Date: Monday, October 26, 2026 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Format: In-Person Location: Devens Common Center | 31 Andrews Pkwy | Devens, MA 01434 Information:
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2027 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Location: Devens Common Center | 31 Andrews Pkwy | Devens, MA 01434 Information: Registration and meeting information will be posted here when available.
The Multilingual Education LeadersMEL Network brings together district and school leaders working across English learner education, dual language education, world language education, and the State Seal of Biliteracy. Participants address shared goals and challenges, strengthen connections with Department staff and resources, and learn from colleagues across Massachusetts.
The Network includes two full-day, in-person convenings each school year—one in the fall and one in the spring. These meetings bring together the leaders and educators who participate in Office of Integrated Monitoring and EvaluationOIME webinars, advisory groups, communities of practice, and related professional learning throughout the year.
The Multilingual Education LeadersMEL Network advances a shared commitment to ensuring that multilingualism is developed, sustained, valued, and recognized as an asset for all students.
The Multilingual Education LeadersMEL Network supports the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)'s Educational Vision by promoting culturally and linguistically sustaining learning environments in which students—particularly students from historically underserved groups and communities — are known and valued, build on their linguistic assets, engage in content-rich learning and authentic communication, and prepare for college, careers, and lifelong learning.
The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy provides a shared goal for this work. Although the Seal is awarded in high school, it reflects opportunities to develop and sustain languages across programs and grade levels. Each group represented in the Network contributes to those opportunities.
The convenings are intended for district and school leaders whose responsibilities include:
Participants may include directors, coordinators, department chairs, instructional leaders, school and district administrators, and educators serving in similar leadership roles.
Each convening includes:
During 2026–27, the Network will establish its shared purpose and explore how participants' distinct roles, programs, and initiatives contribute to students' multilingual development and recognition.
The fall convening will focus on defining that shared purpose. Office of Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation OIME-supported professional learning will continue throughout the school year, and the spring convening will bring participants back together to consider how all students can have equitable opportunities to develop and demonstrate what they know and can do.
The David Valade Student & Family Engagement Award is awarded every spring and recognizes outstanding work to engage multilingual students and their families. The award is presented during the spring Multilingual Leaders Network Convening.
Látido Dual Southbridge Public Schools "Our hearts beat in two languages."
This award recipient is a student musical group from Southbridge Middle School that brings together students from Dual Language, World Language, and Sheltered English Immersion programs. Through multilingual performances, the group celebrates multiculturalism, linguistic diversity, and the power of music to unite communities.
Multilingual Student Council Brockton Public Schools "Language is a bridge, not a barrier."
This recipient is a student-led language ambassador program in Brockton High School supports multilingual learners, facilitates cultural exchanges, and helps multilingual new students and parents navigate the school.
Beginning in fall 2026, Office of Integrated Monitoring and EvaluationOIME will present the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy Recognition Awards during the fall Multilingual Leaders Network Convening. Multiple awards will recognize exemplary contributions to expanding access to the Seal, strengthening local implementation, and advancing the recognition and celebration of biliteracy across Massachusetts.
Materials from previous Multilingual Leaders Network meetings are available upon request. To request materials, email el@doe.mass.gov .
For questions about Multilingual Leaders Network meetings, email el@doe.mass.gov .
Last Updated: September 14, 2026