WABE 2025 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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1:45pm PDT

Amplifying Student Voices: Supporting Language, Culture, and Equity through Technology and Advocacy

Friday May 2, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Empowering student voice: This hands-on session explores raising awareness of indigenous languages and cultures, supporting multilingual learners, and leveraging technology to amplify diverse voices (through QR codes, screen recordings, creating websites). Learn practical strategies, share successes, and create your own tools to foster culturally responsive school environments.

Speakers

Beth Jimerson

Multilingual Learner Specialist, Burlington-Edison

Arie Werder

Middle school and High school CTE, Burlington-Edison School District

Friday May 2, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Evergreen C (1st Floor, Olympic Tower)

Breakout Session

Audience ML Specialists, Teachers
Academic Range K-12

3:00pm PDT

Innovating for All Learners

Friday May 2, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Evergreen C (1st Floor, Olympic Tower)

Imagine a school that serves students in elementary, middle and high schools, provides only push-in MLE services, implements a collaborative teaching model, and where language development is embedded in curriculum taught in every classroom. Welcome to Kent Laboratory Academy, a decidedly different school in Kent School District that Innovates for All Learners.
Come to our session to learn about our journey and how we provide services to our multilingual learners through ongoing professional development, PLC work, innovative MTSS process and our partnership with University of Washington, Tacoma. Participants will take away ideas and resources on how to build capacity for providing MLE services within their own staff (and not just MLE educators).

Speakers

Narine Balayan

MLE Teacher, Kent Laboratory Academy / Kent School District

Narine Balayan, M.Ed., is a School Success Coach at Kent Laboratory Academy in the Kent School District. With a strong commitment to student achievement and well-being, Narine brings her expertise in education to support and empower students on their academic journey.

Stephanie Knipp

Principal, Kent School District/Kent Laboratory Academy

Stephanie Knipp is the Principal of Kent Laboratory Academy in the Kent School District. A dedicated educational leader, Stephanie is committed to fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment that promotes student growth and academic excellence.

Laura Phillips

Principal/ Assistant Principal, Kent Laboratory Academy / Kent School District

Laura Phillips is the Assistant Principal at Kent Laboratory Academy in the Kent School District. With a passion for student development and academic success, Laura plays a key role in cultivating a positive school culture and supporting both students and staff.

Darice Johnson

Kent School Distirct

Darice Johnson is the Executive Director of Learning Improvement for the Kent School District. With a focus on advancing instructional practices and student outcomes, Darice leads strategic initiatives to support continuous learning and educational excellence across the district... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Evergreen C (1st Floor, Olympic Tower)

Breakout Session

Audience Teachers, Para Educators, Coaches, Interventionists, District Administrators, Administrators
Academic Range Grade 3-12

4:15pm PDT

Newcomer Beauty: Embracing students and families from Ukraine and Afghanistan

Friday May 2, 2025 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

Evergreen C (1st Floor, Olympic Tower)

This session explores how to effectively support newcomer students and families from Ukraine and Afghanistan within their first three years in the U.S. It begins by addressing the unique backgrounds, migration experiences, and potential trauma these students may have faced, emphasizing the need for culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices. Creating an inclusive school environment is essential, which includes fostering a welcoming culture, ensuring language access services, and providing translated materials. Effective language and academic support strategies, such as scaffolding instruction, using visuals, and implementing structured interactions like GLAD, help facilitate English language development and content learning. Family engagement is also a critical component, as families need guidance in navigating the school system and access to community resources, including mental health services and social support networks. Lastly, the presentation highlights the importance of long-term success by ensuring students’ academic progress, social-emotional well-being, and advocacy for their educational rights and future opportunities. By taking a holistic and asset-based approach, schools can create a supportive and empowering environment for these students and their families.

Speakers

Cecilia Tamayo

Asst. Director Multilingual Education, Puyallup School District

Amy Castillo

Paraeducator, Puyallup School District

Maya Howey

Puyallup School District

Milagros Alarcon Casafranca

Language Access Coordinator, Puyallup School District

I’m Peruvian, married to my husband Andre, and we have our boys in the Dual Language program. I’m passionate about connecting with people and making a positive impact. I work as a Language Access Coordinator for the Puyallup District, where I get to help bridge language gaps and... Read More →

Nataliia Ledchak

Puyallup School District

Bashir Basharee

Puyallup School District

Friday May 2, 2025 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Evergreen C (1st Floor, Olympic Tower)

Breakout Session

Audience Newcomers
Academic Range Secondary (6-12)