BREAKOUT SESSIONS
& SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
*Please note - You do NOT need to sign up for specific sessions in advance.
Sessions that qualify for Gateways credentials have been denoted with an * after the session title.
*Please note - You do NOT need to sign up for specific sessions in advance.
Sessions that qualify for Gateways credentials have been denoted with an * after the session title.
BREAKOUT SESSION 1
9:40-10:40AM
Eduardo Perez and Tania Alcala - Exploring Writing Through Inquiry and Language*
Teresa Dothard-Campbell - Empowering Educators of Color through the Impact of Affinity Groups*
Melissa Telles and Julia Albarracin - Know Your Rights for Undocumented and Mixed-Status Families
PARENT MENTOR PRESENTATION
10:50-11:30AM
BREAKOUT SESSION 2
12:20-1:20PM
Sara Mendez - The Science of Reading for the Middle Grades
Robert Mwaga and Jessica Matherly - From Spoken Language to Written Language: A Curriculum Map*
Melissa Gravert and Korah Winn-Romkey - Bringing AI into Your Teaching Toolkit: Simple Ways to Get Started*
BREAKOUT SESSION 3
1:30-2:30PM
Margarita Mojica - Latinx Workshop: Self-Care, Tertulia & Hermandxd
José Burgos - Screens vs Learning: What Screens Are Doing to Our Kids and How to Fight It
Kathi Gantt and Amanda Walters - Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners*
Kelsey Erickson - Creating an Effective, Compliant ESL Program*
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT DISCUSSION PANEL
2:40-3:20PM
CONTINUE SCROLLING FOR MORE INFO ABOUT EACH
SESSION AND PRESENTER
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 9:40-10:40
Exploring Writing Through Inquiry and Language
Eduardo Pérez and Tania Alcala
In this interactive session, participants will explore engaging writing strategies that support emergent bilinguals in developing literacy skills through inquiry and structured language experiences. We will dive into activities such as I See/I Wonder to spark curiosity, the Picture Word Inductive Model to build vocabulary, Sentence Patterning to reinforce syntax, RAFT Writing to promote perspective-taking, and the Language Experience Approach to connect oral language with print. Through hands-on practice and discussion, educators will gain practical tools to enhance writing instruction and foster meaningful language development in their classrooms.
Objectives:
Educators will explore and apply inquiry-based writing strategies to support emergent bilinguals in developing literacy skills.
Educators will gain practical tools to scaffold writing instruction by integrating oral language, vocabulary development, and structured writing activities in a biliteracy classroom.
Target audience:
Pre-service teachers
Early childhood (birth to 2nd grade) teachers
Elementary teachers
Early Intervention Providers
Home childcare providers
Center childcare providers
Leadership/administration
Eduardo Pérez is the Center Director for the WIU Bilingual Early Learning and Family Center. Prior to this role, he taught Kindergarten for eight years in a dual language program. In addition, he serves as an adjunct instructor at Western Illinois University. Born and raised in Guatemala City, Eduardo has been living in the Midwest since 1996. He holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and enjoys presenting at conferences as a way to connect with other educators. Tania Alcala is a first-grade teacher with a passion for helping students learn new things by providing learning experiences that meet their individual needs. She holds a Master’s Degree in Second Language Special Education. Born in Chicago and raised in Aurora, Illinois, Tania is dedicated to her professional growth and continuously seeks new ways to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success. In her free time, she enjoys creating curriculum and resources.
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 9:40-10:40
Know Your Rights for Undocumented and Mixed-Status Families
Melissa Telles and Julia Albarracin
This session explores constitutional rights and protections for undocumented and mixed-status families. Participants will gain awareness, resources, and an increased understanding about how to support themselves and others.
Objectives:
After participating in this session, attendees will have an understanding of constitutional rights granted to undocumented and immigrant families.
Target audience:
Pre-service teachers
Early childhood (birth to 2nd grade) teachers
Elementary teachers, Middle school teachers
High school teachers, Adult Education teachers
Parents/guardians, Early Intervention Providers
Home childcare providers
Center childcare providers
Leadership/administration
Melissa Telles is an admission counselor at Western Illinois University. She serves as the University's Undocumented Student Liaison and supports students in the dual credit program.
Julia Albarracín is a professor of Political Science at Western Illinois University. She actively supports community engagement efforts as the Executive Director for the Western Illinois DREAMers immigrant services organization.
