Call for Proposals
2026 Growing Success for Multilingual Learners Summer Conference
Our 2026 Summer conference Theme: Leading Together for MLs: Collaboration, Commitment, and Community. The NCDPI Multilingual Learner (ML)/Title III Team is seeking proposals from educators who are enthusiastic about sharing effective, research-based instructional and administrative practices that support multilingual learners across North Carolina.
The call for proposals is open to all K–20 educators, regardless of content area. We welcome submissions from classroom teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, specialists, and community partners. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the following strands:
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Achieving Educational Excellence: Connections to the NC Strategic Plan
- Improving Language and Literacy Instruction for MLs
- Harnessing AI to Support Language Acquisition
- Instructional Collaboration
- ML Leadership
- Family and Community Engagement
- Assessment and Data
- Newcomers and Specialized Populations
- Dual Language/Immersion
- Advocacy for MLs within the School System
Anyone interested in presenting at the conference, please complete the application and submit it by March 1, 2026. If you have any questions, please email susan.walz@dpi.nc.gov. We truly appreciate your willingness to share your expertise with colleagues across the state and look forward to your participation!
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Public Comment is Now Open for Proposed Changes to NC English Learner Program Rules
The North Carolina State Board of Education is proposing significant updates to the rules governing Limited English Proficiency Programs (16 NCAC 06D.0106). These changes would modernize how our public schools identify, serve, and support students who are learning English.
What's Changing? The proposed rule updates terminology and processes throughout, replacing "Limited English Proficient" with "English Learner" and streamlining requirements. Here are the key changes:
- Updates the use of WIDA Assessments to identify and monitor English learners
- Includes the scoring thresholds established for program entry
- Reflects current ESSA guidelines
- Ensures English learners can access special education, gifted programs, and other services
Why This Matters: These changes would affect how schools across North Carolina serve thousands of English learner students and communicate with their families. The updated rules aim to create more consistent, transparent practices statewide while ensuring students receive appropriate support.
Who Should Comment?
This affects many stakeholders, including
- Parents and families of English learners
- Teachers and school administrators
- ESL/ML specialists and program coordinators
- Special education professionals
- Community organizations serving immigrant families
- Anyone interested in educational equity
The State Board of Education will accept written comments on the proposed rules via mail and email until April 6, 2026. You can email Dr. Stacy Daniel, Section Chief for ELA & Languages, at stacy.daniel@dpi.nc.gov. Mail can be sent to:
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
6301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6301
There is no public hearing scheduled at this time. To request a public hearing, you must email Ryan Collins at ryan.collins@dpi.nc.gov within 15 days of this notice. More information and a copy of the proposed rules can be found on the State Board of Education Rulemaking Information webpage or in today’s edition of the North Carolina Register.
PD Opportunities
Learn From the Best!
Free WIDA Webinar on Collaborating to Implement the WIDA ELD Standards Framework
The next WIDA Webinar, “Partners in Language: Collaborating to Implement the WIDA ELD Standards Framework,” is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 10:00-11:15 a.m. CT. This webinar will explore practical ways of collaborating across roles to deliver language-rich lessons rooted in the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. Register for the Partners in Language webinar.
WIDA Self-Paced Workshops
Newcomers: Promoting Success Through Strengthening Practice
Multilingual newcomers are the fastest-growing demographic in U.S. school systems. Building relationships and ensuring that schools create welcoming communities is essential for multilingual newcomers’ success. Educators will be offered opportunities to challenge personal and systemic biases, create an atmosphere and system of shared responsibility, and incorporate and build on the rich resources that newcomers bring.
Approximate Time to Complete: 3 hours
More information and registration information.
Effective Content Instruction for ML Students in Reading and Listening
Turn reading and listening into exciting adventures for your multilingual learners! Join us for a lively professional development session where you’ll discover creative, research-backed strategies to boost ML students’ skills while diving deep into meaningful content. Unlock the secrets to blending explicit language instruction with engaging, content-rich activities that make reading and listening come alive.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 8, 3:30-5:00 pm
Registration
Did you miss recent entries in our Collaborative Conversation series? Recordings of previous webinars in our Collaborative Conversations series are available to enrich your toolbox of classroom strategies.
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New Article: Reframing How We Think About Our Long-Term English Learners
In the new article Reframing How We Think About Our Long-Term English Learners (LTELs), WIDA Professional Learning Curriculum Specialist Lauren Bartholomae shows how educators can better support long-term English learners by understanding individual stories, integrating language and content learning, and fostering collaboration to promote rigorous and supportive academic opportunities.
