2026 NC Standards Academy & MLs Summer Conference (East)

2026 NC Standards Academy & MLs Summer Conference (East)

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8:30am EDT

Creating a district ML Pathway to recruit highly effective (future) ML teachers

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

8

Alamance Burlington's ML Department has created an ML Pathway PD that helps to guide, inform, and recruit future potential ML teachers right from within the current district's educator pool. The ML Pathway PD content and strategies will be shared with district leaders to attract and grow in house educators that are ready for new adventures in the ML teaching world.

Speakers

Carlos Oliveria

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
8

Growing Success for MLs

8:30am EDT

Project Glad

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

7

This interactive session will introduce HCPS Project GLAD(R) Regional Training Center. Participants will experience an immersive demonstration of 6 highly effective strategies to support success for ALL learners.

Speakers

Simone Wertenberger

Director ESL, MEP, and DL, Henderson County Public Schools

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
7

Growing Success for MLs

8:30am EDT

The Multilingual Multimodal Science Inventory

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

4

The Multilingual Multimodal Science Inventory (M2-Si) is a classroom formative assessment for grades 3-5. Designed in response to the need for assessment activities that allow ML students to show what they know and can do, this e-portfolio of assessment activities is available to all educators. Learn about the research behind this approach and about how to implement these activities in your own classrooms.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
4

Growing Success for MLs

8:30am EDT

When SIOP Meets AI: Keep the Heart in Your Teaching

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

11

In this session, we explore the SIOP Model through a human-centered lens, showing you how AI and digital tools can help every multilingual learner thrive. You will see how technology can support your planning, spark curiosity, and engage MLs in ways that honor their unique backgrounds. Together, we will uncover strategies to make complex content feel like a shared discovery and leave with "Click-and-Go" resources that turn “passive scrolling” into meaningful learning.

Speakers

Micheline Aoun

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
11

Growing Success for MLs

8:30am EDT

Implementing the World Language Standards in K-12 Classrooms

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

10

During this session, participants will focus on the ongoing implementation of the 2024 Standard Course of Study (SCoS) for World Languages, with an overview of the available support tools, updated resources, and 2026-2027 professional development. Policy questions will also be discussed, along with specific materials for classical, dual language/immersion (DL/I), heritage, and modern language programs.

Speakers

Ann Marie Gunter

World Languages Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
10

Standards Academy

8:30am EDT

Standards-Aligned Instruction: Intent to Impact

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

1

This session focuses on translating North Carolina Standard Course of Study expectations into high-quality, standards-aligned instruction that drives student learning. Participants will examine the architecture of standards, unpack key concepts and skills, and align instructional planning, tasks, and assessments to ensure coherence and rigor.

Speakers

Kelly Schultz

Standards Implementation Specialist, NCDPI

Kelly Schultz entered the field of education in the Spring of 2008 as a secondary English Language Arts teacher. She has since progressed in the field serving as a curriculum coach, MTSS District Coordinator, and NCDPI Education Consultant. Kelly has taught in both Illinois and North... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
1

Standards Academy

8:30am EDT

It's not as hard as you think: Preparing Middle School Teachers to Teach High School Computer Science

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT

2

Learn how middle school educators can successfully transition to teaching high school computer science courses through accessible tools, curriculum supports, and real classroom strategies that build confidence and capacity.

Speakers

Karen McPherson

Section Chief - Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education, NC Department of Public Instruction

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
2

Standards Academy

8:30am EDT

Social Studies

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT

6

Join this session to explore the NC Social Studies Standards and support documents. Learn how to align instruction and assessment effectively while incorporating inquiry indicators to promote critical thinking. Discover valuable resources designed to support educators in implementing engaging, standards-based social studies instruction.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
6

Standards Academy

8:30am EDT

What is mathematical discourse? Supporting all students in math.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT

3

This session will explore practical, research-based strategies to support discourse in developing both mathematical understanding and academic language. Participants will examine what meaningful math talk looks like across K–12 settings and learn practical strategies to create inclusive environments where all students feel empowered to share, refine, and challenge ideas. Educators will strengthen their ability to facilitate discussion, ask purposeful questions, and shift toward student-centered sense-making so that every learner has access to rigorous and engaging mathematics.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
3

Standards Academy

10:15am EDT

AI in The Language Classroom

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

8

In this session, participants will explore practical, classroom-ready ways AI can support language acquisition, cultural competence, and differentiated instruction without replacing the human connection at the heart of language learning. Drawing from experience as a former French teacher, this presentation highlights how AI tools can be leveraged to enhance listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while maintaining high academic and communicative standards.

