Introduction to Dual Language Immersion

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Length:
3-day
Times:
9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Central Time)
Format:
Online–Synchronous
Instructors: Stephanie Owen and Amy Young

Registration Information
Stephanie Owen and Amy Young
Stephanie Owen and Amy Young

This institute is designed for new-to-DLI educators, instructional coaches, and administrators in K-12 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs, including one-way, two-way, indigenous, and developmental bilingual schools. Participants will explore the three foundations of DLI instruction: 1) bilingualism/biliteracy; 2) academic achievement in two languages; and 3) intercultural competence PLUS critical consciousness.  Participants learn research-based instructional approaches and practice the ten power strategies of effective DLI teachers. 

The institute will include “Voices from the Classroom” segments with practicing DLI educators and administrators, culminating with an interactive and personalized showcase of best practices. 

Target Audience:

This institute is designed for new K-12 DLI educators of all languages and levels, curriculum coaches, and administrators.
 

Program Schedule

9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Central Time)

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Day 1: Tuesday

Background and Overview of Dual Language Immersion Programs 

  • Bilingual Identities and Emerging Bilingual Learners
  • The Three Pillars of DLI PLUS Critical Consciousness
  • Program Models and Goals
  • Research and Well-Implemented Programs
  • Concept Attainment and Total Physical Response

Day 2: Wednesday

 Bilingualism and Biliteracy 

  • Planning for Biliteracy
  • GLAD Strategies and Framework
  • Cross Language Connections and Translanguaging
  • Step by Step Bridge and Bridging

Day 3: Thursday

Language Integration with Imagination

  • Content - Culture - Language Integration
  • The Science of Reading for DLI
  • Contrastive Analysis
  • Feedback, Prompts and Recasts

Instructors

Headshot of instructor Amy Young

Amy Young is the Director of ESL and Bilingual Education for Minneapolis Public Schools. Dr. Young also teaches workshops and courses related to dual language immersion, creativity, collaborative dialogue, peer interaction, and integrating language and content. Previously she has worked as a Minnesota building principal, Director of Teaching and Learning, District EL Coordinator, and ESL/DLI/Spanish teacher.

Headshot of instructor Stephanie Owen

Stephanie Owen is the Coordinator of the M.Ed. K-6 licensure program with focus on Dual Language Immersion in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota. Stephanie is an instructor of courses including language-focused instruction, teaching for biliteracy and has presented on these topics at national and international conferences. She taught K-12 Spanish and English for twenty-five years in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Spain, and Nicaragua.

This institute provided a broad base of background knowledge about dual immersion along with real life examples from people that are "in the trenches" that can be implemented immediately.  The variety of educators involved from around the world and with varying degrees of experience in dual language immersion helped everyone move forward in knowledge acquisition and come away with "ah-ha's" and information that can benefit their role in the education system.–Portia Andrews, 2025 institute participant

*IMPORTANT NOTES FOR THIS SYNCHRONOUS ONLINE INSTITUTE:

  • This 3-day synchronous online institute will run from 9 am–4 pm (Central Time). The schedule includes many synchronous (real-time) presentations, group/partner work, and activities throughout the day. It also includes some off-screen time for independent work and a break for lunch each day.
  • You must be available to participate for the entire day Tuesday–Thursday as all activities build on each other.
  • Make sure you can meet the tech requirements for this institute.