Don’t forget: #WIDA2022 features award-winning headliners, more than 100 sessions

It’s been more than two years since we’ve been able to gather for an in-person WIDA Annual Conference. In super exciting news… the wait is almost over! The 2022 WIDA Annual Conference (#WIDA2022) takes place September 28-30 in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

A live, curated virtual program is also happening September 28-30. Plus, there is an option to get recordings-only access to the virtual event. Head over the WIDA Annual Conference website to learn more about the virtual program.

#WIDA2022 features two award-winning headliners and more than 100 sessions and workshops by teachers, for teachers. Educators of kindergarten through grade 12 multilingual learners are set to share best practices and innovative classroom strategies. Let’s dive deeper into #WIDA2022!

#WIDA2022 theme

This year’s conference theme is Advancing Learning Together. Here’s a note from Tim Boals, WIDA founder and director, on the theme:

“If we’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s that we’re at our best when we’re working together. This is especially true for all of us who serve multilingual learners. We all bring so much to the learning experience. Because of that, we must remember to value one another, as well as collaborate with and learn from each other. It is crucial for the academic success of multilingual learners that both language and content teachers and administrators see themselves as responsible for fostering the language development of multilingual learners. Together, we can shape a strong, vibrant future!”

#WIDA2022 headliners  

Two very special speakers will deliver keynote addresses during the conference.

Juliana Urtubey 

Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, will deliver a keynote address on “how educators and communities can work together in creating joyous and just education systems.”  

As the national teacher of the year, Juliana spent the last year advocating for a joyous and just education for all students that celebrates their families, identities and communities. Juliana is known as “Ms. Earth” for her efforts to beautify schools and unify the community through murals and gardens. She is a special education co-teacher at Kermit Booker Elementary in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Maria Hinojosa 

Maria Hinojosa, an Emmy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the first Latina reporter in many newsrooms, will deliver a keynote address on “owning your voice.” During her discussion she will draw on her personal experiences and give voice to the diverse American experience.  

As the anchor and executive producer of the Peabody Award-winning show, “Latino USA,” distributed by NPR, as well as co-host of “In the Thick,” the Futuro Media’s award-winning political podcast, Maria has informed millions about the changing cultural and political landscape in America and abroad. She is also a contributor to CBS “Sunday Morning” and a frequent guest on MSNBC. 

Super cool update: Since we last told you about Maria, she won the Pulitzer Prize in audio reporting for “Suave,” a podcast series. Read more about this exciting achievement in the NPR article Winner praises the Pulitzer board's commitment to the 'heart' in journalism.

Members of the media: If you are interested in covering either keynote address, contact Katie Stenz at kstenz@wisc.edu. Please note: Coverage of both keynote addresses is limited to print only. No recording devices or photography will be permitted.

#WIDA2022 sessions 

Pre-registration was required for all conference concurrent sessions. Not sure which sessions you selected? (We’ve all been there. 😊) Find your schedule of sessions in your registration confirmation email message.
  
As a reminder, in-person registration includes access to the recorded virtual program after the event. Recorded virtual sessions include:  

• Re-imagining EL Policy: Panel Discussion about Identification, Monitoring, and Reclassification presented by Mariana Castro, Samuel Aguirre and Nelson Flores
• Engaging Multilingual Learners in Self-Assessment and Goal Setting by Meghan Gregoire-Smith and Sydney Snyder
• Advancing Equitable Family-School Partnerships Though a Values Framework by Annela Teemant and Brandon Sherman
• Teacher Collaboration as a Pathway to Equity for MLs by Andrea Honigsfeld and Valentina Gonzalez
• Advancing Student Language Growth Through the WIDA ELD Standards Framework with Fernanda Kray and Margo Gottlieb
• Re-centering Equity and the Experiences of AAPI Multilingual Learners and Educators: What Matters Most?  by Diep Nguyen, Patricia Morita-Mullaney, Sole Yu and Christine Leider
• Beyond Student Portraits: The Can Do Philosophy in Action by Christina Nelson and Maya Martínez-Hart

Attendees will get an email message from the WIDA Annual Conference on October 17 with access to recorded virtual content. 

#WIDA2022: Get social!

Share your favorite conference quotes, moments and photos on social media! Use the hashtag #WIDA2022. Follow WIDA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram before and during the conference to stay connected to the #WIDA2022 buzz and excitement.