Embracing Multilingualism and Multiliteracies: Research-Aligned Practices to Support Oral Language, Vocabulary, and Discourse Institute

Dates: July 28-29, 2026 Times: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST  Location: Teachers College Price: $525

• Early Bird Discount: $450

• Regular Rate: $525, after May 15, 2026

• Group/Team Discount: $425 per person for groups of 5 or more. (If you qualify for a discount the price will appear at check out.)

This institute invites educators to focus literacy instruction through an asset-based lens, centering the linguistic and cultural funds of knowledge that Multilingual Learners bring into the classroom. We will bridge current reading research with practical instructional strategies that emphasize the critical roles of oral language, explicit instruction, and intentional vocabulary development. Participants will learn how to establish clear language goals and plan strategically to help students navigate classroom instruction while building their language proficiency. Whether you are in a bilingual or monolingual program, you will discover how to leverage students' languages and multiliteracies as powerful engines for comprehension. Leave with a concrete framework to build language proficiency and academic achievement within any curriculum.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze Research for Equitable Access: Examine the intersection of reading research and language acquisition to understand how explicit instruction and oral language development drive comprehension for MLLs.

• Leverage Linguistic Funds of Knowledge: Implement asset-based strategies that utilize students' languages and cultural backgrounds as primary resources for building academic identity and multiliteracies.

• Design Language-Focused Instruction:Master the art of intentional planning by creating clear language and content goals that allow MLLs to access and master rigorous, high-level texts.

• Bridge Literacy Across Contexts: Develop practical scaffolds and vocabulary routines that can be seamlessly integrated into any existing curriculum to support simultaneous language and content growth.

Certificate Information:  Upon completion: Participants who complete this conference will receive a Certificate of Participation. Licensed educators in NY state are also eligible for a Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE) certificate for a total of up to 12 CTLE hours. 

Institute Scholarships:  We are pleased to offer scholarships for teachers and school leaders to attend Teachers College Advancing Literacy institute events. We invite interested teachers and literacy leaders to apply to learn with the Advancing Literacy team and fellow educators this summer. 

These scholarships are in memory of Kathleen Tolan, a devoted teacher and educational leader. Kathleen was a member of our community for years and mentored many of us as teachers and staff developers. These scholarships are opportunities for educators to continue this learning legacy. 

Please use this form to apply, to be considered for a scholarship. Applications should be submitted one month in advance of the institute. 

Logistics Overview: 

• Acceptance for the institute is contingent upon receipt of payment within 14 days of applying (for all tickets purchased). 

• For early bird pricing, payment should be received and accepted by May 15, 2026. 

• Click here to access a Quote for your purchase, if needed.

• Once payment is received, please log in to your Dashboard (on our website) and assign the seat(s). If you need to make any modifications to seat assignments, please notify us at advancingliteracy@tc.columbia.edu. 

• We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and a participant who has been accepted to the institute may be unable to attend. If you must withdraw, please let us know as early as possible. Once payment is made, it confirms your commitment to attend. If you must withdraw after paying, a $75 withdrawal fee will apply. Additionally, if you withdraw within one month of the start of the institute, we will be unable to issue a refund.