Speakers

Monique Douglas

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
8

Growing Success for MLs

10:15am EDT

An Overview of the Multiple Measure Tool

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

14

This session provides educators and school leaders with a clear, practical understanding of the NCDPI Multiple Measure Tool (MMT) for Multilingual Learners. Designed to support equitable, data-informed decision-making, the MMT offers a comprehensive pathway for determining student readiness to exit English Learner services beyond a single test score.

Participants will explore key components of the MMT process, including eligibility criteria, team roles, observation protocols, timelines, and documentation requirements. Through guided discussion and application activities, participants will deepen their understanding of how to use multiple sources of evidence, including classroom observations and student performance, to make informed reclassification decisions while maintaining compliance with state requirements.

Speakers

Susan Walz

Education Consultant, Department of Public Instruction

I am Michigan born and bred! I moved to North Carolina almost 20 years ago and have found a home in the South. When I first moved to NC, as I was waiting for my Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensing, I took a part-time job working with ESL students. I fell in love and never looked... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
14

Growing Success for MLs

10:15am EDT

Empowered PD: Reimagining Professional Learning for ML Teachers Through Leadership, Choice & Impact

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

1

ML Teachers' expertise in language acquisition can transform professional learning, instruction, and community engagement. This session explores reimagining PD through cohorts, PLCs, and teacher choice. Learn how to harness your teachers' skills to advocate for MLs, drive change, and lead within your department, school, and community.

Speakers

Katie Wagner Sarah Whitfield

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
1

Growing Success for MLs

10:15am EDT

Expanding Reading Instruction With Multilingual Learners

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

5

This interactive 90-minute in-person session explores practical ways to expand reading instruction to better support multilingual learners. Participants will engage in discussion and hands-on activities to build on their current teaching practices, deepen their understanding of how multilingual learners develop reading skills, and explore strategies that foster meaningful interaction and engagement.

Speakers

Andrea Mercado

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
5

Growing Success for MLs

10:15am EDT

Setting Up Multilingual Learners for Success in Arts Education Classrooms

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

12

No matter how you say it, “Art” reaches across languages and geography. Yet, the instructional language of arts education is often overlooked when placing newcomers into these courses. It is essential to have resources and tools necessary to meet the needs of our English Learners. Learn how to read an EL plan, navigate the NC ELD Standards to support the Arts Education Standards, apply required individual modifications to existing lessons, and familiarize yourself with the crosswalks of the 2020 WIDA Framework with NC Arts Standards to help make every student successful.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
12

Growing Success for MLs

10:15am EDT

Student Success Standards

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

9

This interactive session provides a high-level overview of the NC Student Success Standards and their alignment with MTSS, data-informed practice, and the ASCA National Model 5th Edition. Participants will explore what’s new, how the standards connect to existing systems and initiatives, and why this shift matters for school counseling practice and student outcomes.

Speakers

Kisha Bryant

School Counseling Consultant, NCDPI

School Counseling Consultant

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
9

Standards Academy

1:00pm EDT

From Principles to Practice: Building Character Through Relationships

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

6

This session will provide an overview of Character Education in North Carolina and explore the 11 Principles of Character Education. This session will explore how cultivating strong, supportive relationships with students can significantly impact engagement, behavior, and academic outcomes. Participants will reflect on the role of teacher-student connections in creating inclusive, compassionate classroom environments and learn practical strategies to foster meaningful relationships with students from diverse backgrounds. This session equips educators with the tools to meet the needs of all learners while promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and belonging. Participants will leave inspired and empowered to strengthen their practices, helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Speakers

Justyn Burgess

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
6

Both

1:00pm EDT

Championing MLs Home and Heritage Languages: CDM, Honors Courses, and the Seal of Biliteracy

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

10

In this session, participants will get an overview of the Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) process and how it can be used to support ML students who want to earn credit(s) in World Language courses for their first or home language, either without the required seat time and/or for placement into more advanced courses. We will also discuss local course sequence(s) that include Level I heritage (standard vs. honors) courses and continue into inherently honors courses, like Level II heritage and Levels III - VIII modern languages. Several case studies will be shared as we consider strategies for advising ML students about how to access CDM and honors courses in order to reach broader goals like fulfilling the requirements for the UNC Minimum Admissions Requirements or the Global Language Endorsement (GLE), North Carolina’s Seal of Biliteracy.

