JoinPLI #6
National Conference in Indianapolis • November 4, 2026
Full-Day Workshop
Supporting Multilingual Learners: Expanding Collective Sensemaking in Science Classrooms
Wednesday, November 4 • 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
All participants will receive breakfast and lunch.
About the Session
Every student deserves access to high-quality, meaningful science instruction designed to leverage and support students' linguistic resources. Join professional learning leaders from BSCS Science Learning and NSTA for a full-day deep dive into classroom instruction that supports multilingual learners through rich, engaging, and inclusive science learning experiences.
In this immersive session, we’ll explore the specific approaches using lesson and unit examples to see how intentional strategies and routines promote language and science understanding. You’ll learn how high-quality science curricula foster opportunities for multilingual learners to interact with the classroom community to share their ideas, deepen their ability to engage in science, and make sense of the natural world.
Key Takeaways
- How intentional instructional design supports multilingual learners
- Strategies that promote language-rich, collaborative science classrooms
- Real-world examples and specific strategies from classrooms
In Partnership With:
Presenters
Janna Mahfoud
Janna Mahfoud is a BSCS Science Educator who partners with school districts and states across the country to transform science teaching and learning, especially for multilingual students. Janna collaborates with leaders and teachers to bring science curricula to life through practical strategic planning, professional learning, and coaching services. Before joining BSCS, Janna was in the classroom as an elementary and middle school science teacher and later served as a K–8 District Science & Engineering Specialist.
Dr. Susan Gomez Zwiep
Susan Gomez Zwiep is the Program Area Director for Teacher Learning at BSCS Science Learning. She partners with school districts, states, and teacher preparation programs to strengthen science teaching and learning, particularly for multilingual students. Susan brings 12 years of classroom experience teaching middle school science in Los Angeles, combined with faculty work in science education and regional leadership on NGSS implementation. She collaborates with teachers and leaders to develop curriculum-based professional learning that deepens teacher knowledge and supports teachers in becoming advocates for rigorous, equitable science instruction.