Heritage Language Education

““The instructors provide great perspectives of teaching heritage languages. They show you critical approaches and sample lessons. I was able to see how they used exemplary curriculum to engage students and create life-long learners. They have awesome projects that allow students to explore their identities and histories. I learned a lot about social justice content based instruction and getting the students involved in the work. I would highly recommend any workshop or seminar by them!” ”

– Maddie Wills, Spanish HLE Teacher, MN

“The HLE program at UWW changed my perspective on teaching heritage language learners and provided me with the pedagogy and tools of engagement that I so desperately needed at this point in my career. The readings, discussions, and assignments offered me an opportunity to grow as a teacher and a learner in ways that were engaging and insightful (a rare experience in this age of professional development that is so frequently inadequate). My experience in the HLE program validated my own translanguaging skills, as well as those of my students, honoring our wealth of cultural capital, and has made a huge difference in my classroom.”

– Gwen Kong, Hmong HLE and Art Teacher, WI Elementary School

“HLE opened my eyes to teach the whole student and not just their academics. It helped me to reach my students with humanizing pedagogies that build their personal identities, that give students a voice, and that allow for a space to have hard conversations about injustices they face at school.”

– Natalia Benjamin, EL Teacher/Department Chair, MN High School

Follow this passion at UWW

College of Education and Professional Studies Academic Programs 

Our students are the mentors and the leaders of tomorrow, and our college is their home as they prepare for meaningful roles in the community.

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