Speakers

Ann Marie Gunter

World Languages Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
10

Growing Success for MLs

1:00pm EDT

Expanding Reading Instruction With Multilingual Learners

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

5

This interactive 90-minute in-person session explores practical ways to expand reading instruction to better support multilingual learners. Participants will engage in discussion and hands-on activities to build on their current teaching practices, deepen their understanding of how multilingual learners develop reading skills, and explore strategies that foster meaningful interaction and engagement.

Speakers

Andrea Mercado

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
5

Growing Success for MLs

1:00pm EDT

Herencia Hispana: Celebrating Our Roots in Middle School

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

11

This session examines the impact of purposefully designed Spanish Heritage courses at the middle school level and underscores the importance of instruction tailored to heritage language learners. Participants will explore how a dedicated heritage curriculum supports bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement, and cultural identity development. The session highlights key design principles, instructional practices, and programmatic considerations that address the unique linguistic strengths and needs of heritage speakers, offering insights for schools seeking to build or strengthen heritage language programs.

Speakers

Nora Santillan

Wake County Public School System

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
11

Growing Success for MLs

1:00pm EDT

MTSS That Works for Multilingual Learners: Strengthening Core Instruction for Equitable Access:

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

14

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) are designed to serve all students. This session explores how to strengthen MTSS by embedding language development into core instruction, data use, and decision-making. Participants will learn practical strategies to improve Tier I instruction, reduce misidentification, and ensure equitable access for multilingual learners.

Participants will explore six key actions that strengthen core instruction, improve data-based decision-making, and ensure equitable access across all tiers. Through real classroom examples and guided reflection, educators will examine how Tier I instruction can be intentionally designed to support both content and language development—reducing unnecessary interventions and improving outcomes for multilingual learners.

This session is designed for core content educators, instructional coaches, ML specialists, and school/district leaderswho are committed to improving instructional systems

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
14

Growing Success for MLs

1:00pm EDT

Solving the Problem of Problem Solving: Five Instructional Shifts for Scaffolded Success

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

2

In this interactive session, participants will move beyond rote memorization to experience mathematics as a journey of discovery. Through hands-on tasks, peer collaboration, and structured reflection, we will explore five key instructional shifts that prioritize conceptual reasoning over speed. Attendees will gain practical strategies for embedding differentiated scaffolding into their daily practice, ensuring that rigorous problem solving is accessible and empowering for every learner.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
2

Growing Success for MLs

1:00pm EDT

Student Success Standards

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

9

This interactive session provides a high-level overview of the NC Student Success Standards and their alignment with MTSS, data-informed practice, and the ASCA National Model 5th Edition. Participants will explore what’s new, how the standards connect to existing systems and initiatives, and why this shift matters for school counseling practice and student outcomes.

Speakers

Kisha Bryant

School Counseling Consultant, NCDPI

School Counseling Consultant

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
9

Standards Academy

1:00pm EDT

Arts Education

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

12

This session will assist administrators and educators in deeply examining the common framework of the four artistic process strands of Connect, Create, Present, and Respond, the eight standards and 16 learning objective throughlines in Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Participants will gain an understanding of how the new structure of the standards promotes interdisciplinary connections between the arts disciplines and other academic content.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
12

Standards Academy

1:00pm EDT

Bridging Content and Language:: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2025 NC ELD Standards Framework

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

7

Target Audience: K-12 Teachers and School Specialists. In this session, participants will dive into the 2025 North Carolina English Language Development (ELD) Standards to move toward a shared, school-wide responsibility for Multilingual Learner (ML) success. This comprehensive workshop explores the "who, what, and how" of supporting North Carolina's diverse ML population. Participants will analyze the ELD Standards Framework, and how they serve as the roadmap for weaving language development into core academic content. Key takeaways include: strategic resource navigation; evidence-based instructional strategies; collaborative leadership; data-informed decision making. Whether you are a district leader designing professional development or a classroom teacher looking for immediate instructional supports, this session provides the framework to ensure our MLs reach their highest potential.

