By: Gloria Smith, Associate Editor for World Liberty TV

Since 1975, the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) has been a non-profit membership organization that works to advocate for educational equity and academic excellence for bilingual/multilingual students in a global society.

NABE’s priorities include:  Improving instructional programs and practices for linguistically and culturally diverse children; providing bilingual and dual language educators with high-quality professional development opportunities; securing adequate funding for quality dual language programs serving English Learners (ELs); and keeping the rights of ELs clearly in focus as states and communities move forward with sustainable educational reforms.

As tireless advocates, NABE works to influence, support and create policies, programs, research, pedagogy and quality professional development because investing in our children’s education is an investment in our nation’s future leadership and our world’s well-being. By using native and second languages in everyday life, we not only develop intercultural understanding, but we also show by example that we respect and can effectively cross cultural and linguistic borders.

NABE has 20 state/regional a­ffiliates and 4 international affiliates, which collectively represent more than 5,000 members. These members include bilingual and English learner (ELs) teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, administrators, professors, advocates, researchers, and policy makers.

Bilingualism and Biliteracy for all are admirable goals for everyone. We embrace this mantra and advocate academically learning more than two languages and cultures.

Our annual conference is the only gathering of professionals in the United States dedicated to exploring topics of interest for teachers, administrators, and parents of ELs, which include dual language education, second language acquisition, bilingual education, assessment and accountability, teacher training, special education, and grassroots activism.

NABE’s Mission:To advocate for educational equity and excellence for bilingual/multilingual students in a global society .The National Association for Bilingual Education is the only national professional organization devoted to representing bilingual/multilingual students and bilingual and dual language education professionals.

NABE has 20 state/regional a­ffiliates and 4 international affiliates, which collectively represent more than 5,000 members. These members include bilingual and English learner (ELs) teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, administrators, professors, advocates, researchers, and policy makers.

NABE places high value on the academic, linguistic, and cultural development of a child’s native language.As tireless advocates who work to influence and help create policies, programs, research, pedagogy and professional development, we know that we are investing in our children’s education, our nation’s future leaders, and our world’s well-being.

Using multiple languages in everyday life, we not only develop intercultural understanding, we also demonstrate that we respect and can effectively communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

NABE is highly committed to prepare 21st century multiliterate global citizens who will make contributions in economic, civic, technological and cultural advancement. We embrace this mantra and advocate learning more than two languages and cultures. NABE members are the ambassadors who choose to create unity within a diverse and interdependent world.

The NABE 51^st Annual took place in New York City, was a total success, people attending from all over the USA to be part of this great conference.

Keynote Speech’s included by: Dr. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education, David C. Banks , New York City Chancellor, Randi Weingarten, President American Federation of Teachers,  Dr. Betty Rosa, Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the state of New York, and Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers.

Many more panels and seminars took place alongside vendors showcasing their services and products.

It truly was a great conference, very well attended and organized, we also had a pleasure of attending The Presidents Dance at the end of the conference, at the Conference we spoke to Dr.Margarita P.Pikos NABE President, and told her that they need to do the conference more often instead of every 49 years, she laughed and said we will do something about that going forward.

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