ML Chat: Conversations with Multilingual Educators

Carlene Thomas, an educational consultant supporting districts nationwide, shares how to move from intention to impact by simplifying implementation and aligning systems. She emphasizes that lasting change is “simple, not easy,” requiring clear expectations, follow-through, and time. Through reflection on practice and mindset, she highlights how educators and leaders can build consistent, effective support for multilingual learners.

Dr. Dorina Sackman-Ebuwa shares how to support neurodivergent, dually identified multilingual learners through empathy and research-based practices. She reframes diagnoses like autism and ADHD as tools for self-understanding, not limitations, and explores masking, emotional regulation, and inclusive practices like UDL and differentiation. She highlights the importance of authentic parent–teacher communication and creating supportive, stable learning environments.

Dr. Kate Seltzer, former South Bronx high school ELA teacher and co-author of The Translanguaging Classroom, introduces translanguaging as both a theory and practice. She explains how bilingual students use one integrated linguistic system, not separate languages, and how flexible language use creates affirming, equitable classrooms. Highlighting teacher mindset and relationships, you’ll learn how to connect language, culture, and instruction.

In a district serving more than 156,000 students, including 30,000 multilingual learners speaking 162 languages, Daniel Yip, Michelle Hunsberger, and Dr. Luciana de Oliveira discuss shifting from a self-contained ELD model to shared responsibility for language development across content classrooms. They explain how a train-the-trainer model and a language-based instructional framework are helping thousands of educators confidently support ML students.

Curious what it takes to lead a districtwide shift from a pullout program to an in-class, integrated ELD model? Kate Morin, Director of Multilingual Education for Mount Vernon School District, shares how long-term planning, trust-building, and consistent support made the transition possible, despite unique challenges at the secondary level. It’s thoughtful, strategic work that makes a true difference for multilingual learners.

Drawing from her work in small, rural districts, Desiree Kiesel explores how relationship-building, asset-based approaches, and adaptability play a key role in multilingual learner success. You’ll hear how smaller districts can move quickly to implement new strategies, like speech and debate, to build student confidence and amplify student voice. See how innovation can start small and grow to make a big impact.

What happens when student talk takes center stage? On the ML Chat Podcast, educator and Stanford researcher Jeff Zwiers discusses how academic discourse, teaching big ideas with flexibility, and student-centered oral language routines drive deeper thinking and engagement for multilingual learners. It’s a refreshing reminder that creativity and meeting curriculum standards can go hand-in-hand.

President of Arkansas TESOL and Director of ESL, Christen Graham, shares how her district turned mission into action during a sudden influx of Afghan refugee students. She discusses building newcomer centers, engaging families through community partnerships, and equipping educators with practical strategies for immediate use. The conversation highlights how collaboration and understanding students help bridge the gap between home and school.

Soledad and Vanina of Guilford County Schools join ML Chat to share how Pathway reading and writing strategies and the 3L’s Framework (Learning, Language, and Literacy) improve outcomes for multilingual learners. Their work coordinating PD, teacher onboarding, mentorship, and newcomer schools shows how collaboration and leadership create a cohesive districtwide approach that truly supports multilingual learners.