Visit the WIDA website for the latest cutting-edge updates in ELD education.
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SCOLT 2026 Conference
Early-Bird Registration Ends:
Monday, February 16
Join SCOLT in Raleigh, NC March 19-21 for SCOLT 2026! They have an impressive array of sessions, workshops, and presenters, including sessions and workshops for dual language immersion. You do not want to miss this opportunity for in-person, high-quality professional development, as well as fun with colleagues from near and far.
Hear from and meet the ACTFL Teacher of the Year, SCOLT region state Teachers of the Year, and “Best of” presenters.
Register
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FLANC Fall 2026 Conference
Call for Proposals is now OPEN!
October 3-4 @ Benton Convention Center
FLANC is proud to celebrate 60 years of collaborative learning-—six decades of elevating culture through language acquisition and shaping future generations of global citizens.
Conference Theme: “Languages as Our Light, Culture as Our Compass.”
As you prepare your proposal, reflect on these guiding questions:
- What difference are you making as a language educator?
- How do you serve as a lighthouse for increasing cultural awareness?
- How do you help students navigate their path toward success?
Information
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Virtual Programs to Enrich and Enhance Your Knowledge
The TESOL Department at Molloy University has been very busy! We have three virtual events coming up -- all free, all sponsored by Molloy University's Graduate Education Programs. Feel free to spread the word, repost this announcement, and register by clicking on the links below:
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February 28th, 2026 (8:30-11:30 am EST) LIESOL Symposium: Beyond the Plateau: Accelerating Growth for Long-Term English Learners. Keynote Speakers: Tan Kien Huynh and Beth Skelton
Register
March 10, April 16, May 12, 2026 (7:00-8:00 pm EST) Teacher Education Book Study: The Nine Dimensions of Scaffolding for Multilingual Learners Facilitators: Dr. Maria Giusto Dove. Dr. Carrie McDermott Goldman, Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld
Register
April 30, 2026 (6:00-7:00 pm EST) TESOL Webinar Series: Collaborative Assessment: Multilingual Learners and Teachers Forging Partnerships Dr. Margo Gottlieb and Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld
Register
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Join the New ML/Title III Social Media Platforms!
The ML/Title III Team is excited to announce that we’ve officially launched our Facebook and Instagram pages! These new platforms will allow us to share updates, resources, events, and success stories from across North Carolina—all in real time.
Follow us and:
- Stay up to date on our latest announcements
- Access professional learning opportunities and resources
- Celebrate the successes of multilingual learners and educators across the state
- Connect with a wider community dedicated to supporting ML students and families
Join the conversation today!
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Let’s keep building a strong, connected community for multilingual learners together. We can’t wait to see you online!
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11 Principles of Character Education: Building School Culture Where Every Student Thrives
March 25, 2026 | 9:00-4:00 Register
Harnett County Schools
Gentry Educator Development Center
114 Porter Drive Erwin, NC 28339
Join NCDPI for an interactive workshop on the 11 Principles of Character Education. Learn practical strategies, explore NC success stories, and gain tools to strengthen school culture and support your School of Character application.
Participants will gain:
- A clear overview of each principle
- Strategies to improve school culture
- Guidance for the School of Character application
Questions? Contact Justyn.Burgess@ncdpi.nc.gov
Are you looking for a unique opportunity for this summer?
Teaching Positions open for the 2026 session of NC Governor’s School!
Come and work with talented and intellectually engaged high school students in a thriving learning community this summer!
NCDPI is specifically seeking creative, engaging teachers. This is an opportunity to play a role in shaping a life-changing summer for these amazing students. More information can be found on the employment page of our Governor’s School Website. Teachers are needed for both Governor’s School campuses, hosted by Greensboro College and Meredith College. GS is currently seeking instructors for Area II/Philosophy, Instrumental Music, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, Spanish, and Visual Arts. Along with openings for office positions and coordinators for Communications and Technology..
We also have openings for our GS Fellows program, a five-week paid internship. Being a GS Fellow offers an opportunity to gain leadership experience through working with students in residential life, assisting in classrooms, and leading campus events. For more information and to apply, visit the employment page of our Governor’s School Website.
Governor’s School will take place June 21-July 18, with employees arriving on June 15 to begin orientation. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews in the coming weeks. If you have questions regarding any openings, reach out to us at ncgovschool@dpi.nc.gov. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Stay on the Cutting Edge of AI!