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 9:40-10:40
Empowering Educators of Color through the Impact of Affinity Groups
Teresa Dothard-Campbell
Affirmation, Empowerment, and Belonging! These three powerful words are the driving force behind this session to bring an understanding of the positive impact of Affinity groups for Educators of Color. This session will provide a framework for school districts to create a sense of belonging within such support groups. Affinity groups can yield positive outcomes by equipping Educators of Color with space to amplify their voices, embrace their culture, and walk in the liberation of being enough. Additionally, this session will uplift the need to be an ally and advocate for these safe spaces.
Objectives:
History of Affinity Groups – Broad overview of the origination of Affinity Groups, research, and purpose of such groups
Inspiration and Impact – Exploration of the positive impact of Affinity Groups from an individual perspective by sharing personal experiences and best practices as a Teach Plus/Illinois State Board of Education Facilitator
Tools of Success – Participants will leave with a foundational framework that may be used to build Affinity Groups in various settings
Target audience:
Pre-service teachers
Early childhood (birth to 2nd grade) teachers
Elementary teachers
Middle school teachers
High school teachers
Leadership/administration
Teresa Dothard-Campbell is the District Coordinator for Family/Community Engagement and Out of School Programming. She is the Facilitator of a BIPOC Affinity Group for staff for a local school district through an Illinois State Board of Education initiative through a partnership with Teach Plus of Illinois. She is a graduate of Western Illinois University, where she discovered her passion and the urgency to create safe spaces for diverse communities and use her voice to advocate for the need of such space. As a member of the district’s equity team, she is dedicated and committed to educating others on why equity can simply be translated to respect while advocating for dignity and resources for all humans.
Parent Mentor Presentation 10:50-11:30
Transformative Leadership in QC Schools and Communities
Western Illinois University-QC Parent Mentor Program
The Parent Mentor Program provides direct instructional support in classrooms across three school districts and nine schools in the Quad Cities, Macomb, and Plano. Participants in this dynamic program attend weekly workshops and pursue personal and professional goals with pathways designed for busy parents who want to be more involved in their childrens’ education. Today’s session will outline the key aspects of the Parent Mentor Program and showcase how Parent Mentors have been successful in implementing family engagement events and supporting educators in one-on-one and small-group instruction.
BREAKOUT SESSION 2 12:20-1:20
The Science of Reading for Middle Grades
Sara Mendez
This workshop presentation is a brief explanation of the underlying principles of the science of reading. Participants will learn about the reading brain and how it is impacted by explicit literacy instruction. Additionally, why the science of reading is still important in the middle grades and how teachers can embed specific practices to support literacy for their middle school students will be shared.
Objectives:
Participants will understand and be able to define the principles of the science of Reading.
Participants will learn 1-3 ways to embed these principles into their daily instruction.
Target audience:
Middle school teachers
As a multilingual learner teacher for the past 15+ years, Sara Mendez has long been motivated to continue learning the best and most effective ways to support multilingual students. She graduated from Monmouth College in 2008 with a degree in elementary education and in Spanish, then went on to earn her bilingual endorsement from WIU in 2014. Since then, Sara has pursued LETRS training, Orton Gillingham training, and is now working on earning a special education endorsement through National Louis University. She is also currently a junior fellow for Teach Plus Illinois. She views one of her favorite personal achievements as being named the 2024 Illinois Bilingual Teacher of the Year.
BREAKOUT SESSION 2 12:20-1:20
From Spoken Language to Written Language: A Curriculum Map
Robert Mwaga and Jessica Matherly
The presentation will present teachers with a curriculum map that follows the mode continuum. The map has four main stages that support students to gradually develop their understanding of spoken language and written communication. The presentation also provides teachers with the right tools and teaching resources that make learning both fun and effective. This structure can be divided into the following stages: Interactive and practical activities, Teacher Modeling, Collaborative writing, and Independent research and writing. The presentation will look at the need to intentionally teach academic language and terms to students, and teach the instructional process to learners with a bias toward the Hochman and Peel methods. The presentation will also explore different WIDA resources and online learning resources that can support learners as they move along the continuum from spoken to written language. The presentation will mostly use examples drawn from social studies and language arts contexts.
