Sonia W. Soltero, associate professor in DePaul University’s College of Education, will give the keynote address, titled “Myths and Realities about Bilingualism and Bilingual Education,” at the 6th Annual Pilsen Education Summit on Nov. 3.

“Bilingual and multilingual education is common in many countries around the world,” Soltero said. “Knowing how to read, write, speak and understand more than one language opens doors for job opportunities, job advancement, studies, cross-national communication, travel and more. The only place where we can develop high levels of biliteracy is in school and over a long period of time. Speaking a second language is not enough, we have to know how to read and write that second language as well.”

Soltero has been involved with dual and bilingual education for more than 25 years as a teacher, professor, professional developer and researcher. She is a product of bilingual education, attending bilingual schools in Latin America. Soltero will also serve on the conference’s “Being Bilingual: School Perspectives” panel.

Soltero is chair of the Department of Leadership, Language and Curriculum and former director of the Bilingual-Bicultural Education Graduate Program at DePaul’s College of Education. She has written articles, books and handbooks on bilingual and ELL education as well as current Latino education issues. She has authored two books: “Dual Language: Teaching and Learning in Two Languages,” and “School-wide Approaches to Educating English Language Learners.”

Started in 2007, the Pilsen Education Summit aims to create a path of education from birth to college and make participants aware of the educational resources available in their communities. It is organized by the Pilsen Education Task Force, which is comprised of schools, community-based organizations, colleges, universities and parent leaders. For more information, visit www.pilsenneighbors.org.

The summit runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Benito Juarez Community Academy, 1450-1510 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago To register click here