Professional Learning for Iowa Teachers of Multilingual Learners

Spring 2026 | 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 ESL-endorsed teachers and those working toward endorsement.

• Applications open November 17. Priority deadline: December 19.
• Online Info Sessions: November 18 at 4 p.m. & December 4 at 6 p.m.
• Learn more, sign up for updates, or register for an info session!
• Sign Up for Updates or Info Session!
• Want to share this opportunity with colleagues? See this PDF!
• Have questions? We’re happy to help! Contact the Project UNITED team at united@uni.edu.

Inside the Experience

2026 Theme: Leadership and Support in Multilingual Learner Instruction

This experience is a five-month, research-based professional learning experience that helps ESL-endorsed teachers develop and strengthen teaching practices for multilingual learners.

Participants will:

• Explore Iowa’s policy and assessment landscape for multilingual learners
• Apply translanguaging and linguistically responsive teaching strategies
• Implement culturally sustaining pedagogy to support English language acquisition
• Strengthen collaboration across content areas through co-planning and co-teaching
• Build family and community partnerships

Each module blends reflection, classroom application, and peer feedback; culminating in a Portrait Project that highlights 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 + micro-credentials and certificate
   

Why Participate?

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

Eligibility & Enrollment Notes

• Open to current Iowa teachers of multilingual learners: ESL-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