University News

WQPT + WIU-QC Multilingual Education Conference Held Succesfully

May 5, 2025

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MOLINE, IL - - The WQPT PBS + Western Illinois University Quad Cities Multilingual Education Conference was successfully held on Saturday, April 26, with over 100 attendees, including WIU faculty and staff, community advocates, local educators, administrators, high school students, pre-service teachers and parent mentors.

The conference was an opportunity for attendees to participate in an impactful and inspiring day of professional development. It featured a keynote presentation by Sara Mendez, the Illinois 2024 Bilingual Teacher of the Year and Illinois Policy Fellow with Teach Plus IL, several breakout sessions, networking opportunities with colleagues, access to valuable community resources and exploration of innovative ways to support multilingual learners from early childhood through adulthood.

The event successfully distributed more than 250 multilingual books and fostered a welcoming atmosphere of exchange and learning among educators and advocates of multilingual education.

"The conference was really exciting. The three presentations I attended were top-notch," an attendee said. "Presenters were excited about their topics, involved us in the presentations and had prepared well. I enjoyed the time to exchange ideas and learn so much in one day! Well done, Team!"

Participants also connected by sharing meaningful personal and professional experiences, inspiring one another through their shared commitment to community impact.

"The conference was so well put together and a truly enjoyable experience. I love how local and intimate it was," another attendee said. "So many wonderful people are truly invested in their school community and looking to make a difference. The parent panel was so inspiring - it was my favorite part of the day! The absolute joy that shined through when parents were sharing their accomplishments and experiences through the mentor program was so impactful."

WQPT is a media service of WIU. For more information, visit wqpt.org.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing