Language access advocates in the TK-12 educational system will convene in Costa Mesa for the Orange County Department of Education’s 2024 Interpreters and Translators Conference in October.
The eighth annual conference — themed “Bridging Communities through Language Access, Education and Artificial Intelligence (AI)” — is organized by OCDE’s Educational Services division.
Held at the Hilton Orange County Hotel in Costa Mesa from Oct. 3 through Oct. 5, the event offers a comprehensive program. The first day features four three-hour intensive institutes led by four featured presenters, with limited spaces available.
The following days will include general sessions and dozens of breakout sessions focusing on various topics such as family engagement, language access, skill development, translation and the integration of AI in educational settings.
Language Services Program Specialist Natalia Abarca and her team have curated distinguished experts in the field to assist interpreters and translators working in the TK-12 system. Their goal is to provide meaningful interactions and support to students, families and school communities.
“The conference aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to use AI responsibly, emphasizing ethical use, data privacy and the importance of maintaining a human touch,” Abarca said. “Language access is a crucial pillar in education, ensuring that families feel included, engaged and part of their child’s education.”
“Attendees will also explore how AI can support and enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in educational settings.”
Under her leadership, OCDE has built a countywide infrastructure to support language services, leading training, an awards program and a professional network to support educators.
The conference will kick off with a keynote address by educator and leadership expert Dr. Jacqueline Sanderlin, followed by the presentation of the Award of Distinction to two outstanding bilingual individuals and the first-ever award to an outstanding administrator and language access champion. The event will close with a special keynote presentation by language services consultant Katharine Allen and Dr. Eileen Forestal, a former professor.
In conjunction with this year’s conference, Abarca and her team are gathering nominations for the 2024 Orange County Department of Education Interpretation/Translation Award of Distinction, recognizing individuals who exceed the specified eligibility prerequisites. Additionally, they will present the first-ever Award of Distinction to an Outstanding Administrator and Language Access Champion at the event.
Opening keynote presenter
Dr. Jacqueline Landrum Sanderlin, also known as Dr. J, is an accomplished educator, leadership expert and author. She is the Founder and CEO of the Why Not Incubator, which focuses on community partnership coaching around unity, wellness, equity and racial healing. Her book, “The Why Not Challenge: Say Yes to Success with School-Community Partnerships,” offers insights on forming lasting community relationships between schools, organizations and companies.
The event also includes four keynote presenters, including Katharine Allen, Giovanna Carriero-Contreras, Daniel Tamayo and Néstor Wagner, who will be leading the intensive institutes on Oct. 3.
Registration opportunities
The registration cost for this year’s event is $100 for the intensive institute only, $350 for the two-day conference and $425 for both the intensive institute and the full conference.
To register or gather more details about the event, visit link.ocde.us/ITC2024.
For additional information concerning conference content, contact Natalia Abarca at nabarca@ocde.us. For questions regarding registration, contact Brianna Gomez at eventsandpartnerships@ocde.us.