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More than 100 educators, students and community members attended the annual Multilingual Education Conference April 18 at WQPT PBS in Moline.
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Conference attendees participate in breakout sessions focused on supporting multilingual learners during the annual Multilingual Education Conference in Moline.
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Conference participants connect with colleagues and explore resources to support multilingual learners during the annual Multilingual Education Conference.
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WQPT/WIU Multilingual Education Conference Draws Strong Attendance

June 3, 2026

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MOLINE, IL - On April 18, WQPT PBS, in partnership with Western Illinois University, celebrated multilingual education at its annual conference. This event was attended by over 100 people, 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 Johanna Poncio Jordan, a student of WIU's Education program and the current executive director of Bilingual and Multicultural Services in Rockford Public Schools.

Attendees also experienced 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. Educators also received a donation of multilingual books to share with their students and families.

"This was my first time attending, and I truly loved it. Not only was all of the information engaging, but I felt like I was able to take away many key components that I can apply in my career. I am so grateful for this conference, where it is clearly shown how important our different cultures and communities are to the Quad Cities, and the effort being made to ensure everyone feels seen, included, and welcomed," expressed an attendee on their experience.

For more information on WIU's Education programs, visit wiu.edu/education.
For more information on The Multilingual Education Conference, visit wqpt.org/education/multilingual-education-conference.

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