Objectives:
Support EL learners as they grow along the continuum from the spoken end to the written end
Create a collaborative environment that enables the audience to interrogate and discuss effective ways to teach writing in multilingual and bilingual classrooms
Target audience:
Pre-service teachers
Early childhood (birth to 2nd grade) teachers
Elementary teachers
Middle school teachers
High school teachers
Adult Education teachers
Parents/guardians
Leadership/administration
Jessica Matherly's expertise lies in Designing Curriculum and Instruction to meet the needs of learners. She has over a decade of teaching experience in various settings, including elementary education, alternative learning programs, and high school Social Studies and English Language Learner instruction. The journey has shaped Jessica into a well-versed English language learner teacher and advocate. The journey has also pointed Jessica to the learning gaps in teaching writing. Jessica is passionate about teaching writing not only in effective ways but also ensuring there is fun in the learning process. Presently, Jessica works at the Moline School District. With extensive experience as an English Language Arts and Literature instructor, Robert Mwaga has had the privilege of teaching various curricula to students in grades 9–12. As a multilingual learner himself, he is committed to removing the barriers he once faced to help his students succeed. His teaching journey began in Kenya and later brought him to the United States, where he has continued to grow both personally and professionally. Over the years, he has developed a talent for designing engaging curricula tailored to students' diverse needs. A lifelong learner, he continuously seeks new ideas and resources to refine his teaching practice. He firmly believes that "iron sharpens iron," and one teacher can sharpen another teacher toward ultimate teacher efficacy.
BREAKOUT SESSION 2 12:20-1:20
Bringing AI into Your Teaching Toolkit: Simple Ways to Get Started
Korah Winn Romkey and Melissa Gravert
Curious about AI but not sure how it fits into your classroom? This session is for you! We’ll explore down-to-earth, practical ways teachers can start using AI tools to make life easier and learning more engaging. From creating lesson ideas in seconds to cutting down time spent on reoccurring tasks, AI can be a game-changer—no tech wizardry required. This session will help you see ways that AI can extend your impact as a teacher to make an even greater impact on your students’ lives. Come learn, ask questions, and leave with tips you can try right away!
Objectives:
Identify practical applications of AI tools that can support daily classroom tasks and enhance instructional strategies
Explore accessible AI tools that require little to no technical background
Target audience:
Pre-service teachers
Elementary teachers
Middle school teachers
High school teachers
Early childhood (birth to 2nd grade) teachers
Adult Education teachers
Parents/guardians
Leadership/administration
Korah Winn Romkey earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from EIU. She studied Spanish for a year in the state of Jalisco, Mexico through the Universidad de Guadalajara. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in TESOL through Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Since 2010 she has worked for RIMSD#41 as an EL teacher, specializing in Newcomer elementary school students.
Melissa Gravert is the Director of Educational Outreach at WQPT PBS. She also serves as the ESL instructor for the Parent Mentor Program at WIU-QC and an advisor for the WIU-QC Society of Educators student organization. Prior to working at WQPT PBS and WIU-QC, Melissa was a teacher and librarian for MLs in Moline and Davenport.
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 1:30-2:30
Screens vs Learning: What Screens Are Doing to Our Kids and How to Fight It
Jose Burgos
This is a presentation dedicated to exploring the impact of "technology addiction" on K-12 learners. Participants will learn about the signs and symptoms of technology overuse, its effects on mental health, and practical strategies to manage and reduce screen time. The session will also discuss solutions such as setting healthy boundaries and promoting digital wellness.
Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to identify the symptoms and consequences of technology addiction, understand its impact on mental health, and implement practical strategies to manage and reduce screen time, promoting digital wellness and healthy boundaries.
Target audience:
Pre-service teachers
Elementary teachers
Middle school teachers
High school teachers
Parents/guardians
Home childcare providers
José Burgos is a passionate educator and social entrepreneur. He holds a bachelor's degree in ESL Education from the Pedagogical University of Venezuela (2014), a master's degree in Linguistics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2022), and multiple diplomas and certifications in Business Management Skills, the Science of Yoga, TESOL, Business Coaching, Life Coaching, and Leadership. José has taught in diverse educational settings across Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Honduras, cultivating strong cultural awareness and a global citizenship mindset. He currently serves as a Spanish teacher at a rural high school in Illinois, volunteers with various local organizations and committees, and is actively engaged in his regional educators' association.
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 1:30-2:30
Creating an Effective, Compliant ESL Program
Kelsey Erickson
Are the number of English learners in your district increasing? Have you been tasked with managing your school’s ESL program on top of your other duties, and you don’t really know where to start? Attend this session to get an overview of state requirements for district ESL programs, learn how to fulfill those requirements, and figure out how to set up support services for your district’s EL students. Question and answer time for district-specific questions will be provided.
