Center for Applied Linguistics

Conference Presentation: STEM, AI, and the Multilingual Mind: Navigating Digital Culture Shock in the Classroom
2026-04-17 13:20 - 17:00 (America/Denver)
“STEM, AI, and the Multilingual Mind: Navigating Digital Culture Shock in the Classroom“
Event: NSTA 2026 Conference
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2026 | 1:20 PM
Session Format: Presentation
Location: 153 North Building
Presenters:
Maria Cieslak (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
As digital tools and AI rapidly transform STEM education, multilingual learners face unique challenges that go beyond language barriers – Digital Culture Shock. In this session, participants will explore how the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and language learning impacts STEM classrooms. We will examine the stages of digital culture shock and highlight practical approaches for turning digital shifts into opportunities for engagement and innovation. Attendees will gain strategies to integrate AI and digital tools intentionally to scaffold academic language, build STEM literacy, and empower multilingual learners to thrive in today’s STEM classroom. One-Main Takeaway: Multilingual learners face digital culture shock in STEM with new technologies, AI tools, and language demands. Participants will explore strategies to support STEM access, language development and empowerment to thrive in digital classrooms.

Conference Presentation: Languaging, Tansculturalism, and Identity in Dual Language Education
2026-06-05 11:00 - 11:50 (America/New_York)
“Languaging and Transculturalism in Dual Language Education
Event: Chicago Public Schools Dual Language Conference
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026 | 11:00 AM
Session Format: Presentation
Presenters:
Analleli Hernández (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
How do we leverage students’ full linguistic repertoires to deepen content learning and strengthen their biliteracy trajectory? This session examines classroom scenarios where intentional languaging practices support language development, metalinguistic awareness and transculturalism. Designed for dual language teachers, coaches, and administrators, this session directly addresses the three pillars of dual language education in CAL’s Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education.

CAL Literacy: A Comprehensive Approach to Literacy Instruction for Multilingual Learners
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-23
📚 Strengthen literacy instruction for multilingual learners this summer with CAL’s newest virtual institute!
📅 July 20–23, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM ET
💻 Virtual Institute
This four-day professional learning experience is designed for educators, instructional coaches, literacy leaders, administrators, and multilingual learner specialists seeking a more integrated, research-based approach to literacy instruction.
Participants will explore:
✨ Comprehensive literacy instruction for multilingual learners
✨ Oral language development and literacy connections
✨ Cross-linguistic transfer & metalinguistic awareness
✨ Culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices
✨ Systems-level and classroom planning grounded in students’ linguistic assets
✨ Practical strategies ready for immediate implementation
Ideal for educators in:
✔ General education
✔ ESL/EL programs
✔ Bilingual and dual language settings
✔ Literacy coaching and instructional leadership
✔ District curriculum, assessment, and multilingual learner support
🎓 Participants receive a digital badge recognizing 22 hours of professional learning and engagement.
🔗 Learn more and register: https://solutions.cal.org/event/cal-literacy-comprehensive-approach-to-literacy-instruction
Seats are limited. Join educators from across the country in advancing equitable, high-quality literacy instruction for multilingual learners.
