Linguistic Diversity Speaker Series

The Linguistic Diversity Speaker Series aims to examine and extend topics related to the education of multilingual learners in schools. A diverse range of expert, national and international speakers illuminate issues of equitable education for multilingual students. We welcome open, healthy dialogue and perspectives on complex educational policies and practices for linguistically diverse learners.

2024 Event Details

What: 2024 Linguistic Diversity Speaker Series Featuring Ofelia García, Professor Emerita in Urban Education and Latin American, Iberian, and Latino Cultures at CUNY
Date: Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024
Time: 4:30-6 p.m.
Where: Friday Institute for Educational Innovation on NC State’s Centennial Campus (1890 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh)
Etc: Registration information to come.

Hear from Our Previous Featured Speakers

November 2023 Speaker Tatyana Kleyn on the Four Pillars of Bilingual Education

A professor of bilingual education and TESOL at The City College of New York, Dr. Kleyn is Principal Investigator for the City University of New York – Initiative on Immigration and Education (CUNY—IIE, pronounced ‘eye’) and has served as the president of the New York State Association for Bilingual Education (NYSABE) and was a Fulbright Scholar in Oaxaca, Mexico. Her latest book is titled Living, Learning and Languaging Across Borders: Students Between the US and Mexico. She received an Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University in International Educational Development with a focus in Bilingual/Bicultural Education. She was also an elementary school teacher in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and Atlanta, Georgia.

Watch her lecture

March 2023 Speaker Kathy Escamilla on “The Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners”

A professor emerita of equity, bilingualism and biliteracy at the University of Colorado, Kathy Escamilla is an internationally recognized expert on biliteracy development for multilingual learners. Her research centers on educational issues related to Spanish speaking emerging bilingual students in U.S. schools. She is specifically interested in issues related to the development of bilingualism and biliteracy in early elementary grades. She received her PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Watch her lecture

Read a recap

The Linguistic Diversity Speaker Series is organized by Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Educational Equity Maria Coady.

Maria Coady Named Inaugural Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Educational Equity

Maria Coady joined the NC State College of Education as the inaugural Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Educational Equity in August 2022. Her research focuses on English language and multilingual learners in rural settings.

Learn more

There has been a nearly 200% growth in multilingual students across the state of North Carolina within the last decade. We have a lot of work to do, and I think we can make a tremendous, significant difference.
Maria Coady
Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Educational Equity

Perspective in EdNC | Harnessing Linguistic Diversity in North Carolina’s Schools

In this piece for EdNC, Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Educational Equity Maria Coady shares four things she has learned from educators of rural multilingual (ML) students and offers three action items that can build into the linguistic strengths and resources of North Carolina in ways the lead to innovative and equitable education for ML students and families.

How Can Educators Help Linguistically Diverse Students in Rural Schools?

Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Educational Equity Maria Coady offers steps educators can take when a student who speaks a language other than English join their classroom that both help the child feel welcome address their language and learning needs.