CABE 2026 Conference Recap: Community, Legacy & Multilingual Education

Relive Summit K12 highlights from CABE 2026—celebrating Dr. Laurie Olsen, powerful conversations, and a united commitment to advancing multilingual learners and educational equity.

By
Amelia Larson
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TL:DR: CABE 2026 was more than a conference—it was a powerful reminder of the community, legacy, and shared purpose driving multilingual education. From honoring Dr. Laurie Olsen to reflecting on the movement’s history, the event reinforced a collective commitment to ensuring every multilingual learner thrives.

There are conferences—and then there are gatherings that remind you why this work matters.

This year’s CABE 2026 Conference was one of those moments.

From the simple joy of breaking bread with colleagues and friends who have dedicated their lives to multilingual learners, to the inspiring sessions and conversations that challenged us to think bigger and act with greater purpose, every moment reinforced the strength of this community.

One of the most meaningful highlights was celebrating the extraordinary Dr. Laurie Olsen—a leader whose decades of advocacy, research, and unwavering commitment have shaped the field of multilingual education and inspired generations of educators. Watching her recognition was a powerful reminder that the progress we see today stands on the courage and persistence of those who came before us.

Another unforgettable moment was viewing the documentary Standing on the Shoulders of Giants. The documentary beautifully captures the history, the struggle, and the vision that have propelled the movement for multilingual learners forward. It reminds us that this work is not only about programs or policy—it is about people, language, identity, and opportunity.

View the trailer of Standing on the Shoulders of Giants here.

Throughout the conference halls—whether in packed sessions, hallway conversations, or shared meals—you could feel the same energy: a community united by a belief that multilingualism is a strength and that every student deserves to thrive.

There was also a quiet but powerful throughline across the entire conference—a sense that we are not starting from scratch. We are building on a legacy. Each conversation, each session, each recognition is part of something larger than any one of us.

Thank you to the CABE community, the organizers, the presenters, and the countless educators who continue to move this work forward every day—and to the Summit K12 team for being part of this journey.

Grateful for the conversations, the inspiration, and the shared commitment to our multilingual learners.