the Regulate–Respond–Relate framework to create calm, focused classrooms. Walk away with ready-to-use bilingual tools—including visual supports, sentence stems, and routines—that empower students, strengthen connections, and eliminate learning gaps. Attendees will receive access to free resources, including a trial opportunity and materials to immediately implement in their classrooms -
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El dictado: A routine to promote cultural and linguistic competency
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsAloise Miller Lead
May 15, 2:55pm – 3:50pm55 minReal (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
In this bilingual session, participants practice a step-by-step approach to implementing dictados in their classrooms. Through “structured conversations” and guided writing activities, they experience several dictados and identify ways to develop students’ oracy, metalinguistic, and cross-cultural awareness. In addition, the use of innovative strategies to teach phonology, morphology, and syntax across both program languages is a part of this language-rich presentation. Participants will learn how to maximize transfer opportunities across program languages and deepen their understanding of contrastive analysis.