Dual Language Educators Retreat
Empowering Tandem Teachers for Cross-Linguistic Success
- Date: August 3-4, 2026
- Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM each day
- Location:
Round Lake High School800 Panther BlvdRound Lake Beach, IL 60073
- 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.
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.
📅 Retreat Details
- Date: August 3-4, 2026
- Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM each day
- Location:
Round Lake High School800 Panther Blvd
Round Lake Beach, IL 60073 - Meals: Light breakfast, coffee, and lunch provided
Each participant will receive a copy of our book, Dual Language Tandem Teaching: Coordinating Instruction Across Languages Through Cross-Linguistic Pedagogies.
Day 1- Intentional Language Use in Dual Language Classrooms
On Day 1, we help educators make intentional, purpose-driven decisions about instructional language use by clarifying the role of translanguaging in dual language classrooms.
We’ll explore:
- what pedagogical translanguaging is and is not;
- keys to understanding how and why pedagogical translanguaging looks different in dual language classrooms;
- five factors that influence decision-making about instructional language choices in dual language classrooms; and
- how to reframe instructional language as a continuum to reconcile tensions between separation of languages and translanguaging in dual language programs.
Day 2 - Introduction to the Cross-Linguistic Pedagogies
On Day 2, we provide an introduction to the cross-linguistic pedagogies - seven approaches designed to help students transfer content and language learning across the two languages of instruction in a dual language program.
We’ll explore:
- the seven cross-linguistic pedagogies and how they can be used to coordinate instruction across languages;
- decision-making tools to help you decide which of the cross-linguistic pedagogies are appropriate for your context and how to combine them for specific purposes;
- how the cross-linguistic pedagogies influence assessment choices; and
- targeted practice using the Hybrid; Compare & Contrast; and Mirror cross-linguistic pedagogies to plan lessons.
This retreat is intentionally designed as a two-day learning experience. Each day builds on the other to deepen understanding and strengthen classroom application.
Day 1 lays the foundation. We explore the research, frameworks, and instructional mindset shifts that help dual language educators understand the why behind effective practice.
Day 2 brings those ideas to life with the cross-linguistic pedagogies and how they can be used to coordinate instruction across languages.
When experienced together, the two days create a clear pathway from understanding to action. For that reason, we strongly encourage participants to attend both days to maximize the impact of the retreat.
That said, we understand schedules and budgets vary. If you’re only able to join us for one day, you’ll still walk away with valuable insights, actionable strategies, and renewed clarity for your work in dual language education.
Wherever you meet us, we’re committed to making your time worthwhile.
Meet your retreat hosts!
Meet Shera Simpson, an experienced educator specializing in dual language instruction. With 12 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.
Dr. Elizabeth Howard is a professor of bilingual education at the University of Connecticut, specializing in dual language education, biliteracy development, and teacher preparation for multilingual learners. Previously, she was a senior research associate at the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), where she led the creation of a number of CAL's most enduring resources for dual language educators, including the Dual Language Program Planner, Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education, the Two-Way Immersion Toolkit, and the Two-Way Immersion Observation Protocol (the Dual Language SIOP). Her books include Realizing the vision of two-way immersion: Fostering effective programs and classrooms; Culturally and linguistically responsive education: Designing networks that transform schools; and Dual language tandem teaching: Coordinating instruction across languages through cross-linguistic pedagogies. She has also worked as a bilingual teacher in California and Costa Rica.
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."
"Thank you. Your passion came across and was infectious."
So what are you waiting for?!
Join us for this transformative retreat to gain practical tools to enhance language learning in your classroom.Reserve your spot today!
REGISTER NOW