Celebrations!
  We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the incredible success of the 2025 Growing Success for Multilingual Learners (MLs) Summer Conference! Thank you for your energy, expertise, and commitment to advancing excellence for MLs across North Carolina.
This year’s conference exceeded all expectations — over 750 participants came together to share best practices, explore new tools, and build strong professional networks that will continue to grow long after the summer ends. Your enthusiastic participation made this event a true celebration of collaboration, innovation, and student-centered learning.
Conference Highlights:
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45+ dynamic sessions on topics ranging from content-integrated language instruction to newcomer supports, co-teaching, CTE pathways, and family engagement
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Inspiring presenters from across the state and nation who generously shared their stories, research, and real-world strategies.
- Recognition of the nearly 400 home languages spoken by students across NC and the vibrant linguistic landscape that shapes our classrooms and communities.
Whether you attended in-person in Buncombe or Chatham County or joined us virtually, your presence helped build momentum for our shared mission: to ensure that every multilingual learner has the opportunity to thrive academically, linguistically, and socially.
What’s Next?
📽️ Recordings of all virtual sessions are available
📥 Session slides are available in the ML/Title III Virtual Repository
📅 Stay tuned for upcoming webinars and learning opportunities throughout the school year!
A huge note of thanks to the ML teams in Buncombe County and Chatham County for being such tremendous hosts! From the food trucks to the warm welcomes, beautifully organized spaces, and on-the-ground support, the hospitality created a welcoming and energizing environment for all.
We want to thank everyone who participated in the conference - you embodied the spirit of collaboration and community, and we are grateful for your partnership in this conference and throughout the school year.
Celebrating Excellence in English Language Development!
The NCDPI ML/Title III Team is thrilled to spotlight the English Language Development (ELD) Recognition Award (ERA)—launched in 2023–2024 to honor outstanding ESL educators across North Carolina who go above and beyond in advancing multilingual learner success!
Congratulations to Elsie R. Maurice, teacher and department chair at South Academy of International Languages (SAIL) in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools! Ms. Maurice has been recognized not only for her unwavering dedication to academic excellence, but also for her remarkable leadership that strengthens the entire school community.
Ms. Maurice has created a welcoming environment where every student feels seen, heard, and supported. As David Flores, CMS Learning and Language Acquisition Director, shared in her nomination:
“Ms. Maurice’s track record of impact is exceptional. Under her facilitation, Cochrane Collegiate Academy more than doubled its ACCESS test exit goal in 2023–24—a reflection of her strategic vision and deep commitment to student achievement. At SAIL, she skillfully tailors instruction to support language development while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Her many honors—including the CMS EL Star Award, Community Impact Award, and the student-nominated RAM’S Choice Award for Most Organized Teacher—are a testament to her extraordinary leadership and the lasting impact she has on students and staff alike.”
Ms. Maurice will be officially recognized at a North Carolina State Board of Education meeting.
Honorable Mentions
While Ms. Maurice receives the official award this year, we are equally proud to recognize two exceptional educators as honorable mentions—both of whom exemplify the passion, innovation, and dedication that define excellence in multilingual learner education.
Jen Painter – Durham Public Schools
Ms. Painter is a passionate advocate for her students, known for creating language-rich environments where multilingual learners thrive. Her innovative instructional strategies and commitment to her students have made her a trusted leader among colleagues and a champion for student voice.
Sandra Soto – Lee County Schools
Ms. Soto brings warmth, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her work with multilingual learners. She is deeply respected by students and families for her teaching and her ability to build strong relationships that support language growth and confidence. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, where she serves as a mentor to new teachers and a bridge-builder between school and community.
The NCDPI ML/Title III Team applauds these inspiring educators who lead with heart, excellence, and innovation. We can’t wait to launch next year’s ERA application and continue celebrating those who elevate multilingual learner education across the state!
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Looking Forward
Please share with your Science Educators!
DLI and Non-DLI 3rd-5th Grade Science Teachers Needed!
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) are seeking applications from both DLI and Non-DLI 3rd-5th grade educators who teach science in North Carolina public schools to serve as paid consultants on grant-funded research and development. The Center for Applied Linguistics is working in partnership with NCDPI to develop an assessment system – the Multilingual Multimodal Science Inventory (M2-Si) -- to support multilingual learners in science in third through fifth grades.
Participants will receive a stipend of up to $3000 for participation in the research and professional activities, registration and travel costs to attend the 2025 North Carolina Science Teachers Association (NCSTA) Professional Development Institute (PDI), November 5-7, and a one-day orientation meeting on November 8 in Winston-Salem, NC. Click the link below for more information and to submit your application by August 31.
25-26 Professional Development Session Begins in October!
NCDPI’s ML/Title III team is offering a professional development webinar series for the 2025-26 school year, designed for educators working with multilingual learners (MLs). It aims to strengthen instructional practices through collaborative, standards-based approaches.
Connected Teaching: Content, Collaboration, and Continuous Growth: Join us for the first session on October 8th as we explore collaborative, content-rich learning and ongoing reflection. Participants engage in active, work-embedded collaboration through shared planning, peer feedback, and co-teaching to strengthen instructional strategies and support student achievement. The session emphasizes continuous professional growth, creating a supportive community where teachers learn from each other, innovate, and improve classroom practices for MLs together.
Registration
Professional Development Series
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Connect with the NCDPI Multilingual Learner/Title III Team!
ESLTitleIII@dpi.nc.gov
NCDPI ELD Web Page | ELD Standards Resource Hub
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