NABE 2026 Call for Presenters​
NABE 2026 will offer both onsite and pre-recorded ON-DEMAND presentations.

Click here for a video with tips on submitting a winning proposal for the NABE Conference!

NABE 2026 Proposal Timeline 
  • Proposal Submission is open: May 1st - June 30th, 2025
  • Proposal Notifications will be sent by: August 15, 2025
  • Action Item: Accepted Presenters must RSVP in the portal by September 10, 2025 to confirm their intention to present at NABE 2026 in Chicago. ***Presentation will not be scheduled if presenter does not confirm by the deadline***
  • Presenter Registration Deadline: October 3, 2025
  • Notification of Schedule by: November 14, 2025 ***Please note NABE does not guarantee you will be scheduled on a specific date. You must be available on any of the three conference dates.***

NABE 2026 Conference Schedule: 
NABE 2026 School Visits Day: Monday, February 9, 2026
NABE 2026 Pre-conference Day: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
NABE Conference: Wednesday - Friday, February 11 - 13, 2026

Please read before submitting your proposal:
Competitive Priorities
  • Promoting Linguistic Support: Proposals for this priority should address the needs of multilingual students and communities and develop strategies to support their language development, academic success and social-emotional growth.
  • Innovative Program Models: Proposals for this priority should showcase innovative approaches to multilingual education, multilingual STEM education, and digital language resources such as AI and language learning platforms.
  • Grow Your Own (GYO) Pathways for Bilingual/Multilingual Educators: Proposals for this priority should support programs that recruit and prepare bilingual/multilingual educators from within the local community. It encourages accessible pathways for paraprofessionals, students, and community members to become certified teachers.
 
Invitational Priority
  • Strengthening Multilingual Education Policy: Proposals for this priority should focus on informing and shaping policies that support multilingual education, including dual-language programs, bilingual teacher preparation, and language access services.
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To present at the NABE conference, accepted presenters (and co-presenters) must register for the conference by October 3, 2025, in order to be eligible for the Presenter Discount of $100 off the registration total (this may not be combined with any other discount).

Please note, in addition to confirming your intent to present via the RSVP link in the portal, ALL presenters and co-presenters (ON-DEMAND and onsite) must be registered by October 3, 2025, for your presentation to be scheduled.

Please thoroughly review and accept the NABE Presenter Agreement before submitting your proposal.  Please print this agreement for your records.

Note: Please make sure your profile in the NABE portal is updated with your presenter bio and picture as it will be used in conference program materials.
Presentation Strands
Career Pathways
This strand explores innovative multilingual programs, strategies, and research supporting teacher preparation. Sessions may address pre-service and in-service training, alternative routes of teacher preparation, and varying career pathways.
 
Content Area Instruction 
This strand focuses on how to support multilingual learners in all content areas of Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, STEM and the Arts. Sessions in this strand should help to equip bilingual/ESL educators with the tools they need to support second language development through content area instruction.
 
Creative Arts
This strand is a vibrant exploration of how music, art, dance, and other creative disciplines can enrich bilingual/multilingual education. This strand invites educators, artists, and cultural practitioners to delve into the transformative power of creative arts as a medium for language acquisition and cultural expression.
 
Dual Identified/Special Populations and Programs
This strand seeks to empower educators and parents in recognizing, valuing, and nurturing multilingual learners identified as gifted and talented and multilingual learners identified as having special needs. Sessions present research-based innovative strategies to identify and meet the unique needs of each of these types of learners.
 
Dual Language/Immersion Programs
This strand focuses on dual language and immersion programs, highlighting effective models, instructional strategies, and program implementation and sustainability. Sessions explore student outcomes, curriculum design, community engagement, and successes in fostering bilingualism, biliteracy and cross-cultural competence in educational settings.
 
Early Learning and Family Practices
This strand explores the critical connection between early learning experiences and the active engagement of families and caregivers in a child's development. Focused on ensuring young children are supported in both school and at home, sessions within this strand will highlight innovative strategies, culturally responsive practices, and research-based approaches that support strong partnerships between educators, families, and communities.
 
ESL
This strand provides professional learning and research on effective implementation of English as a second language (ESL) or English as an additional language (EAL) programs. Sessions present relevant research and programmatic strategy for how to structure the ESL program to support multilingual learners.
 
Heritage Language
This strand explores heritage language topics such as language retention by immigrant communities, heritage language acquisition by descendants of immigrant communities, and specific cultural backgrounds, migration histories, and experiences of these communities.
 
Indigenous Language
This strand explores indigenous language topics such as language endangerment due to historical and ongoing marginalization, and the deep intertwining of traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs with these languages.
Language Assessment
This strand provides research and practice for the integration and implementation of effective language assessment practices within programs for multilingual learners. It may address initial language proficiency assessments, progress monitoring assessments, classroom-based assessments, or required, state-level English language proficiency assessments.

​Leadership and Professional Learning
This strand highlights the pivotal role of leadership and ongoing professional learning in advancing high-quality bilingual education. Emphasis will be placed on equity-driven decision-making, capacity building, and leveraging the assets of bilingual educators and learners. Participants will gain tools to lead with vision, support teacher growth, and advocate for systemic change that uplifts multilingual students and their communities.
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Literacy (Biliteracy and Multiliteracy)
This strand focuses on research-validated instructional practices for implementing biliteracy and multiliteracy within bilingual education programs. Sessions may provide demonstrations of bridging, dictado, and other elements of biliteracy instruction that is needed for effective practice.
 
Policy Advancement
This strand focuses on advancing multilingual education policy by strengthening programs that honor students’ home languages, expanding access to learning tools, and promoting welcoming classrooms. Participants will explore strategies to influence policy and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure multilingual education remains central to educational accessibility and student success.
 
Supportive Care Practices
This strand explores innovative approaches to fostering resilience and holistic well-being in diverse communities. Share insights and strategies that strengthen emotional growth and nurture healing environments, promoting inclusive support systems.
 
Technology & Innovation
This strand explores emerging technologies and innovative practices in bilingual education, with a special focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Sessions will present strategies and research that enhance language teaching and learning through AI, digital creativity, and technology-based collaboration.
 
Transitional Bilingual Programs
This strand explores transitional bilingual programs (both early and late exit), emphasizing programs that support students' development of English proficiency while maintaining academic progress. Sessions may include varying instructional approaches, program design, student outcomes, and strategies for effective transitions to English-only instruction.
 
World Languages
This strand highlights best practices for world language teachers, both pre-service and in the classroom. Sessions will present high-yield teaching strategies, as well as touch on current issues and developments in world language programs.