Idaho 2025 DLI Summer Institute

Elizabeth Smeak

Elizabeth Smeak is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing Dual Language Immersion (DLI) education. With a foundation of over 15 years in the DLI classroom, followed by 2 years specifically focused on empowering DLI

educators and supporting schools, Elizabeth brings unparalleled expertise and a deep commitment to bilingual student success. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational

Entrepreneurship, reflecting her innovative approach to educational challenges. Her pedagogical excellence was publicly recognized when she was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2019 for her profound contributions to student learning and language development. Elizabeth's specialization lies in crafting dynamic student engagement, refining core instructional strategies, and optimizing language production techniques for DLI settings.

Under her leadership, Teaching DLI & Co. develops and delivers cutting-edge professional learning series that equip teachers with the research-based tools necessary to create effective, culturally and linguistically responsive learning environments.

Elizabeth's reputation for delivering high-impact, data-driven solutions is widely recognized, making her a trusted partner for DLI programs aiming for excellence.

Elizabeth will serve as a keynote speaker on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. She will also offer breakout sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday to deepen our understanding of DLI strategy and program.

Dr. Brandee Mau

Dr. Brandee Mau is the Vice President of Professional Learning at Avant, where she leads the design and implementation of transformative learning experiences for world language and dual language educators. With a deep commitment to equity, biliteracy, and instructional excellence, she blends research-based practice with strategic innovation to support teacher growth across every phase of their professional journey. Previously she was a Dual Language Immersion Director in Utah. Her work is grounded in the belief that effective learning is cyclical, reflective, and rooted in purpose.

Dr. Mau will help us open the conference with inspiration on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. She'll also offer a breakout session to tell the full story of DLI with Data.

Diego Benites

Diego Benites currently serves as the State Coordinator for the Spanish Utah Dual Language Immersion Program, a Teacher Specialist in Jordan School District, and the president-elect of the Utah Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). He is also a board member of the Utah Foreign Language Association (UFLA). In these roles, he supports administrators, coaches, teachers, and families from different schools and districts across Utah to strengthen DLI programs. Originally from Peru, Diego began his journey in the United States in 2016 as an international teacher in a elementary school in Utah, teaching in the Dual Language Immersion program. He is a graduate of the Instituto Pedagógico Nacional de Monterrico (IPNM) in Lima, Peru, and has taught learners of all ages. He also worked with the Peruvian Ministry of Education, training English teachers nationwide.

Diego holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah and a Master’s in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) from UNIB in Puerto Rico. His work bridges classroom practice and educational policy, driven by a passion for bilingual education and lifelong learning.

Diego will serve as an inspirational keynote on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, as well as help lead the new teacher orientation and an addiitonal break out session on balancing language and content in the DLI program.