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Digital Learning and School Connectivity is opening an interest application for upcoming state-wide professional learning micro-credential pathways for educators. These pathways support job-embedded professional learning aligned to statewide priorities in artificial intelligence, data privacy, digital citizenship, and student knowledge construction.
Seats are limited, and this form is intended to gauge interest only; completion does not guarantee enrollment. To ensure equitable access, each Public School Unit (PSU) will be prioritized for one seat per pathway before additional participants from the same PSU are considered, based on availability. Educators will be asked to rank their pathway preferences to support placement if a first-choice pathway reaches capacity.
All cohorts will run from March 1 through May 31.
Available Professional Learning Pathways include:
- Basic AI for Educators
- Basic AI for K–2 Classrooms
- Basic AI for 3–5 Classrooms
- Basic AI for 6–8 Classrooms
- Basic AI for 9–12 Classrooms
- Data Privacy for Educators
- Digital Citizenship in the Curriculum
- Student Knowledge Construction in the Curriculum
Please share this opportunity with educators in your PSU who may be interested and encourage them to complete the interest form by February 20th.
Interest Form
Additional details, including selection notifications and next steps, will be shared after interest submissions have been reviewed.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting high-quality, flexible professional learning opportunities across North Carolina.
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Standards-Based Instruction Virtual Professional Development
Differentiating Standards-Based Instruction
March 10, 4 pm This session will guide participants through the basic components of differentiation and how to implement standards-based instructional strategies that support the needs of all learners.
Registration
Aligning Standards-Based Instruction
April 14, 4 pm This session will guide participants in creating standards-aligned performance tasks through an understanding of how standards are addressed, taught, and assessed.
Registration
Recording of the previous PD, Foundations of Standards-Based Instruction.
Skills for the Future: Seeking Districts and Charters
NCDPI has opened for Districts and Charter Schools interested in joining Cohort 3 of our focused on implementing NC’s Portrait of a Graduate to Cultivate and Measure Durable Skills for Student Success in Work and Society. This pioneering initiative partners with Battelle for Kids/ AASA, ETS and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to help students master the essential skills they need to thrive beyond high school. Cohort 3 launches in August 2026. If your district or charter school is interested in learning more about Cohort 3, reach out to kristine.barberio@dpi.nc.gov.
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ELA Standards Update Webinar Series
Join the NCDPI ELA Team for the final webinar in the ELA Standards Update series to learn more about the newly adopted 2026 English Language Arts Standard Course of Study.
Webinars will allow participants to:
- Gain a greater understanding of the adopted 2026 standards
- Explore revisions to the 2017 SCOS
- Dive deeper into the adopted 2026 SCOS organization and structure
- Receive updates on the installation timeline and supporting resources
Final Webinar Registration
Register today for the remaining standards update webinar which will take place in June, and consider sharing the flyer with colleagues who would be interested in joining!
Previous Webinars
View recordings of previous webinars to catch up on information you may have missed or share the recordings with colleagues to keep them in the loop! Recordings to previous webinars are available in the ELA Virtual Implementation Kit (VIK) on the Previous Professional Learning page.
NCDHHS Opens Applications for 2026 Experiential Learning & Opportunity Internship Program
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the Experiential Learning & Opportunity Internship Program (ELOIP). This paid summer internship program continues our commitment to developing future leaders in health and human services.
Program Overview ELOIP offers sophomore, junior, senior, graduate, and postgraduate students enrolled in North Carolina-based four-year college, graduate, or postgraduate program the opportunity to participate in a 10-week internship cohort with NCDHHS designed to build skills and prepare students for careers in public service.
Internship Experience ELOIP provides interns with skill-based, professional experiences that reflect real-world workplace practices and meet public sector needs. In doing so, interns gain experience that enhances skill development. Positions require a foundational understanding and the ability to learn and develop skills in key areas. Interns should be prepared to engage and interact with internal and external partners; compile, review, organize, and manage printed and electronic information; learn and demonstrate data collection and organization methods to create reports, charts, and other materials; and communicate ideas clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, along with other related responsibilities.
Compensation and Program Details
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Paid Internship: $20/hour for undergraduates; $25/hour for graduate and professional students
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Duration: June 1 – August 7, 2026
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Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday
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Work Options: On-site, remote, or hybrid
ELOIP is part of NCDHHS’s workforce development initiative to strengthen North Carolina’s systems of care by preparing professionals in fields such as health education, social work, nursing, environmental health, management, leadership, health promotion, behavioral health, and other human services disciplines.
How to Apply Submit the Summer 2026 Interest Form and resume to ELOIP@dhhs.nc.gov by February 20, 2026.
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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