Multilingual Pathways

Empowering Language Learners and Educators

October 23–24, 2026
Mesa Community College · Mesa, Arizona

The 2026 AZTESOL State Conference brought together educators, researchers, students, and community partners from across Arizona to explore innovative practices, share expertise, and strengthen connections in support of multilingual learners.

Centered on the theme Multilingual Pathways, the two-day conference offered opportunities for professional learning, collaboration, and meaningful conversations about English language teaching and multilingual education across diverse learning environments.

Table sign AZTESOL conference and flowers

Woman sanding in front of AZTESOL poster

Four women dancing in traditional Mexican dresses

Person checking in for conference at registration table

Group of volunteers wearing red shirts on a stage

Education vendor standing at table and sharing materials with guest

Three dancers in traditional Mexican dresses on a stage

Woman standing in front of research poster

Man and woman standing in front of a research poster discussing content

Small of people at table talking and looking at papers

Eight women Board members posing in celebration

Conference Highlights

The conference created opportunities for educators and partners to:

Learn. Explore research-informed approaches and practical strategies for multilingual education.

Connect. Build relationships and share experiences, resources, and practices with colleagues working across K–12, higher education, and other educational settings.

Be Renewed. Strengthen professional relationships and communities dedicated to supporting multilingual learners.

The 2026 conference featured presentations, interactive sessions, and opportunities for educators to exchange ideas and explore practices that support multilingual learners. Explore the conference program to learn more about the speakers, session topics, and professional learning opportunities offered throughout the event.

View 2026 Conference Program

Access materials shared by conference presenters.

Featured Speaker: Dr. Justin Shewell

Dr. Justin Shewell is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Arizona State University and Past President of TESOL International Association. He is the co-designer of Teach English Now! and author of 50 Ways to Teach Online. His work focuses on technology-assisted language learning, student engagement, and effective integration of technology in language teacher education.

Featured Speaker: Kathy Hoffman

Kathy Hoffman began her career as an educator serving students with disabilities and was elected Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2018, where she led the Arizona Department of Education and advocated for students, educators, and public schools statewide. In 2023, she joined Arizona State University to advance collaborative approaches to transforming education systems. Her current work includes the Responsive Systems Design Lab and the ASU Education Futures Roundtable, bringing education leaders together to address pressing challenges and expand opportunities for students.

Thank you to our 2026 conference sponsors!

AZTESOL extends its appreciation to the organizations and partners whose generous support helped make the 2026 State Conference possible. Their contributions supported professional learning, collaboration, and opportunities for educators serving Arizona’s multilingual learners.