On May 6, educators from across Southwest Washington came together for a day of learning and collaboration at the Multilingual Learning Network’s Regional Professional Learning Community event, held at Educational Service District 112 (ESD 112).
The event offered rotating presentations on topics that matter most in multilingual classrooms today. Keynote speaker Todd Soper, national curriculum strategist at Kiddom, kicked the event off with a presentation on Breaking Through Math Barriers. Breakout sessions covered equitable grading practices for multilingual learners, collaborative teaching strategies, professional learning planning, and ways to support students experiencing language barriers, disabilities, or stress.
Keynote speaker Todd Soper, National Curriculum Strategist at Kiddom, presents on Breaking Through Math Barriers
Educators learned about practical strategies and tools they can bring back to their classrooms to better support multilingual learners. Throughout the day, teachers and instructional coaches collaborated across districts, shared ideas, and explored culturally responsive practices designed to help students succeed.
“This event is important because it helps educators build skills to more equitably assess and support multilingual students in the classroom,” said Camas High School Multilingual Program Specialist Sharon Ziegler.
“This is an opportunity for multilingual teachers to collaborate, share strategies, and problem-solve across many different school districts,” said Battle Ground Public Schools Multilingual Learner Program Coordinator Stephanie Welniak.
Supporting multilingual learners is a collective effort, and the turnout from across the region made that clear. Represented organizations included the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Ethnic Support Council, Washougal School District, Fort Vancouver Regional Library, and Vancouver Public Schools, and Evergreen Public Schools, all united by a shared commitment to the educators and students they serve.
Kiddom vendor booth at the event
“Our multilingual students thrive when educators are able to meet them where they are, and this network makes that possible,” shared Regional Literacy (K-4) Coordinator Effie Triol. “When we leverage the expertise of our colleagues and learn from one another, we all become better equipped to serve our students.”
The ESD 112 Multilingual Learning Network supports schools across Southwest Washington through resources, professional development, and guidance. To learn more, contact Effie Triol at effie.triol@esd112.org.
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.