Suggested Proposal Topics for the

NJTESOL/NJBE 2026 Annual Spring Conference

May 19, 20, & 21, 2026

Theme:

For our annual NJTESOL/NJBE Spring Conference, we invite proposals that explore how being multilingual can unlock potential for opportunities and learning. Presentations should be current and appropriate as related to the teaching of English to speakers of other languages, Bilingual Education, and Dual language programs, including students who are U.S. born bilinguals, ethnically and/or racially diverse multilingual speakers, “generation 1.5”, immigrants, and international students. To promote all voices in our organization, we encourage submission of proposals from Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) members and/or topics that focus on race and power within language instruction, or linguistic justice more broadly. Presentations may focus on any educational level, from Preschool to university, as well as on adult school and workplace literacy settings.

We invite proposals that particularly explore the benefits of being multilingual, such as (but not limited to)

How being multilingual can unlock potential to:

• enhance memory, focus, and problem-solving
• improve language skills, metalinguistic awareness, and overall academic performance
• open job opportunities, increase earning potential, and allow for greater global mobility
• foster deeper cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and communication skills
• boost confidence, as well as strengthen family and community ties

We also invite proposals that explore the following Interest Areas and are connected to how being multilingual unlocks potential for opportunities and learning:

• Advocacy, Social Justice, & Policy focuses on advancing multilingual education policy by strengthening programs that honor students’ home languages, expanding access to learning tools, and promoting welcoming classrooms. Participants will explore strategies to influence policy and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure multilingual education remains central to educational accessibility and student success.
• Career Pathways explores innovative multilingual programs, strategies, and research supporting teacher preparation. Sessions may address pre-service and in-service training, alternative routes of teacher preparation, and varying career pathways.
• Content-Integrated Approaches focuses on how to support multilingual learners in all content areas of Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, STEM and the Arts. Sessions in this strand should help to equip bilingual/ESL educators with the tools they need to support second language development through content area instruction.
• Digital Learning & Technologies explores emerging technologies and innovative practices in bilingual education, with a special focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Sessions will present strategies and research that enhance language teaching and learning through AI, digital creativity, and technology-based collaboration.
• Dual Identified/Special Populations and Programs addresses Twice Exceptional MLs and seeks to empower educators and families in recognizing, valuing, and supporting multilingual learners participating in special education programming, intervention services or gifted and talented programs.
• Early Learning and Family Practices explores the critical connection between early learning experiences and the active engagement of families and caregivers in a child’s development. Focused on ensuring young children are supported in both school and at home, sessions within this strand will highlight innovative strategies, culturally responsive practices, and research-based approaches that support strong partnerships between educators, families, and communities.
• Family and Community Engagement would cover strategies and best practices for building strong partnerships between schools, families, and the wider community to support the academic and social success of MLs. The focus is on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where the linguistic and cultural backgrounds of all families are respected and leveraged as assets.
• Heritage Languages explores topics such as language retention by immigrant communities, heritage language acquisition by descendants of immigrant communities, and specific cultural backgrounds, migration histories, and experiences of these communities.
• Language Assessment provides research and practice for the integration and implementation of effective language assessment practices within programs for multilingual learners. It may address initial language proficiency assessments, progress monitoring assessments, classroom-based assessments, or required, state-level English language proficiency assessments.
• Listening & Speaking covers the essential skills and strategies for helping students understand and use spoken language. This strand focuses on the practical, communicative aspects of language, recognizing that the ability to listen and speak effectively is fundamental to language acquisition.
• Program Administration & Evaluation highlights the pivotal role of leadership and ongoing professional learning in advancing high-quality Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs). Emphasis will be placed on equity-driven decision-making, capacity building, and leveraging the assets of bilingual educators and learners. Participants will gain tools to lead with vision, support teacher growth, and advocate for systemic change that uplifts multilingual students and their communities.
• Reading, Writing, & Literacy focuses on research-validated instructional practices for implementing writing, reading, literacy, biliteracy and multiliteracy within Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs). Sessions will demonstrate the elements of literacy instruction that are needed for effective practice.
• Social Emotional Learning explores innovative approaches to fostering resilience and holistic well-being in diverse communities. Share insights and strategies that strengthen emotional growth and nurture healing environments, promoting inclusive support systems.
• Supporting Newcomers, SLIFEs & Refugees focuses on the unique challenges and needs of Newcomers, SLIFEs, and Refugees. It provides educators with specialized strategies and resources to help these students navigate a new school system and culture, both academically and socially.