WABE 2025 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

1:45pm PDT

The Science of Hope: Building Resilient Learners in Multilingual Classrooms

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

Evergreen G/H (1st Floor, Olympic Tower)

Hope is a cognitive process with a powerful impact on learning. This session explores the neuroscience behind Hope Theory and neuroplasticity, highlighting their role in multilingual students’ resilience and motivation. Through research and discussion, participants will examine how belonging, goal-setting, and agency foster hopeful, empowered learning environments.

Speakers

Sophia Monge

Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning, Bethel School District

I serve as the Assistant Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning in Bethel School District, where I design professional learning opportunities aligned with our district’s Strategic Plan. My work focuses on supporting teacher development, enhancing student achievement, and fostering... Read More →

Missy Widmann

Co-Founder, President, Neural Education

We knock down the barriers of stress, bias and emotional reactivity with powerful, practical and proven neural-informed learning practices so that all students can learn.

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

Breakout Session

Audience Administrators, Teachers, Coaches, Para Educators
Academic Range PreK-20

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

8:00am PDT

Welcoming Newcomers: Thriving in K-12 Schools

Saturday May 3, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Evergreen B (1st Floor, Olympic Tower)

Starting at a new school can be exciting and challenging, especially for newcomers adjusting to a new environment by fostering a sense of safety, belonging, and empowerment. This session is designed to support K-12 students as they navigate their academic and social journey, building meaningful connections and celebrating newcomers' unique identities. We’ll cover essential topics like understanding school expectations, accessing resources, building friendships, parent involvement, and embracing cultural diversity. This session will provide educators with instructional routines and resources to help newcomers feel safe, valued, connected to their school community.

Speakers

Maria Ceja

Director of Multilingual Education, Sunnyside School District

Maria Ceja serves as the Director of the Multilingual Department in the Sunnyside School District. With over 24 years of experience in education, she has dedicated her career to supporting multilingual learners in a variety of instructional settings. Maria taught for 20 years and... Read More →

MEGAN ANDERSON REILLY

TOSA, YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Megan Anderson Reilly is a multilingual specialist and a mentor for early career educators for Yakima School District. Megan has extensive teaching experience working with multilingual learners in a variety of instructional contexts. She is an advocate for equitable practices, programs... Read More →

Saturday May 3, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Evergreen B (1st Floor, Olympic Tower)

Breakout Session

Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Para Educators
Academic Range K-12