NABE 2026 Conference Presentation: Seeing the Signs: Attuned Practices for Multilingual Newcomers Facing Transition Shock

Event: NABE Conference 2026
Location: Room E255
Date & Time: February 12, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 9:50 AM
Session Format: Presentation
Presenter(s):
Maria Cieslak (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
Are your multilingual newcomers showing signs of withdrawal, defiance, or disengagement? These may be signs of transition shock – a response to the emotional and neurological stress of adjusting to a new environment. In this interactive session, you will explore practical, trauma-responsive strategies to create safe, healing-centered classrooms where students feel seen, supported, and empowered. Using scenario cards, you’ll practice identifying fight, flight, and freeze behaviors and apply a simple attunement formula to respond with care and intention. Walk away with tools you can use immediately to build trust, foster resilience, and help multilingual newcomers thrive –emotionally and academically.