Dual Language Educators Retreat
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Empowering Tandem Teachers for Cross-Linguistic Success
- Date: June 10–11, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM each day
- Location: Heritage Academy 3345 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
- Meals: Light breakfast, coffee, and lunch provided
Join us for a 2-day learning experience designed to support dual language educators with practical, research-informed strategies that connect instruction across both program languages—while building community and clarity.
What Is the Dual Language Educators Retreat?
The Dual Language Educators Retreat is a 2-day, in-person professional learning experience designed specifically for teachers, coaches, and leaders working in dual language programs.
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Whether you're new to dual language or looking to deepen your practice, this retreat offers the space, support, and tools to grow your expertise, alongside a community that understands the joys and challenges of this work.
Who Should Attend?
This retreat is ideal for:
- Dual language educators (K-8)
- Instructional coaches and curriculum specialists
- School or district teams designing or refining their bilingual program.
đź“… Retreat Details
- Date: June 10–11, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM each day
- Location: Heritage Academy 3345 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
- Meals: Light breakfast, coffee, and lunch provided
- Hotel Reservations: We have a block of discounted rooms at the Fairfield Inn Downtown. Click HERE to book with our group!
Day 1- Strategies for Effective InstructionÂ
Explore the foundational practices that support multilingual learners—what we call the common roots and soil of instruction.
You’ll learn:
- What effective instructional practices look like for multilingual learners
- How to differentiate based on language proficiency levels
- Ways to build consistency across program languages
- How to use the practices for ongoing self-reflection and professional growth
Day 2 - Introduction to the Cross-Linguistic PedagogiesÂ
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Dig into the powerful instructional tools that bridge languages and empower students’ full linguistic repertoires.
You’ll explore:
- When and how to engage in translanguaging vs. language separation
- Rethinking instructional language as a continuum between English and the partner language
- Integrating cross-linguistic pedagogies into your planning and teaching to promote connections across languages
Meet your retreat hosts!
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Meet Shera Simpson, an experienced educator specializing in dual language instruction. With 11 years of teaching and administrative experience in dual language education and a passion for fostering multicultural understanding, Shera is dedicated to empowering educators with effective strategies for language acquisition and cultural sensitivity.
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Meet Dr. Sue McGilvray-Rivet
Dr. Sue McGilvray-Rivet is a seasoned dual language educator with decades of experience in a variety of roles in dual language education - to put it simply, she's done it all! Throughout Sue's career, she's been a leader in promoting dual language education in Massachusetts and beyond as a bilingual teacher, district program director, and principal. Sue continues to support and advocate for dual language education through her work with MABE-NE (Multistate Association for Bilingual Education, Northeast), TWIN-CS (Two-Way Immersion Network of Catholic Schools), and as a supervisor of student teachers at Framingham State University. We're so happy that Sue has now joined the Dual Language Connections team!
What do teachers say after participating in our workshops?
 "Highly recommend! Insightful and engaging—I feel more confident in supporting my multilingual learners."
"This transformed how I approach language teaching! Practical strategies with immediate impact."
