LAD BREAKOUT SESSION
Breakout Sessions - a series of interactive conversations aimed at paving the way to comprehensive language learning opportunities from every state for every student
BREAKOUT SESSIONS A
2:20 - 2:50 | MONDAY MARCH 9
Session 1) Success Stories From The States
This interactive conversation highlights real advocacy wins from across the country and explores what made them possible in different state contexts. Participants will exchange strategies and lessons learned to strengthen language education for every student, from every state.
Room Location: NT01
Facilitator: Megan Worcester
Speakers:
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Todd Bowen
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Sharon Scinicariello
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Nate Campbell
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Maria Cristina Ladas
Session 2) Students Driving Change
Student insights, stories, and testimonials demonstrate the transformative impact of language education on their lives and futures. Young advocates to showcase how, as constituents, they are actively influencing policy and defending language programs in their communities, state, and at the national level.
Room Location: Grossman Hall
Facilitator: Norah Jones
Speakers:
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Jada Li
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Jake Li
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Julia Hosage
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Zoe Jiang
Session 3) K-12 - Partnering with Purpose
Participants consider how to establish and strengthen language programs by building sustainable partnerships with outside organizations, businesses, and community stakeholders. Focus will be on identifying, engaging, and leveraging external resources to strengthen K-12 language education.
Room Location: NT07
Facilitator: Linda Egnatz
Speaker:
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Jeanette Price
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Meredith White
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Nathanael Campbell
BREAKOUT SESSIONS B
3:00 - 3:30 | MONDAY MARCH 9
Session 1) Impact of cuts and changes to federal funding and offices
This facilitated discussion examines how federal funding changes, cuts, and policy shifts are affecting language education nationwide. This is an opportunity to ask our Director of Government Relations your questions about the pathways to rebuild as well as for tools and ideas to sustain funding in place. Participants will share insights and identify advocacy responses to protect access and opportunity for every student, from every state.
Room Location: NT01
Facilitator: Jon Bernsteing
Session 2) Making communication count in higher education language programs
Reimagine the future of higher education language studies by challenging traditional disciplinary boundaries and exploring innovative, interdisciplinary curricular models. This session explores new frameworks to elevate language programs, aligning them with contemporary student needs and institutional goals.
Room Location: Grossman Hall
Facilitator: Edgar Serrano
Speakers:
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Christa Chambless
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Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willougby
Session 3) Safeguarding Home and Heritage Languages Across K–16
Explore strategies to foster and maintain the home and heritage language skills of multilingual learners across K-12 and higher education contexts. Participants consider best practices, policies, and environments needed to promote long-term bilingualism and biliteracy.
Room Location: NT07
Facilitator: Nick Gossett
Speaker:
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Joy Peyton
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Margarita Machado-Casas
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Diep Nguyen