Strong participation and the unveiling of a new center for bilingual and bicultural children’s books highlighted the 2021 San Diego Dual Language Conference, which took place virtually from Jan. 29-30. 

 

Bringing together top research and voices around bilingual education and equity, the conference was jointly hosted by San Diego State University’s Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education (DLE), the San Diego County Office of Education and the Butte County Office of Education. More than 800 people registered for the annual event, including international guests from Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Nicaragua and the United Arab Emirates.

Keynote speakers included dual language education experts, such as Dr. José Medina, translanguaging pioneer Dr. Ofelia Garcia, abolitionist teaching pioneer Dr. Bettina Love, Dr. Farima Pourkhorshid, and DLE Associate Professor Dr. Alberto Esquinca. The conference included breakouts for parents and teachers, as well as sessions focusing on American Sign Language. 

 

"This year we really focused on social justice, multicultural education and antiracist pedagogies,” said Dr. Margarita Machado-Casas, professor and department chair of DLE. “Given what we just experienced with COVID-19 and all the issues with racism last spring, it was imperative that we continue this conversation as a bilingual education community as we start 2021."