In Person Seminar – The Language of Learning – Dec. 8, 2026

PDPs and CEUs are not being offered for this event.

December 8, 2026 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Registration closes on November 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Registration: 8:30 – 9:00 am
Seminar: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Attend In Person

Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School
565 Maple Street
Danvers, MA 01923

Speaker

Dana Gastich French, M.A., Founder & Lead Consultant, UpRiver Education

Description

Every classroom is a language classroom. Whether students are explaining, arguing, analyzing, narrating, or collaborating, success depends on their ability to use language intentionally. Grounded in the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, this interactive seminar explores how functional language provides a powerful lens for planning instruction that supports multilingual learners while strengthening communication and learning for all students. Through classroom examples and practical strategies, participants will learn how to make the language demands of learning visible across content areas and leave with tools to intentionally develop the communication skills students need for academic success.

About the Speaker

Dana Gastich French, (she/her) founder and lead consultant for UpRiver Education, has 20+ years of experience educating and advocating for emergent multilingual students. Her work in teaching, coaching and leadership roles has afforded her the experience and perspective to understand both the pedagogical and system-level practices needed to maximize outcomes for multilingual learners. Ms Gastich French supports districts, universities and state agencies with training, coaching, ESL curriculum, and consultation. Popular topics include sheltered instruction, ESL team training, and leadership support for ELE programming. Further, she has experience evaluating district data, policies and practices to develop and enact multi-year strategic plans for district improvement. Ms Gastich French co-authored the text Teaching English Language Learners: Content and Language in Secondary Classrooms which has served as a staple for MA level educator preparation programs. She lives in NH with her husband, three children, 2 pups and a tortoise. Go to uprivereducation.com to learn more and find out how you can reach out to bring Dana to your district.

Membership Information

Most MPY webinars are available ONLY to current staff from member districts and organizations. Public school memberships include police and fire personnel. Former and retired employees and members of committees, including but not limited to, PTO/PTA, PAC, School Improvement Councils, Health Councils, Drug/Alcohol Councils, and school volunteers, are not considered MPY members.

PDPs and CEUs

PDPs and CEUs will not be offered for this seminar.

Event Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend a MPY webinar you must cancel, through Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org, one business day before the webinar.

For MPY hybrid conferences, the date in-person registration closes will be posted on MPY’s website. Virtual conference registration will close one business day before the hybrid conference. You cannot cancel or switch your registration from in-person to virtual after in-person registration closes. Please email Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org with any questions regarding registration.