5th Annual Bilingual Conference at TAMIU March 30-31
The 5th Annual Bilingual, Bicultural, Biliterate Conference will take place at Texas A&M International University Friday and Saturday, March 30-31, 2007.
Dr. Sergio Garza, TAMIU assistant professor, College of Education, and Conference organizer, said the event is expected to attract 750 participants, primarily local and area bilingual educators and those interested in the field.
“This College of Education Conference has grown to be one of the region's most popular for bilingual educators and for those interested in the latest research in this continually evolving field. We’re especially fortunate that this year’s Conference coincides with the showing of the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibition, ‘Our Journeys, Our Stories,’ now showing at the TAMIU Student Center, that will afford our Conference-goers additional opportunities,” Dr. Garza said.
Conference fees are $75 pre-registration and $100 on-site.
The Conference opens Friday, March 30 at 3 p.m. and continues through 7 p.m. in Western Hemispheric Trade Center (WHTC).
Among topics scheduled for exploration during the two-day Conference sessions are: best teaching practices for all stakeholders and information session on bilingual education and English as a Second Language related issues.
The Conference will resume on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will close in the Student Center Ballroom.
A pre-conference event will feature Evelyn Figueroa, “Our Journeys, Our Stories” Exhibition director, who will provide teacher training for Exhibition resource use to enhance classroom curriculum.
In addition, the Conference will include guest appearances and a keynote address by the Garza Family of McAllen, who are featured in the “Our Journeys, Our Stories” national exhibition.
Developed by the Smithsonian Latino Center, the Exhibition is open to the public and free of charge. It will be open through May 12 with viewing possible Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily. Large group tours can be scheduled at 326.2175.
It presents narratives and portraits of 24 individuals and one extended family that provide a look at the experiences of U.S. Latinos who have made significant contributions to American life. A related exhibit shares the accomplishments of TAMIU Latino graduates.
The exhibition, its national tour and related programs are made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund. Ford Motor Company Fund has also provided support for the exhibition’s presentation in Laredo and for related education programs scheduled.
For additional information on the Conference, contact Dr. Garza at 956.326.2674 or e-mail sgarza@tamiu.edu
For “Our Journeys, Our Stories” information, contact the Office for Institutional Advancement at 956.326.2175, e-mail chein@tamiu.edu
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu