The College of Education and student organizations Student Association for Bilingual Education (SABE) and Best Practices in Bilingual/English as Second Language Special Education Teaching (B-BEST) will host the For the Love of Language Celebration on Thursday, March 30. It’s free to attend, and the deadline to register is March 22.

About

The Love of Language Celebration was created to jumpstart the conversation on cultural identity and language at Illinois State, creating a more equitable experience for all Redbirds. It is part of a faculty and student-led committee effort in the College of Education called IDOMA, or Inspiring Dialogue about the Importance of Multilingualism Multiculturalism and Asset based perspectives.

“True to Educating Illinois, we believe that ‘The more voices we call into thoughtful dialogue, the truer our convictions and conclusions will be,'” said Sara Jozwik, IDOMA committee member and assistant professor in the Department of Special Education.

“The purpose of the For the Love of Language event is to celebrate multilingualism on our campus and in our community.”

Karen Beaman

Karen Beeman

For the Love of Language will feature keynote speaker Karen Beeman, author of Teaching for Biliteracy: Strengthening Bridges between Languages. Her presentation is titled “A Strength-Based Approach to Working with Bilingual Students: ¡Sí se puede!”

Following Beeman’s presentation, there will be a reception with refreshments and prizes. Attendees will also connect with community organizations that support language development and/or multiculturalism.

Sponsors

This event is sponsored by the Harold K. Sage Foundation, the Illinois State University Foundation Fund, and the Council for Teacher Education. It was organized by IDOMA, SABE, and B-BEST.

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