Lead Authors: Valentina Gonzalez, Dr. Carol Salva, Elise White Diaz and Dr. Alli Phelps
May 7-8, 2026 | Birmingham Marriott
WORKSHOP DETAILS
View Detailed Agenda
Date and Time:
May 7th
7:00-8:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:00-8:30 Welcome & Introductions
8:30-9:30 Keynote – Valentina Gonzalez
9:30-9:45 Break
9:45-11:15 Breakout Sessions
11:15-12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 Featured Speaker – Elise White Diaz
1:30-1:45 Break
1:45-3:15 Breakout Sessions
May 8th
7:00 – 8:00 Registration & Grab and Go Breakfast
8:00-8:30 Welcome and Introductions
8:30-9:30 Keynote – Dr. Carol Salva
9:30-9:45 Break
9:45 – 11:15 Breakout Sessions
11:15 – 12:30 Lunch and Speaker
12:30 – 1:00 Closing Remarks
Location:
Birmingham Marriott
3590 Grandview Pkwy
Birmingham, AL 35243
Cost:
$380 per person (meals included). Limited capacity.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Conference will support three pathways of learning:
Classroom Teachers
District and School Administrators
ELL Teachers/Specialists
Keynote Author:
Valentina Gonzalez
Keynote title: Developing Students’ Languages: A Shared Responsibility, A Bold Partnership
Multilingual learners bring rich knowledge, creativity, and cultural insight to our classrooms. Grounded in research and real classroom experiences, this keynote explores how educators can affirm students’ home languages, embed meaningful language opportunities, and design instruction that supports both academic learning and language development, making language a bridge rather than a barrier.
Breakout title: Instructional Strategies Every Teacher Can Use to Amplify Language & Increase Academic Learning
Every teacher with multilingual learners in their classroom is a language teacher, and daily instructional choices directly shape how students engage, participate, and learn.
This interactive session introduces high-impact, research-informed instructional strategies that teachers across grade levels and content areas can use to amplify student language, deepen engagement, and promote academic growth.
Keynote Author:
Dr. Carol Salva
Keynote title: Supporting Language Learners in These Challenging Times
English learners face unique challenges as do their teachers. Educators are currently dealing with these issues and the added uncertainty of what the future holds for our immigrant students and their families. This talk will offer examples of how we can approach these issues and how all teachers can best include language learners in practical ways.
Breakout title: Practical ELL Strategies that Boost Achievement for All
Many of us know that ELL strategies are beneficial for all students. But what strategies are content teachers actually adopting? Come hear about practical, ready to implement techniques that are popular with K-12 classroom educators. Join us to walk away with resources your content teachers can use immediately.
Featured Speaker:
Elise White Diaz
Breakout Title: Supporting English Learners from Trauma-Affected Backgrounds
Students who experience trauma often struggle academically and with language development (Wolpow et al., 2009). For culturally and linguistically diverse learners, trauma can be especially hard to identify. This session offers evidence-based, easy-to-use strategies proven to strengthen multilingual learners’ success.
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Alli Phelps
Title: Cultivating Wellness While Cultivating Language
Exploring the powerful connection between supporting students’ language development and strengthening your own resilience as an educator. Grounded in research-based wellness strategies, you’ll discover practical ways to manage stress, stay balanced, and sustain your energy. Leave not just informed, but recharged and equipped with tools to return to your work with clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of calm.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Valentina Gonzalez is an accomplished teacher educator, author, and national speaker with more than 25 years of experience dedicated to supporting multilingual learners and the educators who serve them. Her career in education spans a wide range of roles, including classroom teacher, district facilitator for multilingual programs, professional development specialist, and educational consultant. These experiences have given her a deep, practical understanding of the instructional needs of both students and teachers, as well as the systems that shape classroom practice.
Dr. Carol Salva is a lead Seidlitz Education consultant. She is a former Elementary, Middle, and High School teacher. She is also the co-author of Boosting Achievement, Reaching Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education. Carol has served as co-chair of NAELPA’s Professional Learning Committee for the past 7 years.
Elise White Diaz has extensive experience supporting diverse students from hard places. Her passion for trauma-informed teaching began in Honduras, where she taught child laborers who went on to college. Elise has proven success with multilingual learners in public education and is now an educational consultant for Seidlitz Education. She is the author of Discover, Connect, Respond: A Practical Approach to Trauma-Informed Instruction.
Dr. Alli Phelps has spent over two decades advancing Educator Wellness to improve the lives of teachers and students. Her career spans roles as a classroom and EL teacher, mentor, coach, and administrator, beginning in 1999 at an Australian boarding school before continuing in the U.S. teaching English and ESL at Homewood High School. She later earned a second Master’s in ESL, including an immersive program in Venezuela, and in 2009 began teaching K–5 EL students in Birmingham, Alabama. Named Alabama’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2021, she went on to earn her P–12 certification in School Administration and pursue doctoral studies at Samford University, focusing on Educator Wellness. She currently serves as Assistant Principal at Riverchase Elementary in Hoover City Schools and enjoys running, yoga, reading, and time with family, friends, and her Great Dane, Murphy.