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Wednesday, June 4
 

8:00am CDT

The Journey to Belonging
Wednesday June 4, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
TBA
Across the U.S. and around the world, people leave their homelands in pursuit of a better life. What happens when they arrive? Explore the complex realities of social mobility, tracing the journeys of new immigrants and the challenges they face in navigating the American education system. Through vivid storytelling, examine how school communities serve as both gateways and barriers, and what must change to ensure every student has a fair chance to succeed.
Speakers
avatar for Jo Napolitano
Wednesday June 4, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
TBA Fort Zumwalt West High School

9:00am CDT

A Comprehensive Approach to SPED Referrals for MLs
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:00am - 10:20am CDT
Room 5
When MLs struggle academically, it is difficult to decipher the root cause. Explore the stages of language acquisition, culture’s impact on how we teach and learn, DESE resources and ways to form a collaborative multidisciplinary team to ensure MLs’ unique needs are considered.
Speakers
RH

Rhonda Hittenberger Ortiz

Instructional Coach, Missouri State University
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:00am - 10:20am CDT
Room 5
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

9:00am CDT

Supporting MLs Supports All: Instructional Strategies in Science
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:00am - 10:20am CDT
Room 3
Science often feels like its own specialized language, so how do we support MLs to make sense of science while also learning English? Experience the instructional planning and strategies that support not only ML students, but ALL students! Although we will engage in a mySci K-8 lesson, the strategies experienced can be applied to any science instructional materials.
Speakers
HM

Heather Milo

Science Instructional Specialist, Washington University in St. Louis / Institute for School Partnership (ISP)
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:00am - 10:20am CDT
Room 3
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

9:00am CDT

"Translators" Watch Party: The Burden and Brilliance of Language Brokering
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:00am - 10:20am CDT
Room 1
Watch the short documentary "Translators" and reflect on the powerful—though often unfair—roles many ML students take on as family interpreters. The film reveals the deep responsibility our MLs often carry and how, through navigating adult spaces, they develop leadership, advocacy and strengths that too often go unrecognized in schools. What does it mean for a child to translate the adult world, and how can we, as educators, recognize both the cost and the capacity in that experience?
Speakers
RG

Rob Greenhaw

MELL Instructional Consultant, Education Plus
Rob serves EdPlus members by providing consultation to schools that are working to implement high-quality, comprehensive and collaborative educational programs for English Learners. Rob also conducts professional development workshops that focus on providing practical strategies to... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:00am - 10:20am CDT
Room 1
  Student & Family Support

9:00am CDT

Enhancing Tier 1 Instruction Through ML Data Insights
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:00am - 10:20am CDT
Room 2
Engage in a design sprint to explore how multilingual data analysis can drive stronger Tier 1 classroom instruction—beyond identifying students for interventions. Discover strategies that move educators beyond simply completing data templates and instead empower them to analyze language-rich insights that support MLs equitably. Learn how to structure and facilitate data meetings that ensure Tier 1 instruction is responsive, inclusive and designed to meet the diverse linguistic needs of all students.
Speakers
SM

Sonya Murray-Darden

MLDS Specialist, EducationPlus
DK
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:00am - 10:20am CDT
Room 2
  Summative and Formative Assessment

10:30am CDT

Building Confidence and Community with Math Games from Around the World
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 3
Position the MLs in your classroom for success! Experience how strategy games from around the world develops critical thinking skills and community within the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Julie Antill

Julie Antill

MELL Instructional Specialist, SEMO RPDC
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 3
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

10:30am CDT

Leading Effective and Equitable English Language Development (ELD) Instruction
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 5
Discover the knowledge and tools needed to lead effective and equitable English Language Development (ELD) instruction for MLs of English. The information provided will be based on OELA’s 5 Evidence-Based Instructional Practices for English Learners. Through the examination of a model ELD lesson, practical approaches for differentiating instruction across various proficiency levels will be provided. Additionally, an equity-focused checklist will be shared to enhance the ability to observe and support ELD practices. School leaders will leave with actionable insights to ensure compliance while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Laura Grayson

Dr. Laura Grayson

Literacy Consultant, Benchmark Education Company
Talk to me about your needs for: DESE-approved literacy resources MO Learning Standards RSPs multilingual learnersSPEDfamily involvement resourcesBenchmark Education: publisher of BENCHMARK ADVANCE, the DESE-approved evidence-based core ELA resource.Research-based Decodables... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 5
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

10:30am CDT

Flip the Script
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 2
Struggling to engage with colleagues? This interactive session equips educators of MLs with practical strategies to build stronger relationships and navigate professional challenges. Through hands-on activities—like role-playing and group discussions—you’ll explore both proactive approaches to prevent pushback and reactive techniques to resolve conflicts effectively. Expect real talk, actionable insights and collaborative problem-solving that will enable you to engage in productive teamwork. Gain fresh strategies to create a more supportive and cooperative teaching environment!
Speakers
MH

