Shaping Local-to-Global Futures: Expanding the Boundaries of Bi-/multilingual Education Research.

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

This AERA Bilingual Education Research (BER) SIG Chair’s Invited Session convenes U.S.-based and international scholars to engage in critical dialogue on the evolving directions of bi-/multilingual education research in our increasingly interconnected world societies. Panelists reflect on the past, present, and future of bi-/multilingual education research across local and global contexts. Building on the “Level Up!" Call to Action (AERA BER SIG Town Hall, August 2025), participants highlight innovative research and -- from their respective scholar-researcher positionalities and experiences -- contribute to an engaged and bridge-building dialogue aimed at expanding the field’s boundaries and impact both locally and globally.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Bilingual Education Research

Cosponsor

• SIG-Second Language Research

Chair

• Ana Celia Zentella, University of California - San Diego

Session Organizer

• Cristian R. Aquino-Sterling, Texas Tech University

Facilitator

• Cristian R. Aquino-Sterling, Texas Tech University

• Suzanne García, California State University - Monterey Bay

Panelists

• Ester J. de Jong, University of Colorado - Denver

• Christian J. Faltis, Texas A&M International University

• Antonieta Heyden Megale, Unifesp - Federal University of São Paulo

• Nancy H. Hornberger, University of Pennsylvania

• Jeff MacSwan, University of Maryland

• María Luisa Pérez Cañado, Universidad de Jaén

• Josefina V. Tinajero, University of Texas - El Paso