I’m Monolingual but My Students are Multilingual!

This session will demonstrate ways for all teachers to actively invite heritage languages into the classrooms, even when we don’t have those language skills. From small in-the-moment moves to intentional planning, there are ways for all of us to incorporate heritage language into any content area.

Carly Spina has two decades of experience in Multilingual Education across various roles. She is currently a multilingual education specialist at the Illinois Resource Center, providing professional learning opportunities and technical assistance support to educators and leaders across the country. Her first book, Moving Beyond for Multilingual Learners, was a 2023 Equity in Excellence Award Winner. Her second book, Igniting Real Change: Equity and Advocacy In Action (June 2025), centers on actional steps for more equitable outcomes for multilingual students and families.