The EduSkills Back to School Conference, held on July 25th, 2024, was a resounding success, bringing together educators, administrators, and experts in the field of multilingual education. The event was highlighted by a keynote presentation from Michael Rodríguez, the Executive Director of Dual Language New Mexico. His session, titled “Dual Language Essentials and Beyond,” provided an insightful exploration of the growing importance of dual language programs across the country. Michael emphasized how these programs not only foster bilingualism but also enhance cognitive skills and promote cultural competency, equipping students to thrive in a globalized world by embracing culture and identity.

The conference featured an impressive lineup of presentations, each offering valuable insights into various aspects of multilingual education

1. EduSkills: Past, Present and Future – Presented by Dr. J. Taylor Tribble, President of EduSkills. This session traced the evolution of EduSkills, highlighting the platform’s growth and future vision in supporting multilingual learners with new and upcoming tools including EduSkills’ new artificial intelligence multilingual learner lesson planning tool, Ask Eddie (the new EduSkills AI Mascot). 
2. University of Central Oklahoma: Bilingual Ed/TESOL Program Offerings – Dr. April Haulman and Dr. Gina Lopez discussed the comprehensive bilingual education and TESOL programs available at the University of Central Oklahoma, providing attendees with an overview of advanced academic opportunities.
3. HARNESSING AI TO SUPPORT LANGUAGE ACQUISITION – In this cutting-edge session, Dr. J. Taylor Tribble explored the role of AI in enhancing language acquisition, showcasing innovative tools and methodologies that are shaping the future of language learning.
4. Building Bridges: The Cultural Quest to Enhancing School Culture through Cultural Awareness and Proficiency – Dr. Chris Culver and Dr. Kelly Forbes led a compelling discussion on the importance of cultural awareness in schools, offering strategies to foster a more inclusive and culturally proficient educational environment.
5. Unlocking the Power of Language – Sally Diaz’s presentation focused on the transformative power of language, exploring how educators can leverage language skills to empower students and enhance their learning experiences.
6. EduSkills Platform New User/Refresher Training – Lori Benson provided practical training on the EduSkills platform, ensuring both new and experienced users are equipped to maximize the platform’s features.
7. Spreadsheet Paleontologists: Unearthing Treasures in your WIDA Data – Dr. Jamie Lake delivered an engaging session on effectively analyzing WIDA data, helping educators uncover valuable insights to better support their multilingual learners.
8. Building A Bilingual Program: Building a plane while flying or checking everything twice before you take off – Dr. Bianca Rose shared her expertise in developing successful bilingual programs, offering practical advice on planning and implementation.
9. ACE Gen Z: Unleashing Mastery in Engagement, Connection, and Emotional Intelligence – Dr. Chris Culver and Dr. Kelly Forbes returned for a second session, this time focusing on strategies to engage and connect with Gen Z students, enhancing their emotional intelligence and overall success.

The conference also celebrated the achievements of outstanding educators. Congratulations to Tifini Phelps, the 2024 EduSkills Multilingual Teacher of the Year, and Wendi Tejada, the 2024 EduSkills Multilingual Educator of the Year, both from Putnam City Public Schools. Their dedication and impact in the field of multilingual education are truly inspiring.

Thank you to all who participated and contributed to the success of this year’s conference! We look forward to continuing our shared mission of supporting multilingual learners and advancing education for all students.