Chicago, Illinois – February 11, 2026 – The National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) Conference will once again provide the setting for a milestone moment in multilingual education with the induction of the second cohort of the Multilingual Education Hall of Fame, presented by Summit K12 and NABE. Building on the success of its inaugural year, this year’s recognition honors 13 distinguished leaders whose research, advocacy, and leadership continue to shape bilingual and multilingual education. The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, led by Dr. Miguel Cardona, along with a welcome from NABE’s Executive President, Dr. Margarita Machado-Casas, will take place in the Regency Ballroom on February 11, 2026, from 5:15–6:00 PM.

For more than five decades, the advancement of multilingual education has been driven by dedicated educators, researchers, and advocates committed to access, opportunity, and excellence for multilingual learners. The Multilingual Education Hall of Fame was established to celebrate this enduring legacy, ensuring that transformative contributions to the field are recognized and continue to inspire future generations. This year’s inductees represent a diverse group of visionaries whose work has expanded access, influenced policy, and advanced innovative approaches to language and literacy instruction.

Criteria for Hall of Fame Induction

Honorees are selected based on their lasting contributions in one or more of the following areas:

• Research and Scholarship – Advancing knowledge in language acquisition, bilingual education, and multilingual learning.
• Advocacy and Policy – Shaping legislation and policies that improve access to quality multilingual education.
• Leadership and Administration – Implementing impactful programs and initiatives that support multilingual learners.
• Teaching and Curriculum Development – Designing and refining instructional strategies that enhance language learning.
• Publications and Resources – Creating influential books, studies, and tools that support multilingual education.

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

The second cohort of the Multilingual Education Hall of Fame includes:

• Ellen Riojas Clark: A distinguished scholar who advanced bilingual education and Latino cultural literacy.
• Virginia Collier: A renowned researcher whose work with Wayne Thomas established the long-term benefits of dual language education.
• Carlos Cortez: A visionary advocate who advanced equity through community-centered multilingual education.
• Ofelia García: A global thought leader who redefined bilingualism through the translanguaging framework.
• Kenji Hakuta: An influential scholar whose research shaped bilingual education and language policy nationwide.
• Martha Hernandez: A national leader whose advocacy strengthened policy and leadership for English Learners.
• Socorro Herrera: A distinguished scholar whose work transformed culturally and linguistically responsive teaching.
• Dolores Huerta: A civil rights and labor leader whose advocacy for justice and equity inspires generations.
• Gladys Labas: A dedicated leader who built strong bilingual programs and prepared future educators.
• Sonia Nieto: A pioneering scholar who centered equity and social justice in multicultural education.
• Laurie Olsen: A leading researcher whose work improved newcomer education and EL programs nationwide.
• Beatrice (Bea) Palls: An influential leader in bilingual and bicultural education, celebrated for her contributions to language policy, program implementation, and advocacy for multilingual learner success in Florida and across the world.
• Wayne Thomas: A pioneering researcher whose studies proved the long-term value of dual language education.

Stay up-to-date with all things NABE !  Add conference.nabe@gmail.com to your email contact list!