Objectives:
Learn legal requirements for districts with English learner students and start a plan to get in compliance
Target audience:
Leadership/administration
Kelsey Erickson received her bachelor's degree in English Education and French from Illinois State University. She worked as an English, French, Reading, and English as a Second Language teacher before becoming a district ESL Director. She has earned master's degrees in English as a Second Language and Educational Administration and is passionate about assisting school districts in meeting the needs of their English learner students.
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 1:30-2:30
Latinx Workshop: Self-Care, Tertulia & Hermandxd
Margarita Mojica
This conference presentation gives a glimpse at how the year-long Latinx Workshop aims to empower middle school girls within the Latinx community by fostering pride in their heritage, celebrating their cultural identity, and amplifying the untold histories of Latinas. Through interactive discussions, storytelling, and creative activities, the workshop provides a brave space for the girls to explore and express their unique experiences, learn about influential Latinas throughout history, and understand the importance of their voices in shaping the future. By the end of the school year, participants gain a deeper understanding of their cultural roots, develop confidence in sharing their stories, and feel inspired to continue honoring and preserving the Latinx legacy.
Objectives:
In this powerful session, participants will explore the complex and often limiting messages that society imposes on girls regarding their Latina identity. These stereotypes, shaped by antiquated cultural narratives and misconceptions, can restrict self-expression and personal growth.
They’ll also explore the intersection of culture, race, and gender, gaining a better understanding of how their identities are multifaceted and cannot be reduced to one narrow narrative.
Target audience:
Middle school teachers
Margarita Raya Mojica is a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and the first generation in her family to graduate from a university. Her undergraduate and graduate degrees are from Western Illinois University. She has taught in the East Moline School District 37 since 1996, working with English language learners including newly arrived immigrants and refugees. In 2020 she was named as one of ten middle school teachers honored as a Golden Apple Fellow in the state of Illinois. As an Illinois Golden Apple Fellow, she was afforded the opportunity to take courses from Northwestern University in the spring of 2021. It was her final project for the Latinx Feminisms course that led to the formation of Latinx Workshop at Glenview Middle School in East Moline, Illinois. This year-long, project-based program centers the Latina voice, culture, and untold history. Members of Latinx Workshop are 7th and 8th graders who have given back to their community in numerous ways including The Dignity Project which has addressed period poverty at their school.
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 1:30-2:30
Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners
Kathi Gantt and Amanda Walters
This workshop presentation includes a brief explanation of the underlying principles of the Science of Reading (SOR) and how state-mandated SOR programs may impact emerging multilinguals. Participants will learn ways to implement the principles of Science of Reading focusing specifically on the needs of emerging multilinguals. In addition, participants will learn how one local middle school is accommodating multilingual learners in the general education classroom as well as in the sheltered classroom. Presenters will include resources for participants to implement with their multilingual students right away.
Objectives:
Participants will understand the Science of Reading and how SOR mandates may impact emerging multilingual students.
Participants will learn ways to implement SOR principles focusing on multilingual students.
Target audience:
Pre-service teachers
Elementary teachers
Middle school teachers
High school teachers
Kathi Gantt is a dedicated Multilingual English Language Arts teacher with over a decade of experience in diverse educational settings. Holding a Bachelor’s in Special Education and a Master’s focused on Language and Culture, they specialize in supporting students with varied linguistic and educational needs. Currently teaching at the middle school level, Kathi is passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Amanda Walters is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience specializing in Multilingual Learners (ML) and English Language Arts instruction. She currently serves as an ML Specialist at Wilson Middle School in Moline, Illinois, where she collaborates with teachers to adapt and teach curriculum for diverse learners. Amanda holds a B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish and an M.A. in Educational Technology. Her background includes international teaching experience in Spain and a strong focus on integrating technology and culturally responsive practices to support language development.
Student Panel Discussion 2:40-3:20
Student Voices: Experiences of Multilingual High School Students in the Quad Cities
Facilitated by:
Dr. Carla Paciotto (WIU-QC)
With support from:
Rose Hernandez (United Township High School)
Featuring students from United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois
Basma Mamadou
Akou Honorine Ametana
Hadjara Mama
Aida Mouhamadou
In this powerful and student-centered session, we’ll hear directly from multilingual learners as they share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Through personal reflections, students will offer insight into what it’s like to learn English while navigating life in a new country, including the vital roles that teachers, peers, families, and communities play in their journeys. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to support multilingual students with empathy and purpose. Come listen to their stories, celebrate their successes, and leave with renewed commitment and practical ideas to uplift every multilingual voice in your school.