Bridging Cultures: Heritage Language Schools Gather to Strengthen Immigrant Communities
The 11th Annual Community-Based Heritage Language Schools Conference, held on October 4 and 5, 2024, brought together an unprecedented array of language educators and advocates, representing a tapestry of 46 different languages.
This gathering, hosted by the American University (AU) School of Education's Institute for Innovation in Education (IIE), serves as an anchor for those dedicated to maintaining the languages and cultures of immigrant communities across the US and beyond. The conference began as a grassroots initiative and has grown into a vital platform for sharing resources, building partnerships, and strengthening the often-overlooked sector of heritage language education.
“This conference brought colleagues from many different sectors – leaders of language communities and schools, leaders in districts and states, and leaders of major language-focused organizations,” said Joy Peyton, founder and president of the Coalition of Community-Based Heritage Language Schools. The participants drew inspiration and support from one another in their mission to provide language learning access to heritage communities.
The significance of these schools extends far beyond mere language instruction. Dr. Ken Cruickshank from the University of Sydney, in his opening plenary address, presented research underlining the crucial role these institutions play in the broader language education landscape. “Community-based heritage language schools are playing a vital role in the language learning landscape, and this is recognized and valued more and more as we move forward together,” Peyton emphasized, echoing Cruickshank’s findings.
On the second day, Dr. Richard Brecht’s plenary address painted a compelling picture of the potential impact of expanded heritage language education in the US. Against the backdrop of historic immigration patterns and emerging opportunities, Brecht argued that these programs could serve as a cornerstone for maintaining traditions, fostering stronger community cohesion, and improving access to educational systems for immigrant communities.
The conference included practical workshops and panels offering attendees a chance to dive into the daily challenges of running and teaching in community-based schools. Sessions ranged from strategies for engaging teenagers to fostering collaborations between community-based and public schools. In a nod to the rapidly evolving educational landscape, one popular workshop explored the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in heritage language classrooms, highlighting both the potential and pitfalls of this transformative technology.
For many attendees, the conference served as more than just a professional development opportunity. “This conference is critical in connecting members of the Community-Based Heritage Language Schools Community,” explained Danielle G. Sodani, Director of the SOE Institute for Innovation in Education. “School leaders and teachers find community at the conference and celebrate the work they do every day with heritage language families.”
As the conference concluded, participants left armed with new strategies and connections to face the challenges of preserving linguistic heritage in an increasingly interconnected world. The event stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of immigrant communities and educators working tirelessly to ensure that the rich tapestry of languages and cultures in the US continues to thrive.
Looking ahead, the organizers are planning for the 12th Annual Community-Based Heritage Language Schools conference, scheduled for October 3-4, 2025. As this movement continues to grow, it serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that language plays in shaping identity, fostering community, and bridging cultural divides.
In a nation built on immigration, the work of these heritage language schools and their advocates is not just about preserving the past – it’s about shaping a more inclusive and linguistically diverse future for all Americans.