In this episode of Evidence for Education, we’re joined by Dr. Nigel Caplan, Dr. Adrian Pasquarella, and Jamie Janick, the team behind Project DELITE at the University of Delaware, for an urgent and inspiring conversation about the growing need to support multilingual learners (MLLs) in today’s schools. As Delaware experiences one of the fastest-growing multilingual student populations in the nation, many educators are stepping up—but they need better preparation, more support, and systemic change to do this work well.

Our guests walk us through the design and impact of Project DELITE, a federally funded initiative providing free certification and professional development to Delaware teachers and paraprofessionals who want to better serve MLLs. We hear how this program not only strengthens instructional strategies, but also builds teacher confidence and fosters statewide communities of practice—breaking down isolation and lifting up multilingualism as a powerful classroom asset.

We also dig into the policy side: why certification matters, how current systems often create barriers for experienced paraprofessionals, and what changes are needed to create sustainable, equitable pathways for all educators to learn how to support multilingual students.

If you care about educational equity, teacher development, or the future of inclusive schooling, this episode offers insight, evidence, and hope. Tune in to learn how language can be a bridge—not a barrier—and why supporting multilingual learners means supporting all learners.

For more information visit: https://sites.udel.edu/project-delite/