Multilinguals in the Midwest

The Multilinguals in the Midwest videos below were commissioned for an interactive keynote at the #MIDTESOL25 conference held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 3 & 4, 2025. The videos feature multilingual students, family members, and educators from Nebraska and Kansas. MIDTESOL is sharing the videos and some discussion questions in hopes of amplifying the voices of those who agreed to share their stories and experiences. Interviewees included both recent arrivals and individuals who have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years. Despite their varied experiences, a common theme emerged across all testimonials: the powerful role language plays in shaping a person’s identity.

*Videos produced by Hart Media.

When you think about your multilingual students, what words, thoughts, or feelings come to mind?

Themes: Resilience, hardships, and joys of language learning 

If you could give one piece of advice to students learning a second language, what would it be? If you are learning a second language yourself, what joys, challenges, or personal experiences have you had while adapting to a new language or culture?

Themes: Echoes of belonging: Patience, pain, and the pursuit of linguistic identity

What themes resonate with you? What juxtapositions do you see?

What feelings and thoughts did you have as you watched the individuals on the video talk about their struggles?

Themes: Culture, language, and hardship in the classroom

What was confirmed or reinforced for you?

Did anything surprise you or challenge your thinking?

What are some non-negotiable practices you believe are essential for supporting multilingual learners?