In this episode of the ASSETS Podcast, Dr. Jobi Lawrence sits down with Dr. Margaret Marcus, Executive Director of the Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation, and Dr. Conor Williams, researcher and writer focused on educational equity, school diversity, and public policy, to explore the future of multilingual education in the United States.

Together, they discuss how expanding access to high-quality dual language programs can help bridge achievement gaps, strengthen educational equity, and prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Drawing on research, policy, and practice, the conversation examines the academic, social, and economic benefits of multilingualism, the barriers that limit access to dual language opportunities, and the investments needed to scale these programs nationwide.

Whether you are an educator, school leader, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers valuable insights into why multilingual education is not simply a language initiative, but a powerful strategy for empowering students, strengthening communities, and creating more inclusive schools for all learners.

Episode Description

In this episode of the ASSETS Podcast, Dr. Jobi Lawrence sits down with Dr. Diane August, nationally recognized researcher and expert in multilingual learner education, to discuss the critical role of academic language development in supporting student success.

Drawing on decades of research and her work as a contributor to the 2014 Institute of Education Sciences Practice Guide, Teaching Academic Content and Literacy to English Learners in Elementary and Middle School, Dr. August explores why academic language is essential for multilingual learners to access grade-level content and achieve at high levels. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating language development into content instruction, examines key recommendations from the Practice Guide, and offers practical insights for educators seeking to strengthen instruction across disciplines.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, instructional coach, school leader, or policymaker, this episode provides valuable guidance on how research-based practices can help multilingual learners develop the language and literacy skills needed to thrive academically. Dr. August's expertise and perspective serve as a powerful reminder that language development is not separate from learning, it is fundamental to it.

Link to Word Analyzer (You will need to create an account): https://vocabularytool.airprojects.org/

Link to article: https://www.aft.org/ae/winter2025-2026/august

In this episode of the Project ASSETS Podcast, Project Coordinator Lauren Wood reflects on the often unseen and underrecognized work of educators who support multilingual learners. Drawing from her firsthand experience working closely with EL/ML educators, Lauren shares insights into the dedication, sacrifice, and emotional labor that go into serving this student population.

This episode highlights the critical role these educators play in shaping student success, often going above and beyond without recognition. Lauren offers a thoughtful perspective on the challenges they face, the impact they make, and why their work deserves greater visibility and appreciation.

Whether you are an educator, school leader, or advocate, this conversation serves as both a reflection and a reminder of the extraordinary commitment behind supporting multilingual learners every day.