San Diego & Chula Vista School Districts Collaborate with Baja, California Educational Leaders to Harness Strength of Binational Living

Topics Discussed: Migrant Education, Binational Students, and Teacher and Cultural Exchange

To harness the strength of binational educators and institutions, the 2nd Annual Binational Symposium took place to raise awareness around migrant education, binational students, and international teacher exchange programs, which was held at Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School in Chula Vista. The symposium was hosted by the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD).

Last year's inaugural symposium served as the catalyst for Assemblymember David Alvarez to author AB 833, a bill that modernizes California's World Language Teacher Exchange and Recruitment Law to expand teacher exchange opportunities, particularly with Mexico.

This year, CVESD and SDUSD continued to deepen their binational partnerships and elevate awareness of cross-border programs and educational opportunities. The 2nd Annual Symposium brought together educational leaders to discuss the importance of international collaboration in supporting migrant, binational, and multilingual students.

Educational leaders in attendance included:

Dr. Reyes reflected on the impact of the 2nd Annual Symposium and its importance in raising awareness of the binational partnerships and programs that support students. "As a district near the U.S.-Mexico border, CVESD understands the importance of cultural connection in the classroom. Strengthening these international partnerships allows us to share instructional practices and pedagogies to best serve our students to be successful in discovering their own potential."

Dr. Bagula said continued collaboration between educational institutions in San Diego region and Mexico will create binational strength. "The students and educators we represent live binationally, and it only makes sense that we would work together, and ensure our students thrive. Our schools serve as the starting point for a new chapter in many young lives, and the border is the pulse of global humanity. We have a duty to ensure that it beats strong and true for all. I am energized by this partnership with Chula Vista Elementary School District and the Secretary of Education Baja California, and I look forward to its continued growth."

The day-long symposium had over 100 participants and included panels and workshops.