Multilingual Learners Conference

Towson University’s Multilingual Learners (ML) Conference is a free, one-day conference that invites classroom and ML teachers, school administrators, university faculty, community members, and others to learn about research-based practices for multilingual learners and their families.

2026 Conference Information

Saturday, April 18
8:30 a.m. — 2:30 p.m.
TU West Village Commons

The conference features topical breakout sessions to acquire new skills and strategies for working with multilingual learners (MLs) and their families. Registration is free and includes:

Breakfast and lunch
Parking
T-shirt
Certificate of completion for four (4) professional learning hours
- NOTE: full-day attendance is required to receive the certificate

Conference Schedule

8:30 – 9 a.m.: Breakfast and Registration
9 – 9:15 a.m.: Conference Overview and Remarks
9:20 – 10:15 a.m.: Session 1
10:25 – 11:20 a.m.: Session 2
11:30 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.: Session 3
12:25 – 1:15 p.m.: Lunch (Ballrooms A/B)
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.: Session 4
2:15 – 2:30 p.m.: Closing and Professional Learning Certificates of Completion (Ballrooms A/B)

Sessions

Session 1 (9:20 – 10:15 a.m.)

Write, Escribir, Écrire: No Matter the Language, Writing is Fun
Flipping the Script: Changing the Narratives of Arab and Muslim Americans
Supporting Multilingual Learners in Math
Key Strategies for Educators Partnering with Multilingual Learners and Families
ML Hub: Free Resources for Teachers and Families

Session 2 (10:25 – 11:20 a.m.)

Oracy in Young Multilingual Learners
Teaching MLs Foundational Reading Skills Within Language Instruction: Grades K-2
Supporting ML Students to Become Independent Writers
Working as a Team to Meet the Needs of ML and Special Education Students in Your Classroom
Make and Take an ML Instructional Toolkit

Session 3 (11:30 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.)

Teaching Strategies for MLs in Content Areas: With Science-Specific Examples
Cultural Connections in K-5 ELD: Lessons from Piura and Cusco, Peru
Building Your Toolbox with the Top 10 Strategies for MLs
Writing Outside the Classroom: Authentic Audiences for Multilingual Writers
Universal Thinking Verbs: Instructional Support for ML Student Learning

Session 4 (1:15 – 2:15 p.m.)

Building Bridges: Making Background Knowledge Accessible for MLs
Social-Emotional Learning within Literacy Instruction for MLs
Advance Your Lessons for MLs with AI
Supporting Dually Identified Multilingual Learners Through High-Quality IEPs and Present Levels
Personalizing the Curriculum for YOUR MLs

Contact

For questions, please contact Dr. Clare Kruft, COE Multilingual Learner Curriculum Specialist, at ckruft AT_TOWSON.

Access free resources for multilingual learners throughout the year on the TU Multilingual Learners Hub.

Go to ML Hub

About the TU College of Education

The College of Education (COE) prepares innovative and socially just professionals who advocate on behalf of children, families and the profession. We empower educators and professionals with a strong knowledge of research-based pedagogies, a technology-rich skillset, a deep understanding of how children, youth and adults learn, and caring dispositions to lead and succeed in inclusive and equitable settings.

Past Conferences

2025

Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 8:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.

Video highlights

2024

Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9 a.m.–1:45 p.m.

2023

Saturday, June 3 from 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Watch video highlight of special guest, Maria from “Sesame Street”.
Agenda