A Word From the ATDLE Executive Director
Kevin Chavez
Executive Director – ATDLE
Kevin Chavez became the Executive Director of ATDLE on July 1, 2023. As a founding member of the organization, he is committed to creating global citizens who are ready to become our future leaders by providing access to well-articulated, high-quality programs that focus on academic achievement, inclusive practices, and the promotion of positive self-esteem. Kevin has worked in education as a teacher and administrator for over 28 years in the Midwest, South America, and the Bay Area. He holds a BS in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Concordia University-Portland. He has worked in education as a classroom teacher, site-based program coordinator, central office instructional coach/teacher on special assignments, and as an administrator. Kevin was most recently the Principal of the Thomas Edison Charter Academy in San Francisco, which offers a 50/50 Dual Language Immersion Program in Spanish and English. His passion and drive are to support teachers, administrators, schools and districts to serve students and families with innovative services and supports that address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations through high quality Two-way and Dual Language Education.
About Us
Why Was ATDLE Formed?
The Association of Two-Way & Dual Language Education (ATDLE) was formed into a national organization in 2013. It had previously existed as Two-Way CABE for over ten years. The Board of Directors found it necessary to move from a state organization to a national organization to mitigate the development of programs throughout the U.S.A. In 2022, there are over 3,600 Dual Language and Two-Way Bilingual Immersion programs in the country in multiple languages.
As the leading organization in Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Education, we work closely with other organizations and agencies that share a common vision and mission for this work. These agencies form the National Dual Language Forum to support the development and continued implementation of Two-Way & Dual Language programs throughout the United States. The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), Dual Language Education New Mexico and others work to provide quality training and support as programs develop in their respective communities.
The ATDLE team provides focused and relevant professional training opportunities for new and existing programs! Our commitment to excellence in education through second and third language education is unwavering. We believe strongly in quality implementation and the full implementation of research-based practices. We lead the charge by utilizing the amazing expertise of some of the most experienced programmatic experts in TWBI/DL and know that we can be of great service to teachers, administrators and program development leads wanting to start their programs or improve their practice!
Vision
We envision a future transformed by multilingual education where students, educators, families, and leaders unite to foster linguistically inclusive systems and cultivate globally conscious changemakers.
Purpose
To reimagine multilingual education by championing equity-driven, inspired, and strategic leadership that centers the strengths and needs of multilingual learners;Â
To create and support impactful research-based programs and services that promote multilingualism, multicultural understanding, academic excellence, and global readiness—positioning multilingual learners as leaders in transformative education; and
To advocate for inclusive policies that turn vision into action, uplifting the voices of multilingual communities and empowering students, families, educators, and partners as co-creators of systemic change.
Core Values
Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Learning
We value and reflect students’ cultures and languages in the classroom. Educators help students connect their lives to their learning, so they can grow with confidence and make a difference in their communities.
Identity
Everyone has many identities—cultural, linguistic, personal—that shape who they are. We support each other in developing and celebrating our own identities, and we honor and accept the identities of others as a vital part of building trust, strength, and connection in our communities.
Community Engagement
We are deeply connected to the communities we serve. Their stories, traditions, and strengths guide our work. By growing together, we build stronger schools and stronger communities.
Relationship
Our greatest strength is our connection to one another. Through language and culture, we build relationships that cross boundaries and bring people together.
Multilingualism & Global Competency
Knowing more than one language and understanding different cultures make us stronger—individually and together. When students become multilingual, they gain life-changing benefits, and their families, communities, and the world benefit too.
Equity
Not all students have the same access to learning. Language, race, and socio-economic level often shape their opportunities and outcomes. We work to make sure every student, school, and community has what they need to succeed.
Struggle in Action
Change takes courage and imagination. We stand with our communities in the ongoing work of equity and justice—honoring their stories, lifting their voices, and pushing for a better future.
Professional Engagement, Creativity, & Leadership
We are lifelong learners and leaders who bring creativity and passion to our work. Our communities inspire us, and we work with them to improve learning and lift up language and culture.