Nebraska Career and Technical Education Conference 2026

Multilingual learners are often underrepresented in CTE programs, not because of interest or ability, but due to barriers in recruitment, access, and instructional design. This session focuses on practical, low-lift strategies CTE educators and leaders can use to intentionally recruit multilingual learners and support their persistence once enrolled. Participants will explore how language demands show up in CTE classrooms, how to reduce unnecessary barriers without watering down standards, and how to create learning environments where multilingual learners can succeed and see themselves in CTE pathways. Examples will be drawn from real secondary CTE contexts and are applicable across program areas.

CTE classrooms are rich with opportunities for language development, yet many instructors feel unsure how to support multilingual learners without becoming “language teachers.” This session reframes language as a technical and employability skill that can be intentionally developed through hands-on instruction, demonstrations, and work-based learning experiences. Participants will learn how to make technical language visible, scaffold speaking and listening in labs and shops, and support multilingual learners’ communication skills in ways that align with industry expectations. Strategies shared are immediately applicable and respect the realities of fast-paced, skills-based CTE instruction.