In this episode, we welcome two distinguished voices in bilingual education: Dr. Kathy Escamilla, Professor Emeritus of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, and Dr. Saul Maldonado, Professor in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education at San Diego State University.

Together, they explore what effective bilingual education really looks like—and what it takes to create classrooms where multilingual learners can thrive.

At the heart of the conversation is a powerful idea: our students’ languages are not something to overcome. They are part of the knowledge, identity, and strengths they bring to the classroom.

In this episode of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, Iliana Gallego talks with Jordan Heberlein, Family and Community Engagement Supervisor at the Shasta County Office of Education, and Dr. Janet Núñez-Pineda, Director of the California Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC), about the power of connecting family engagement leaders, building a strong community of practice, and expanding the impact of family engagement.

From a national family engagement conference to the work happening in local communities, they explore how investing in leaders can create a ripple effect that reaches more families.

NAFSCE is hosting the 2026 National Assembly for Family Engagement in Education, taking place virtually October 26–27 and in person October 28–30 in San Diego. It’s a great opportunity for family engagement leaders and advocates to connect, learn, and strengthen this important work.

What happens when schools truly invest in families? Superintendent Roberto Vaca shares the strategies, partnerships, and lessons behind his district’s success in engaging families.