New Blog | How Project Momentum Is Transforming Multilingual Learner Education Nationwide | | |
When Project Momentum first launched with support from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Professional Development (NPD) grant program in 2022, it was based on a clear and urgent need — too many educators were walking into classrooms with multilingual learners (MLs) and feeling unprepared. Today, Project Momentum is a nationally recognized professional learning ecosystem reaching educators in more than 20 states.
| | Now Available! Language Instruction Educational Programs Learning Series | | |
Explore NCELA’s new six-module learning series designed to deepen your understanding of language instruction educational programs (LIEPs) used to support ELs in U.S. public schools. The series features program overviews, implementation considerations, expert insights, and additional resources to support educators and leaders.
Why Participate?
- Learn from leading subject matter experts
- Explore key implementation considerations for each program model
- Access resources to support ELs
- Earn a certificate of completion for each module
- Request a digital badge from AskNCELA upon completion of all six modules
Get Started Today!
| New Guide Helps Rural Districts Take Action on Teacher Working Conditions to Improve Retention | |
Rural districts face ongoing challenges in keeping teaching positions filled. A new guide from REL Northwest, developed in partnership with the Lower Kuskokwim School District in Bethel, Alaska, provides rural district leaders with a practical, research-based process for addressing teacher working conditions and supporting retention. Retaining Rural Teachers by Addressing Working Conditions: A Guide to Develop and Test Localized Strategies offers guidance that districts can tailor to their local needs.
Read the Guide
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September 15–18, 2026
2026 WIDA Annual Conference
In-Person Conference
| “This conference, by teachers, for teachers, is the premier event for educators of pre-K through grade 12 MLs, giving educators the opportunity to share best practices and discover innovative classroom strategies. The in-person conference will take place September 16–18, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, under the theme ‘Building Gateways to Colaboración.’ A curated virtual track will also be available on September 15, 2026. Join the WIDA Annual Conference email list to stay up to date on call for proposals, registration details, and more.” | | Join NAELPA virtually September 30–October 1, 2026, for Built to Last, Stronger Together: Sustaining Support Systems for Multilingual Learners—a national gathering focused on strengthening sustainable systems of support for MLs and the educators who serve them. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Jose Luis Zelaya, general sessions, breakouts, and opportunities for collaboration and networking, the conference will offer practical strategies, innovative ideas, and renewed connections to strengthen programs, partnerships, and communities. The full agenda will be announced. | | The Coalition of Community-Based Heritage Language Schools is excited to announce that registration for the 13th Annual Community-Based Heritage Language Schools Conference is now open. The hybrid conference will be held October 2–3, 2026, both onsite at American University in Washington, DC, and online. The event brings together educators, administrators, researchers, community members, and language advocates interested in supporting and advancing community-based heritage language schools. Early-bird discounts for in-person registration are available through August 31. | | |
October 16–19, 2026
54th Annual TABE Conference
In-Person Conference
| Join bilingual and multilingual education leaders from across Texas, October 16–19, 2026, at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter for the TABE Conference & Expo. The conference will bring together approximately 1,500 educators for networking, inspiring keynote presentations, more than 90 breakout sessions, and nearly 100 exhibitor booths featuring innovative tools and resources. Guided by the theme, “Leading the Future con voz, lenguaje e identidad,” attendees will gain practical strategies to support bilingual and biliterate student success and receive a complimentary 2027 TABE membership. | | |
November 10–15, 2026
La Cosecha 2026
In-Person Conference
| La Cosecha brings together educators, parents, researchers, and practitioners from across the country to share research, best practices, and innovative strategies for supporting dual language, bilingual, heritage language, and EL programs. Designed by teachers for teachers, the conference provides valuable learning and networking opportunities for those committed to multilingual education. | | |
November 20–21, 2026
TESOL 2026 Virtual Convention
Virtual Convention
| Connect with thousands of your colleagues around the world at the premier online event for English language teaching (ELT) — the TESOL 2026 Virtual Convention. At this dynamic 2-day event, you will gain fresh strategies, best practices, and tools to meet the needs of those you support; discover new perspectives from ELT professionals in diverse contexts; stay current on the latest research and trends in the field; and return to your work energized and inspired. You can also register for the Virtual Graduate Student Forum before the convention. | | |
EdSource
New Data on English Learners Could Help California Schools Pinpoint Needed Support, Experts Say
New data on California ELs achieving English proficiency have been published for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to these data, almost 14% of ELs statewide met the requirements to reclassify in SY 2024–25. Reclassification rates also varied widely across the state, with some districts reclassifying 2% of ELs and others 38%. Educators, policymakers, and advocates say that releasing these detailed reclassification data will help schools and districts provide tailored support to the state’s ELs.
