Professional Learning for Iowa Teachers of Multilingual Learners

Free Professional Learning Opportunity for Iowa Teachers of Multilingual Learners

Next Cohort: Spring 2027 | 100% Online | $300 Stipend Upon Completion

Project UNITED at the University of Northern Iowa is thrilled to offer a free, research-based professional learning experience designed for Iowa’s ELL-endorsed teachers and those working toward endorsement.

Have questions? We’re happy to help! Contact the Project UNITED team at united@uni.edu.

Event History and Information

Spring 2026:

Theme: Leadership and Support in Multilingual Learner Instruction

This experience included a five-month, research-based professional learning experience that helped ELL-endorsed teachers develop and strengthen teaching practices for multilingual learners.

Participants explored:

Iowa’s policy and assessment landscape for multilingual learners
Translanguaging and linguistically responsive teaching strategies
Culturally sustaining pedagogy to support English language acquisition
Collaboration across content areas through co-planning and co-teaching
Family and community partnerships

Each module blended reflection, classroom application, and peer feedback; culminating in a Portraiture Project that highlighted asset-based practices and professional growth.

Program Format

Timeline: January-May 2026
Structure:
- Five 1.5-hour live Zoom sessions (once a month)
- ~1.5 additional hours of independent online learning each month
Session Dates: Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7 (5:00-6:30 p.m.)
Eligibility for Stipend: Attend at least 4 of 5 live sessions
Stipend: $300 upon completion + certificate

Why Participate?

✔ Free of cost (plus a $300 completion stipend)
✔ Fully online-no travel required
✔ Flexible schedule: one live session per month
✔ Earn completion certificate
✔ Network with educators statewide
✔ Learn directly from UNI faculty experts

Eligibility & Enrollment Notes

Open to current Iowa teachers of multilingual learners: ELL-endorsed or working toward endorsement
Limited to 50 participants
Priority given to educators in Central Rivers AEA districts (Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Storm Lake, Ottumwa, Cedar Rapids), but all Iowa teachers are encouraged to apply.
Must attend 4 of 5 live sessions to qualify for the stipend
Current Project UNITED scholarship recipients are not eligible for this round