Speakers

Walter Moore

ML/Title III Consultant, NC Department of Public Instruction

Passionate about collaborating with teachers in order to help students navigate the path to a successful future.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
7

Standards Academy

1:00pm EDT

Standards-Aligned Instruction in ELA

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

In this K-12 session, unpack the ELA standards and dig into how they build across grade levels. Through collaborative discussions and real-world classroom examples, attendees will gain a better idea as to what standards-aligned instruction could look like in practice and how they support student growth in all areas of literacy. This session will also provide updates on the 2026 SCoS timeline, information regarding messaging and resources currently available to support installation, and a review of major shifts.

Speakers

Catie Cohen

9-12 ELA Consultant, NC DPI

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Media Center

Standards Academy

2:45pm EDT

From Vision to Reality: Transforming Systems for Multilingual Learners

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

14

This 90-minute session introduces NCDPI ML/Title III framework- a it is a practical, strategic guide designed to support school year planning, strengthen Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs), and align professional learning across roles and departments. Grounded in research and centered on equity, the framework outlines key principles, priorities, and actionable steps that help districts and schools build sustainable systems for multilingual learner success.
By the end of the session, participants will:
Understand the structure and purpose of the framework
Identify connections between the framework and their current initiatives
Begin planning for implementation in the 2026–2027 school year
Walk away with at least one actionable next step for their context

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
14

Growing Success for MLs

2:45pm EDT

Integrating a Newcomer Support Process in Core Classrooom Settings

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

8

Most of today's discussion about ML Newcomers focuses on what happens with their transition culturally, socially, academically, and langauge-wise within the direct care and support of their ML teachers. However, ML Newcomers spend the vast majority of their time outside of these settings. The Newcomer Support Process used in Alamance-Burlington follows these students into the core classrooms with observations and feedback to create a more comprehensive all day support network for these students.

Speakers

Carlos Oliveria

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
8

Growing Success for MLs

2:45pm EDT

Student Success Standards for MLs

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

9

This interactive session provides a high-level overview of the NC Student Success Standards and how these standard can be utilized for best practices in working with ML students.

Speakers

Kisha Bryant

School Counseling Consultant, NCDPI

School Counseling Consultant

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
9

Growing Success for MLs

2:45pm EDT

Supporting the Global Educator: Research-Based Professional Development for International Dual Language Teachers

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

11

This session focuses on how school and district leaders can better support international teachers in dual language programs. Drawing from real-world leadership experience and doctoral research, the session shares a practical professional development framework designed specifically for global educators. Participants will explore strategies for onboarding, building community, and creating ongoing support systems like mentoring and PLCs that help international teachers thrive in immersion settings.

Speakers

Nora Santillan

Wake County Public School System

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
11

Growing Success for MLs

2:45pm EDT

Vocabulary in Action: Building Connections Through Practice, Tech & Hands-On Learning

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

4

Unlock the power of vocabulary acquisition by bridging knowledge, practice, and innovation! This interactive session explores how multilingual learners can strengthen vocabulary through meaningful connections—linking new words to prior knowledge, language patterns, and real-world applications. Participants will discover research-based strategies, including morphology, cognates, etymology, and repetition-based exposure while integrating handwriting, AI tools, and tech-supported read-aloud practices for deeper retention. Learn how sentence frames, gamified learning, and multimodal engagement empower students to make words their own. Walk away with practical, adaptable techniques that merge traditional and modern approaches—ensuring vocabulary sticks, grows, and connects across subjects and experiences.

Speakers

Anna Gudauskas

ESL Instructor, St. Pauls High School

Anna Gudauskas is an ESL educator and global education advocate, passionate about empowering multilingual learners through innovative, globally-focused instruction. With a rich background in philosophy, psychology, and a deep interest in philology, as well as a curiosity for physics... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
4

Growing Success for MLs