WIABE News

Save the Date for the 2027 WIABE Conference!

Conference Registration Coming Soon!

WIABE invites you to share your expertise around bilingual education at our 48th annual conference on April 16-18, 2027.

The deadline for submitting proposals is FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2026.

Topics of the breakout sessions should relate to one of the conference strands and be connected to the conference theme: "Our Voices, Our Languages, Nuestro Futuro". If you have any questions about proposals, please feel free to contact WIABE at proposalswiabe@gmail.com

Submit Your Proposal HERE

To check if you are a current WIABE member, contact WIABE at proposalswiabe@gmail.com

WIABE Back to School Social

WIABE invites all educators to join us for our Back to School Social on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Join us at Catrina's Cafe Bay View located at 2352 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207.

This event is FREE for all educators serving multilingual learners. Join us for free food, networking & special door prizes! Sponsored by Catrina's Cafe Bay View & HMH. Hope to see you there! 🎊🎶

RSVP Today

¿Que Pasa con WIABE?

WIABE in the Community

Maestro Luis López

WIABE was honored to celebrate the life and legacy of Maestro Luis López.

On June 13, 2026, WIABE joined family, friends, educators, and community members for a Celebration of Life honoring Maestro López and his lasting contributions to our community.

As the first bilingual teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools, Maestro López helped pave the way for generations of bilingual educators and students. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to our multilingual community will continue to inspire the work we do today.

We honor those who came before us and opened doors for future generations. We truly stand on the shoulders of giants.

¡Gracias, Maestro López, por su legado!

Lincoln Avenue School Fire

WIABE stands in solidarity with the Lincoln Avenue School Community after their school fire.

As a token of appreciation, WIABE sponsored a luncheon for the Lincoln Avenue MPS staff in their new home as they head into the new school year.

We are honored to stand alongside out WIABE brothers and sisters from Lincoln Avenue School!

If you wish to sopport the school you can donate to the Lincoln Avenue School Fund

💰 Monetary Donations: You can make a direct, tax-deductible contribution through the MPS Foundation at mpsfdn.org/donate. Select “Lincoln Avenue Elementary School Fund”.

🛒 Purchase needed items through the Lincoln Avenue Teacher's Amazon wish lists.

Amazon Wish List

WITESOL Conference

WIABE President Alondra Garcia will join our partners at WITESOL as a plenary speaker at their 2026 Fall Conference!

Practice with Purpose: ML Educators Pushing Back and Moving Forward ✨

We are excited to see WIABE represented and to continue strengthening partnerships that support multilingual learners, educators, and communities across Wisconsin!

For more information about the 2026 WITESOL Fall Conference, including registration, visit the WITESOL website.

Advocacy Updates

English Only Mandate for Head Start

A proposed federal regulation would require Head Start programs to conduct education in English and prioritize English instruction for children who do not speak English.

NABE firmly opposes this English-only mandate. English development and multilingualism can—and should—coexist.

The federal government is accepting public comments through October 6, 2026.

We encourage all NABE members, affiliates, educators, families, researchers, and advocates to make their voices heard.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT:

1️ Visit: https://www.regulations.gov

2️ Search for docket: ACF-2026-0595

3️ Select “Comment”

4️ Personalize and submit your message before October 6, 2026.

You may also email your comment to Deregulation@acf.hhs.gov. Include “ACF-2026-0595” or “RIN 0970-AD30” in the subject line.

See Sample Public Comment HERE.

READ NABE'S FULL LETTER

Every comment matters. Every voice matters. Together, we must stand up for multilingual children and families.

WIABE wants to share an update on the Milwaukee Public School's (MPS) stakeholder meeting that took place on June 3, 2026.

MPS has shared the meeting slides and a report on the meeting themes addressed during the meeting. Click here to view

Share your comments and questions to

Dr. Gabriela Bell Jiménez, Deputy Chief Academic Officer Director at bella3@milwaukeepublicschools.org

WIABE President Alondra García and WITESOL President Natalija Krsteva joined NABE, TESOL members and advocates at their Advocacy Action Days in Washington D.C. to advocate for multilingual learners and education funding.

Support the MENASHA Community

WIABE encourages our members to help support Menasha students and families affected by the tornado? There are several ways you can make a difference:

💰 Donate financially to the Menasha Educational Fund Tornado Relief

🛒 Purchase needed items through the Amazon wishlists or donate gift cards for essential needs like groceries, gas and household supplies.

Amazon Wish List

Every donation, big or small, helps our students, families and community as they recover.

Thank you for standing with the Menasha Community!