It’s official! 2023 WIDA Annual Conference registration is open

It’s time to… register for the 2023 WIDA Annual Conference (#WIDA2023)! The in-person event takes place October 17 -20, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Center. For those who can’t attend in person, a virtual track is also available.

Let’s not forget that the WIDA Annual Conference is truly unique in that it’s a conference by teachers, for teachers. It gives thousands of educators of Pre-K through grade 12 multilingual learners, from around the globe, the opportunity to share best practices and discover innovative classroom strategies. Here’s what an educator and 2022 WIDA Annual Conference attendee had to say about last year’s event:

“While other conferences center more around research and higher education, this conference was made for teachers, advocates, and coaches who leave the conference to walk right back into a classroom with valuable tools and strategies to implement. The energy was amazing and helped remind me of my true north and purpose as an educational leader.”

Now — what you’ve been waiting for — more information on this year’s conference and how to register.

#WIDA2023 theme

This year’s conference theme is Adelante with a Multilingual Mindset. Here’s a note from Tim Boals, WIDA founder and director, on the theme:

“As we look ahead, it’s important to consider the past. This year, WIDA celebrates its 20th anniversary, and we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the WIDA Annual Conference. We’ve learned a lot in those 20 years – lessons that shape our ever-evolving approach and mindset. I like to tell people that WIDA is a work in progress because we are always listening, learning and growing. No matter what, at WIDA, we’ve always drawn our strength from the belief that everyone brings valuable resources to the education community and that multilingual students enrich the experiences of all learners and educators. We aim to carry this mindset forward as we embark on the next 20 years of learning and growing together! ¡Adelante juntos!”

#WIDA2023 headliners

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

Shereen Marisol Meraji

Shereen, founding co-host of the podcast “Code Switch,” journalist and educator, will deliver a keynote address on the power of language – how it can both unite and divide, and the connection between language and identity. She’ll draw on her experience learning Spanish and commitment to ensuring her multicultural, multilingual family doesn’t lose its heritage languages.

Shereen is a veteran audio producer and journalist who has been telling stories with sound for more than two decades. She helped create NPR’s groundbreaking and critically acclaimed podcast covering race and identity, “Code Switch.” During her time as co-host and senior producer, “Code Switch” won numerous awards and Apple Podcasts named “Code Switch” its first-ever “show of the year.” She was awarded Harvard’s prestigious Nieman fellowship in 2022 before becoming an assistant professor of race in journalism and head of audio at University of California Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. When she’s not teaching or reporting, Shereen’s listening to hip-hop, dancing to salsa or cooking up something delicious.

Carmen Ayala

Carmen, retired Illinois state superintendent of education, will deliver a keynote address on the value of language, culture and multilingualism, and using student assets to enhance the school community.

Carmen was the first woman and person of color to serve as Illinois’ top education official. Prior to her role as state superintendent of education, Carmen was superintendent of Berwyn North School District 98, where she steadily turned around lower-performing schools. Throughout her career, she served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Plainfield District 202 and director of school improvement and programs at Community Consolidated School District 300. She also served as an assistant superintendent, director of bilingual services and teacher in Aurora East School District 131. She began her career in education as a teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Carmen has received multiple honors over the years, including the 2018 Leadership Award and the Excellence in Education Award from the League of Latin American Citizens, as well as the Kane County Distinguished Educator award.

#WIDA2023 sessions 

You can expect conference sessions on these topics (WARNING: expect pure awesomeness out of this year’s sessions):

• Equity and Social Justice
• Family and Community Engagement
• Bi/Multilingual Education
• Language Assessment
• Professional Learning in Schools and Districts
• Specific Populations: Multilingual Learners with Disabilities, Newcomers, Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE), Migrant, Refugee, Long-term Multilingual Learners
• Early Language Development and Pre-Kindergarten
• Effective Instructional Practices
• Implementation of WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition
• Program Administration and Policy

You won’t want to miss these spotlight sessions:

• Working Toward Critical Consciousness to Center Racialized Bilingual Students in our Schools, Classrooms and Communities presented by Deb Palmer
• Teaching Culturally: Exploration of the Multiplicity of Indigenous Nations and Cultures presented by David O’Connor
• The Three R’s for Developing Multilingualism: Resistance, Resilience and Results presented by Kathy Escamilla
• Reimagining Equity and Inclusivity for Multilingual Learners in Rural Schools presented by Maria Coady, Diego Roman, Diep Ngueyn and Elizabeth Cranley

Reminder: Pre-registration is required for all conference concurrent sessions. Review the entire schedule of sessions so you are fully prepared to select your choices at the time of registration.

#WIDA2023’s virtual track

The virtual track of the WIDA Annual Conference is back and refreshed for 2023!

Based upon your input, this year’s virtual track is designed for attendees to experience a sampling of the WIDA Annual Conference. Virtual track features include

• One full day of live sessions on October 18, 2023
• A choice of three sessions during each session block
• Live session options curated from the in-person conference and tailored to a virtual audience
• Live stream of in-person keynote presentations
• Recording-only access to virtual track after the event

View the virtual program and learn more about the virtual track.

Register for #WIDA2023!

Registration rates

• In-person conference: the Teacher Appreciation Week rate is $615 and is only available May 8-14. The early-bird rate is $650 and available May 15 – July 31.
• Virtual track: The live virtual track rate is $195. A recording-only option is also available for $125.
• Note: In-person and live virtual track registration also includes post-event access to recordings.

Ready to register? Head on over to the Registration page to reserve your seat.

We appreciate you!

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we would like to say thank you to all teachers for their dedication, generosity and passion. In addition to the Teacher Appreciation Week registration rate, the first 300 educators to register for the 2023 WIDA Annual Conference during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-14) will receive a $50 credit to the WIDA Store.*

Thank you for all that you've done (and continue to do) for students and their families, colleagues and your own family, friends and community. We are also thankful to our partners at the WIDA Store for making this credit for educators possible.

*This offer is only valid for K-12 educators (consultants, higher education professionals and SEA representatives will not receive the credit) and does not include shipping. Recipients will receive their WIDA Store credit via email the week of May 15.