Multi Language Learners and World Languages

Engaging Uses of Generative AI for Language Educators – Virtual
Virtual: 12/1/2025 2:00pm to 4:00pm

It‘s time to meet your new personal assistant! Maximizing productivity is essential, and artificial intelligence is here to help language teachers! Discover how AI-powered tools can revolutionize content creation, save valuable time, and enhance effectiveness in the language classroom through differentiation. Let’s unlock the potential of teacher-friendly AI tools to save time and positively impact students’ language learning journeys. Fee: $150.00 per person

Led by Noemí Rodríguez.
Noemí Rodríguez (@team_lologramos) is a veteran language educator who has been sharing and supporting teachers across the globe since 2005. She attended Rutgers University, where she earned her B.A. in Spanish and Ed.M. in Language Education. She obtained a second Ed.M as a Reading Specialist. Working with Rutgers University, The Graduate School of Education and Montclair State University, she has taught different teaching methodology courses to aspiring educators in graduate education programs. Presently a district supervisor, she also taught Spanish in the Freehold Township and Marlboro Township school districts in Monmouth County. As an award winning teacher, she specializes in language curriculum, assessment design, technology integration, reading and communication strategies. In 2014, FLENJ awarded her workshop “Best of NJ” and most recently, the 2023 President’s Award for her continued leadership in language education. She has presented at state, regional, national and international conferences over the past fifteen years. Noemi’s mission is to provide ongoing, customized support to ensure the best world language proficiency-based programs in our schools.

Increasing Access for Multilingual Learners with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE): Essential Practices  11/13/2025
In person at TCNJ

This interactive workshop is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and practical strategies needed to effectively support multilingual learners who have limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE). These students often arrive with rich life experiences but face unique challenges as they navigate academic content and language learning simultaneously—often with gaps in foundational literacy and schooling.

The session begins with an exploration of the academic and socio-emotional profiles of SLIFEs, including common characteristics, strengths, and learning needs. Participants will gain insight into how interrupted or limited educational histories affect language acquisition, content comprehension, and classroom engagement.
Building on this understanding, the presenter will introduce a 10-Step Framework that integrates content and language instruction. This framework is designed to increase access to grade-level content while also supporting English language development. Each step emphasizes high-leverage instructional moves grounded in research and classroom practice.
To support planning and reflection, participants will engage with a practical Checklist of Instructional Moves tailored for SLIFEs. This tool will serve as a springboard for structured discussions and collaborative problem-solving as educators examine their own practices, share strategies, and adapt lesson planning to more effectively meet the needs of SLIFE students.
Participants will leave the session with:
·                     A clear understanding of SLIFE profiles and their instructional implications
·                     A 10-step framework for integrating content and language learning
·                     A planning checklist for designing SLIFE-responsive instruction
·                     Concrete strategies for scaffolding grade-level content
·                     Opportunities to collaborate with peers and apply new learning in context
This workshop is ideal for K–12 content area teachers, ESL/bilingual educators, instructional coaches, and administrators seeking to foster equitable and inclusive learning environments for all multilingual learners.

Fee: $225.00

Assessing Multilingual Learners Properly for Disabilities: A Workshop on Conducting a Root Cause Analysis, True Peer Analysis, and Language Planning 11/20/2025 In Person at TCNJ

Accurate and equitable assessment of multilingual learners (MLs) for disabilities requires deep understanding of their linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds. This interactive 3-hour workshop is designed to equip educators, school psychologists, intervention specialists, and administrators with practical tools and frameworks for assessing MLs in ways that prevent misidentification and ensure appropriate supports.
Participants will explore common challenges, engage in root cause and true peer analysis exercises, and learn how to develop an Individualized Language Development Plan (ILDP) as a foundation for equitable decision-making in the referral and assessment process.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1.      Differentiate among profiles of MLs to distinguish between language difference, language disorder, and potential disability.
2.      Conduct a root cause analysis to identify whether academic difficulties stem from language acquisition, instructional access, socioemotional factors, or true disability.
3.      Engage in true peer analysis using matched linguistic and experiential peers to contextualize performance data.
4.      Develop an Individualized Language Development Plan (ILDP) that guides appropriate instruction and support prior to referral for special education.

Fee: $225.00

Empowering Multilingual Learners with GenAI: Tools, Strategies, and Ethics for Language and Content Integration In person at TCNJ Date: TBD

This interactive session explores the transformative potential of Generative AI (GenAI) in supporting multilingual learners (MLs) across content areas. Participants will examine how GenAI tools—such as ChatGPT, text-to-image models, multilingual AI platforms, and scaffolded lesson generators—can be leveraged to promote language development, content access, and student agency. The session balances hands-on demonstrations, critical discussions on ethical use and bias, and collaborative planning time for practical classroom integration.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1.                  Identify how GenAI can support differentiated instruction for multilingual learners.
2.                  Evaluate GenAI tools and their affordances for content and language integration.
3.                  Design classroom applications that leverage GenAI to scaffold instruction and foster student engagement.
4.                  Apply ethical considerations and culturally responsive practices when integrating AI tools with MLs.
5.                  Develop a mini lesson or activity using GenAI that aligns with a language objective and content standard.

Fee: $225.00