ATDLE-Voices of Dual Language Education

Episode 8: Why Dual Language Programs Matter for English Learners

Special Guest-Rosa G. Molina

Former Executive Director of ATDLE (Association of Two-Way & Dual Language Education).

In this episode we discuss:

-ATDLE and TWBI History

-Why Dual Immersion Programs benefit English Learner Students

-Essential components of a strong dual language program for English Learners

-What happens when English gradually begins to dominate a program that was designed to develop biliteracy?

-What should you expect to see, hear, and know students are learning in Academic ELD

-Recommended Books

ATDLE is now offering self-paced asynchronous online courses that you can complete anytime, anywhere!

✨ Fundamentals of Two-Way & Dual Language Education Perfect for educators who are new to Dual Language Immersion or anyone wanting to refresh their understanding of the foundations, research, and promising practices that support successful TWBI/DLI programs.

✨ Reading Fluency in a Dual Language Classroom (K–5) Discover practical, evidence-based strategies to strengthen Spanish reading fluency through repeated reading, guided reading, expressive oral reading, and classroom practices that build confident, fluent readers.

Save the Date, ATDLE Conference in Sacramento, CA June 16-18

For more information about our upcoming events

www.ATDLE.org

Hosted by:

Angelica Sandoval and Gisel Barrett

Episode 7: Dual Language Classrooms: Back to School Edition

Special Guest-Hilda Escamilla & Graciela Flores

Dual Language Educators in the Chula Vista School District Mentor Teachers, and 2026 ATDLE Conference Co-Chairs.

In this episode we discuss:

-Classroom Community

-Routines and Expectations

-Organization in the classroom

-Advice for first year Dual Language Educators

Follow Hilda Escamilla and Graciela Flores:

https://youtu.be/bg9_rSe1i0o - 5th grade Lesson with Graciela Flores

https://www.instagram.com/maestraflores/

https://youtu.be/WcCqOSwYXBs 2nd grade Lesson with Hilda Escamilla

https://www.instagram.com/maestra.escamilla

ATDLE is now offering self-paced asynchronous online courses that you can complete anytime, anywhere!

https://atdle.thinkific.com/collections

✨ Fundamentals of Two-Way & Dual Language Education Perfect for educators who are new to Dual Language Immersion or anyone wanting to refresh their understanding of the foundations, research, and promising practices that support successful TWBI/DLI programs.

✨ Reading Fluency in a Dual Language Classroom (K–5) Discover practical, evidence-based strategies to strengthen Spanish reading fluency through repeated reading, guided reading, expressive oral reading, and classroom practices that build confident, fluent readers.

-Our partners

For more information about our upcoming events

www.ATDLE.org

Hosted by:

Angelica Sandoval

Gisel Barrett

Episode 6: The Power of Music in Dual Language

Special Guest-Mariela Contreras, Dual Language Educator & Music Teacher, Mariela combines her love of music and the joy of working with children in the classroom as she finds ways to integrate music to teach language, math, science, history and more.

In this episode we discuss:

• Music as a tool in dual language classrooms
• Building confidence in speaking and participating in two languages through music
• Examples of how to create structured opportunities for students to engage in meaningful academic and social conversations
• Incorporate music into daily classroom routines -One key takeaway about oracy in dual language education
• Examples of a songs and musical activity that successfully supported vocabulary or language comprehension
• Follow Mariela:
  • https://www.instagram.com/_maestramariela/ https://www.instagram.com/musicmariela/ https://www.marielacontreras.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2CLlpcrhL0hvMqcNGbrT0w
• ATDLE Conference June 17-19 in San Diego, CA
• Our partners

For more information about our upcoming events

www.ATDLE.org

YouTube | Podcast| TikTok | Instagram| Facebook

Hosted by:

Angelica Sandoval

Gisel Barrett

Episode 5: Oracy in Action: Strengthening Listening and Speaking in Dual Language Education Special Guest-Dr. Olga Grimalt, Dual Language Specialist, Founder/CEO · Multilingual Learning Network, and ATDLE founding member currently serving on their advisory board.

In this episode we discuss:

• Dr. Grimalt's focus on oracy within dual language education
• Why speaking and listening sometimes overlooked compared to reading and writing
• Examples of how to create structured opportunities for students to engage in meaningful academic and social conversations
• What should administrators look for when observing oracy in dual language classrooms
• One key takeaway about oracy in dual language education
• Dr. Grimalt's organization-Multilingual Learning Network
• Follow Dr. Grimalt:
  • https://www.instagram.com/dr.olga_grimalt/ https://www.multilinguallearning.com/
• ATDLE Conference June 17-19 in San Diego, CA
• Our partners

For more information about our upcoming events

www.ATDLE.org

YouTube | Podcast| TikTok | Instagram| Facebook

Hosted by:

Angelica Sandoval

Gisel Barrett

Episode 04- Honoring Our Roots, Expanding Our Children’s Future

• Special guest Author & National Leadership Keynote Speaker and dual language parent Ovi Vásquez

In this episode we discuss:

• Ovi's personal journey & roots
• His perspective as a parent of dual language programs
• How dual language education helps children stay connected to their culture
• A look on how dual language programs show up at home—supporting children socially, emotionally, and academically
• Reflection on common doubts parents have and a real-life insight into how dual language has positively impacted her children.
• Ovi's Book Recommendation for Parents and Educators
• E-Learner series February 7th
• ATDLE Conference June 17-19 in San Diego, CA
• Our partners

For more information about our upcoming events

www.ATDLE.org

YouTube | Podcast| TikTok | Instagram| Facebook

Hosted by:

Angelica Sandoval

Gisel Barrett

• Topic: From Language to Identity: Integrating the Third Pillar in Dual Language Classrooms
• Special Guests: Graciela Flores and Hilda Escamilla
• Intro
• Third goal of dual language programs and definition
• Sociocultural competence just as important as bilingualism and biliteracy
• Examples of school/classroom practices that intentionally build sociocultural competence
• Mr. Arriaga Rodriguez, a 5th grade educator at Lockwood STEAM Academy a 50/50 Spanish immersion program
• Ways that schools can partner with families and communities to strengthen this goal
• Advice would you give to a school just beginning to focus on sociocultural competence
• Educational book do you recommend for our dual language educators
• Hosts: Angelica Sandoval Gisel Barrett

Episode 02- ATDLE Past, Present and Future with special guest ATDLE’s Executive Director Kevin Chavez.

In this episode we discuss:

• ATDLE's History
• How the organization evolved through the years
• Areas of Focus
• Highlights for 2026 Conference
• How ATDLE can support your Dual Language Program
• Learner Series with Angelica Sandoval
• Book Recommendation
• Our partners

Hosted by:

Angelica Sandoval

Gisel Barrett

In our first podcast episode, we dive into the highlights and insights from the ATDLE Summer Conference, where educators came together to celebrate and strengthen dual language education. Join us as we share key takeaways, inspiring stories, and the voices of teachers making a difference in bilingual classrooms.

Hosts:

Hilda Escamilla

Graciela Flores

Angelica Sandoval

Gisel Barrett