All learners in a mainstream elementary school classroom deserve to engage equitably with core learning; and they CAN, even at varying levels of English language proficiency. Be it literacy instruction, mathematics, science, or social studies, multilingual learners can learn alongside their peers in the homeroom, with strategic, differentiated support. In this session, participants will explore a range of instructional strategies that scaffold learning for young multilingual learners of English, specifically between the ages of 6 and 9 years. This is an application-based session that draws directly from teaching experience in Grades 2 and 3, with a focus on making connections to your instructional practice.

Megha Radhakrishnan is an international educator who is passionate about building equity and an asset-based culture of learning in her diverse, multilingual classroom. Originally from India, she has been both an EAL specialist and an elementary homeroom teacher, and currently teaches Grade 2 at the American Cooperative School of Tunis.

Disciplinary literacy (the specific ways people use language within an academic discipline) is essential for helping students understand what is being asked of them in the content areas. For example, an English teacher and a U.S. history teacher might both ask a student to analyze an excerpt from The Jungle—but the two teachers would be looking for entirely different responses, both in terms of the ideas they want the student to explore and the ways they want the student to utilize the original text. This session explores the specific assumptions and literacy practices of the field of social studies and discusses practical strategies classroom teachers can use to help English language learners participate fully in these literacy practices.

Kaedmon Fulton is an English language teacher in Western New York, USA. They were named New York State TESOL Middle School ESOL Teacher of the Year in 2023.

Discover effective strategies to support multilingual learners of English in the classroom. This session will explore practical techniques for scaffolding instruction, differentiating content, and creating inclusive learning environments. Learn how to leverage students' language strengths to foster academic success and build a strong foundation for English language development. Strategies will intertwine practical life skills with language development standards and mainstream classroom content standards.

Stacy Brown is a trauma and policy specialist, EL administrator, and international emergency case worker, serving in the United States and 58 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. She has served in leadership for TESOL International Association and affiliates for 16 years.

How can you integrate innovative technology with culturally responsive teaching to enhance multilingual students' media literacy skills? This workshop will explore practical tools to incorporate students' identities with digital tools and resources that support language development and critical media analysis. Through engaging activities and real-world examples, educators will explore how to create inclusive classrooms that foster media literacy and critical thinking skills.

Andrea Mercado is a professional learning facilitator for WIDA and WIDA Español. She has over 20 years combined experience working with multilingual learners in Grades K-8, adult, and higher education settings.