2007 Institute

In 2007, the Michigan Association for Bilingual Education held its Annual Institute on Bi-literacy: Meeting a Critical Need.

Keynote Speaker and Dignitaries

The dynamic and timely keynote speaker, Mr. Jim Crawford, former Executive Director of NABE was our keynote speaker.  During the nearly two years of his leadership, Jim brought to NABE a level of recognition and respect with his rare combination of scholarship and skills as well as experience. He (and by extension NABE itself) has become a nationally recognized voice for the rights of English language learners under No Child Left Behind and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Not only is Mr. Crawford knowledgeable about the fields of bilingual education, second language acquisition theory and practice, socio-linguistics, and applied linguistics, he is experienced at navigating the political culture of Washington and Capitol Hill.

Mayor Heartwell is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, a graduate of Western Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity degree.
Mayor Heartwell also served as Pastor of Public Ministries at Heartside Ministry, a faith-based program serving the homeless poor. He established a medical clinic, clothing and furniture center, residential recuperative care center, employment and job training program, general educational and computer training programs and a worship center. During the last eight years of his tenure at Heartside Ministry, Mayor Heartwell held elected office as a City Commissioner in Grand Rapids, MI. He was elected Mayor of the City of Grand Rapids and took the oath of office December 30, 2003. Reverend Heartwell is married to Susan, who is the Executive Director of the Student Advancement Foundation. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr., was appointed Superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools, Michigan’s third largest district, effective July 1, 2006. Dr. Taylor’s number one goal is to continue the academic achievement of our students by setting the standards high for our district. Dr. Taylor is a firm believer in open lines of communication and plans to be highly visible in the community. Dr. Taylor previously served as Superintendent of Schools in the Kansas City, Missouri School District which served a student population similar to Grand Rapids Public Schools. Dr. Taylor earned his Ed.D., M.P.A. and B.A. degrees at the University of Pittsburgh. He also served as Executive Director for School Leadership with the Kansas City School District, and as principal and teacher for the Pittsburgh Public Schools.