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Multilingual Education Conference
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
The WQPT PBS Multilingual Education Conference is held annually in partnership with Western Illinois University-QC in Moline, Illinois.
Educators, caregivers and community members are invited to explore diverse topics in the theory and practice of multilingual education for students from early childhood to adults.
The conference features a keynote presentation and a variety of breakout sessions, along with opportunities for community organizations to share information and for educators to earn continuing education and professional development credits.
$50.00 registration includes:
- Breakfast & lunch
- Keynote presentation
- Breakout sessions
- Professional development credits
- Community resources
Please consider sharing your passion and expertise in supporting multilingual students and families as a presenter at the WQPT PBS + WIU-QC Multilingual Education Conference.
We welcome presentations that highlight effective strategies, research-based approaches, and innovative practices that empower multilingual students to succeed.
See the link below for more information, and please reach out with any questions.
Thank you!
Google Form for Presentation Proposals
Please submit by Friday, March 13th.
Keynote Presenter
An immigrant from Guatemala, Johanna Poncio Jordan brings over 20 years of dedication to Bilingual Education, shaped by both professional expertise and lived experience.
She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, along with Bilingual, ESL, LBS1 Special Education, and multiple middle school endorsements. Throughout her career, she has served students and families as a Bilingual Teacher, Dual Language Educator, and Interventionist within Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) and Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) models. With 10 years of experience leading and strengthening multilingual programs, Mrs. Poncio Jordan currently serves as the Executive Director of Bilingual and Multicultural Services in Rockford Public Schools District 205, the third-largest school district in Illinois, where she advocates for and supports over 7,000 English Learners. She has a particular passion for advancing MTSS frameworks, strengthening Special Education services for Multilingual Learners, and building high-quality, asset-based multilingual programs. Deeply committed to advocacy, she believes in honoring the voices, strengths, and identities each student brings, and in ensuring equity, excellence, and belonging for all.