Mary Hendricks-Harris

Leadership and Improvement Specialist, EducationPlus
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 2
  Leadership & School Culture

10:30am CDT

When Schools' Dedication to Newcomers Transcends Their Legal Obligation
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 1
Some school districts are finding ways to support older newcomers even when they have no legal obligation to do so. In California, where general education students over 17 have limited enrollment protections, the cash-strapped Oakland Unified School District has prioritized these learners. On the other hand, another school district has reinstated barriers that cut a student's education short. What can we learn from these two contrasting approaches? Explore the critical gap between policy and practice to uncover strategies that ensure every newcomer has access to learning, regardless of age.
Speakers
avatar for Jo Napolitano
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 1
  Leadership & School Culture

10:30am CDT

Collaboration, Counseling and Culture
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 4
Explore how to collaborate across counseling, social work and classroom settings to meet the needs of our MLs with high trauma. Explore research, and gain resources and strategies to help students feel safe and included in their new school.
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Marsh

Suzanne Marsh

EL Educator, St. Charles R-VI
Suzy Marsh has been teaching English Language Development in SCSD at Jefferson Intermediate since 2016. Suzy has focused on creating rhythms of inclusive communication to allow for more participation of minority families. Outside of school, Suzy is the Director of We Love St. Charles... Read More →
KM
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 4
  Student & Family Support

12:30pm CDT

A Comprehensive Approach to SPED Referrals for MLs
Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
Room 5
When MLs struggle academically, it is difficult to decipher the root cause. Explore the stages of language acquisition, culture’s impact on how we teach and learn, DESE resources and ways to form a collaborative multidisciplinary team to ensure MLs’ unique needs are considered.
Speakers
RH

Rhonda Hittenberger Ortiz

Instructional Coach, Missouri State University
Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
Room 5
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

12:30pm CDT

Using AI to Accommodate Multilingual speakers
Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
Room 4
Learn and test a variety of AI tools that can be used to modify and scaffold content materials for MLs at different levels of language proficiency on their literacy and proficiency-building journeys. Discover how to create modified assignments in different content areas for MLs at various levels along with teaching techniques that can assist MLs in content classrooms.
Speakers
VK

Viktoriia Kisil

ELL Specialist, Cape Girardeau Public School District
This presentation will focus on introducing the ways of using AI as a tool in teaching multilingual learners on different levels of language proficiency. The presenter will introduce and demonstrate how AI can be used to modify and scaffold content materials for English Language Learners... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
Room 4
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

12:30pm CDT

When Schools' Dedication to Newcomers Transcends Their Legal Obligation
Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
Room 1
Some school districts are finding ways to support older newcomers even when they have no legal obligation to do so. In California, where general education students over 17 have limited enrollment protections, the cash-strapped Oakland Unified School District has prioritized these learners. On the other hand, another school district has reinstated barriers that cut a student's education short. What can we learn from these two contrasting approaches? Explore the critical gap between policy and practice to uncover strategies that ensure every newcomer has access to learning, regardless of age.
Speakers
avatar for Jo Napolitano
Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
Room 1
  Leadership & School Culture

12:30pm CDT

Promoting Multiliteracy: Exploring Successful Projects and Funding Opportunities
Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
Room 3
Discover projects implemented by educators in Missouri that promote multiliteracy within their classrooms and schools, with the aim of developing their own goals in this area. Explore relevant examples with an opportunity to reflect on these practices and brainstorm ideas that could be effectively adapted to your own educational contexts. Potential funding sources to support the implementation of these initiatives will be shared.
Speakers
HL

Heather LeCureux

TESOL facilitator, practicum supervisor, Missouri State University
Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
Room 3
  Student & Family Support

12:30pm CDT

ML Assessment: Formative to Summative
Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
Room 2
Explore effective assessment strategies for MLs, from daily formative checks to summative evaluations. Learn to scaffold assessments, analyze student data and use tools like WIDA Can Do Descriptors, Quizizz and Padlet. Gain strategies to track language growth and support ML success.
Speakers
KD

Karuna Dwivedi

ELL Specialist, Riverview Gardens School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
Room 2
  Summative and Formative Assessment

1:30pm CDT

Early Literacy Strategies for SLIFE and Newcomer Students
Wednesday June 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Room 2
Many of our newcomers and SLIFE students do not have literacy skills or they may be lacking in their first language. This means that when they come to the U.S., they are unable to transfer reading skills to English. When we have these students, we have to start at ground zero with literacy instruction. Particularly with older students, this can be a challenge because materials and tasks are usually based around very young students. Learn how to adapt and adjust these activities for all students, including older ones.
Speakers
LL

