The San Antonio Area Association for Bilingual Education (SAAABE) is dedicated to empowering educators, administrators, and leaders in bilingual education. This conference provides an opportunity to share effective practices, strategies, and research that enhance bilingualism, biliteracy, and culturally responsive teaching. Sessions will focus on high-impact instructional methods, professional growth, and the development of inclusive, innovative learning environments for emergent bilingual students.

Guidelines:

1. Deadline for proposals is April 4, 2025

2. Lead presenters pay no conference fee.

3. Co-presenters pay full conference price

4. Length of all presentations will be 55 minutes.

Theme: Deep Roots, Tall Dreams: ¡El bilingüismo transforma!

This year’s theme celebrates the transformative power of bilingualism and biliteracy in education. Deep Roots symbolizes the cultural and linguistic foundations that ground our students and educators, while Tall Dreams reflects the aspirations, achievements, and endless possibilities that bilingualism, biliteracy and academic excellence unlocks. Through the lens of this theme, the presentations should highlight how bilingual education empowers students, families, and educators to transform their classrooms and communities.

Conference Strands

• Administrator- Advocacy, Policy, and Leadership in Bilingual Education
  Explore the role of advocacy and policy in shaping educational opportunities for emergent bilingual students. Topics may include the influence of local, state, and federal policies, strategies for advocating for bilingual programs, and leadership in bilingual education at both the classroom and administrative levels.

• Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Pedagogy
  Explore strategies to incorporate students' cultural backgrounds into teaching. This strand focuses on creating inclusive, affirming, and relevant learning environments for emergent bilinguals through culturally responsive teaching practices.

• Effective Instructional Practices in Bilingual/Dual Language Classrooms
  Explore best practices for teaching in bilingual and dual language classrooms. This strand focuses on integrating academic content with language instruction to develop language skills across subjects and grade levels. Topics include bilingual writing practices, literacy development in both languages, translanguaging techniques, fostering cross-linguistic connections, and supporting multilingualism as a classroom asset.

• Emergent Bilingual Students with Diverse Learning Needs
  Address instructional and support strategies for emergent bilingual students with varied learning needs, including those receiving special education services, identified as gifted and talented (GT), and dyslexia. This strand focuses on differentiated practices and how to meet the needs of all learners in bilingual settings.

• Instructional Practices in ESL Classrooms
  Focus on effective teaching strategies in ESL classrooms, particularly those supporting English language acquisition and academic achievement for emergent bilingual students. This strand covers approaches to language development, integrating content instruction, and fostering student engagement. Topics include content-based language instruction (CBLI), translanguaging techniques, cross-linguistic connections, and viewing multilingualism as a valuable asset in learning environments.

• Parent, Family, and Community Engagement
  Explore strategies to build partnerships with families and communities to support bilingual learners. This strand will address how to involve parents in their child's education, strengthen community-school relationships, and leverage local resources to empower families.

• Technology Integration in Bilingual/ESL Classrooms
  Explore how technology can enhance language learning and instruction in bilingual and ESL classrooms. This strand will cover digital tools, apps, and platforms that support language acquisition, student engagement, and academic achievement in bilingual education.

• Student Strand: Empowering Bilingual Leaders of Tomorrow
  This strand is designed for high school students to celebrate their bilingual identities and inspire their potential. Sessions may include leadership development, college and career readiness for emergent bilingual students, the benefits of biliteracy, cultural pride, and practical strategies for academic and professional success. Topics should empower students to see bilingualism as a transformative asset for their futures.

Presentation Format

Presentation and Discussion (55 minutes) - Presenters provide attendees insight into a topic of interest to educators/leaders involved in the education of Emergent Bilinguals (EBs). The presentation can be a demonstration of a topic presented through various mediums (video, role play, or PowerPoint, etc.). Presenters should allow time for attendees to discuss their thoughts and questions in order to extend their learning.

Hands-On Workshop (55 minutes) - Through hands-on workshop activities attendees increase their understanding by creating products that have brought them success in the classroom. Some of these activities may include:

• Innovative foldables
• Hands-on class activities
• Concept maps
• Engaging in a biliteracy, ESL and/or CBLI model lesson

For further questions please send an email to proposals@saaabe.org