Dual Language Educators Retreat
Clarity is the Key to Cross-Linguistic Success
- Date: October 19-20 2026
- Time: 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM each day
- Location:
Round Police Department
- 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 an in-person professional learning experience designed specifically for dual language educators.
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.
📅 Retreat Details
- Date: October 19-20, 2026
- Time: 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM each day
- Location:
Round Lake Police Department
741 West Townline Road
Round Lake, 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 school leaders 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
- the seven cross-linguistic pedagogies and how they can be used to coordinate instruction across languages; and
- 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.
Day 2 - Introduction to the Cross-Linguistic Pedagogies
On Day 2, we introduce classroom teachers and coaches to specific examples of the cross-linguistic pedagogies in action - 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:
- different levels of language and how to help students make cross-linguistic connections for each level;
- approaches for making cross-linguistic connections by using the two program languages together at the same time;
- approaches for making cross-linguistic connections when instruction is carried out monolingually but in a coordinated way across program languages; and
- targeted practice using one or more of these approaches to plan lessons.
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. This workshop is designed for administrators and school leaders, but teachers and coaches may also appreciate the opportunity to clarify these foundational issues.
Day 2 brings the cross-linguistic pedagogies to life, providing clear examples of how they can be used to coordinate instruction across languages. This workshop is designed to provide practical tools and strategies for teachers and coaches, although program leaders may also find it useful.
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