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Brown University
Justin Dunn: Creating an Engaging Classroom for Local English-Language Learners
Brown University student, Justin Dunn, spent his summer teaching English to local teens at the Providence Public Library, creating engaging lessons and activities to help students strengthen their reading, writing, and conversational skills. His approach incorporated real-life experiences, educational games, and field trips to build confidence and create a welcoming environment for English-language learners.
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Language Magazine
Bilingualism Delays Brain Aging by 6 Years
New research from the Latin American Brain Health Institute in Chile suggests that bilingualism and multilingualism may be associated with slower brain aging. The data indicate that the number of languages a person speaks, age of language acquisition, and proficiency levels may all play a role in slowing the brain aging process.
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Institute for Educational Sciences
NEW RESOURCES: Toolkit for Teaching K-3 Reading Comprehension
“The Toolkit for Teaching K–3 Reading Comprehension is a comprehensive set of resources for engaging elementary school educators in facilitated professional learning to increase their knowledge and skills in effective reading comprehension. It also provides resources to help facilitators (e.g., reading coaches and instructional leaders) and school leaders create and monitor a targeted plan for school improvement in reading comprehension. Finally, it provides resources for families and caregivers to support reading comprehension at home.”
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WestEd
TIPS FOR EDUCATORS: What Factors Influence Co-Teaching Quality?
“This research brief describes a qualitative study of secondary classrooms in which EL-classified MLs receive content and language-integrated instruction through co-teaching. Specifically, we used a multiple-case study design to analyze the contextual and collaboration-related characteristics of co-teaching pairs at the secondary level whose lessons showed more or less evidence of instructional quality. Findings suggest that ESL teachers’ years of experience co-teaching in general and with specific content partners; their time to collaboratively plan, teach, and reflect; and shared space and responsibility consistently relate to co-teaching quality.”
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A 4-Part Webinar Series: CAST & TESOL — Access by Design
TESOL International Association and CAST are excited to present Access by Design, a four-part webinar series for Pre-K–12 educators to deepen their understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its power to transform instruction for multilingual learners of English (MLEs)! Access by Design will give educators the opportunity to explore the UDL framework in depth — examining how flexible design principles can remove barriers, build on student strengths, and create more equitable learning environments for every learner. The series begins on September 3, 2026.
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WestEd Leading Together Webinar Series
Looking for timely insights to strengthen your practice and leadership? WestEd's Leading Together Webinar Series offers 30-minute, research-based learning sessions throughout the year, providing practical, just-in-time strategies for education leaders, practitioners, and policymakers. Join colleagues from across the field for engaging webinars featuring WestEd experts, held from 12:00–12:30 p.m. PT/3:00–3:30 p.m. ET. Visit the series page to access past webinar recordings, explore upcoming topics, and register for future sessions.
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National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA)
| | Disclaimer: NCELA Nexus is intended to share information that can be of use to educators, parents, learners, leaders, and other stakeholders in their efforts to ensure that all students, including English learners, are provided with the highest-quality education and expanded opportunities to succeed. The information and materials presented in NCELA Nexus do not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or partiality by NCELA, the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), or the U.S. Department of Education. | | | | |