Lonni Long

EL Educator, Troy R-III
Wednesday June 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Room 2
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

1:30pm CDT

Empowering MLs through Easy Classroom Strategies
Wednesday June 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Room 4
Explore engaging, multimodal resources available on the Discovery Education Experience platform, designed specifically to motivate and support multilingual language learners. Unlock practical, high-level strategies aimed at enhancing oral language development, fostering academic vocabulary growth and incorporating scaffolded writing opportunities. Discover intentional instructional techniques that empower educators to create a dynamic learning environment, ensuring every language learner thrives in their speaking, reading and writing. Don’t miss this chance to enrich your tool kit with effective strategies that make a difference.
Speakers
avatar for Marissa Geyer

Marissa Geyer

Partnerships Manager, Discovery Education
Discovery Education nurtures curiosity in every classroom by providing comprehensive learning experiences, high-quality educational content and resources, and best-in-class support and community. Our award-winning engaging, easy-to-use, and effective teaching and learning solutions... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Room 4
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

1:30pm CDT

Diversity Awareness in Action with Students
Wednesday June 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Room 3
FZiAM is a district-wide program that was created to acknowledge, educate and celebrate our differences. Our district has a mission to grow and develop social and global awareness, moral responsibility, cultural proficiency and promotion of acceptance among students and staff. Our fundamental keys to success are awareness, connection and engagement.
Speakers
JJ
MS

Mary Shive

EL Educator, Ft. Zumwalt R-II
Wednesday June 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Room 3
  Leadership & School Culture

1:30pm CDT

EL and Special Education: Navigating Dual Services
Wednesday June 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Room 1
Serving students who qualify for both EL and Special Education services requires thoughtful coordination and informed decision-making. Explore the intersection of these two programs, learn effective pre-referral strategies and gain tools for monitoring progress and supporting dually identified students. Examine best practices for exit criteria and procedures to ensure services remain responsive and appropriate.
Speakers
SK

Stacey Kastner

EL Educator, Francis Howell R-III
Wednesday June 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Room 1
  Student & Family Support

2:30pm CDT

The Go To Strategies: Your “Go To” For Meeting MLs’ Learning Needs
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Room 3
Do you find yourself spending time searching for research-based strategies to meet the various needs of your MLs? The GO TO Strategies document from Project EXCELL contains over 75 research-based strategies addressing all four language domains specifically for instructing MLs. Strategies are embedded throughout the session for participants to experience while they explore the document and understand how it is organized. This session is recommended for ESOL and content teachers working with MLs in grades K-12. Educators will be invited to include the Go To Strategies in a future lesson during hands-on planning time.
Speakers
BT

Betsy Trapp

ESOL Teacher, St. Louis Public Schools
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Room 3

2:30pm CDT

Opening the Door to Young Multilingual Scientists
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Room 5
Explore how important elementary science is in developing literacy, engagement and language for MLs. Discover how the Missouri Learning Standards and WIDA Key Language Uses work together to create multilingual scientists. Join the fun as we experience science in action!
Speakers
avatar for Julie Antill

Julie Antill

MELL Instructional Specialist, SEMO RPDC
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Room 5
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

2:30pm CDT

Keeping Secondary MLs Engaged: Strategies for Confidence and Progress
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Room 4
Explore strategies for building MLs’ self-confidence and keeping them engaged in their learning. Topics will include setting realistic goals, encouraging participation, valuing diverse accents, incorporating interactive games, fostering curiosity about students' backgrounds and motivating learners to take risks. Discover how educators can model language acquisition and support students in developing key motivation and self-monitoring skills.
Speakers
MS

Maysoon Shiaa

EL Educator, Ritenour
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Room 4
  Leadership & School Culture

2:30pm CDT

Lead to Help All Succeed
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Room 2
Learn how school leaders can foster a culture where all students—especially MLs—feel welcomed, valued and supported. Explore how relationship-building, student-centered leadership, and a deep understanding of family and community contexts can transform a school’s approach to MLs. Reflect on how your leadership practices can shape inclusive policies and daily decision-making that uplift every learner.
Speakers
CK
MK
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Room 2
  Leadership & School Culture

2:30pm CDT

Spanish Kickstarter Workshop
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Room 1
Prepare educators in all roles with practical Spanish that would be most relevant for building relationships with Spanish-speaking students and families in the school setting.
Speakers
AT

Anne Turan

Consultant (former EL Coordinator, former Assistant Principal, former classroom teacher), Together Language
Teacher and leader in literacy and language acquisition (bilingual, Spanish immersion, ESL); founder of "Together, Language", offering workshops, team training, and an accelerator program to help schools achieve federal compliance and stronger school cultures for inclusivity and equity... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Room 1
  Student & Family Support
 
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