Ep #427: Why Dual Language Education Works with Eric Bethel and Dr. Maggie Marcus

About this episode

This episode discusses the effectiveness of dual language education in supporting students' identities and academic outcomes.

Dual language education is one of the most powerful ways schools can honor students' identities while strengthening academic outcomes, and this week's conversation makes that crystal clear. I'm joined by Instructional Superintendent at District of Columbia Public Schools Eric Bethel and Executive Director of The Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation Dr. Maggie Marcus for a rich discussion on bilingualism, multilingualism, and what it really looks like to teach content through two languages in a way that supports every child. Join us on this episode as we break down what dual language programs are, including the difference between whole school models and strand models, and why the structure matters for equity and school culture. You'll also hear how dual language programs can reduce isolation for multilingual learners, why this work is not just a programme choice, but a deeper commitment to belonging and opportunity, and practical ideas for leaders who do not currently have a dual language programme but want to better serve multilingual students right now. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/427 Keep up with me on Facebook…

People in this episode

Host: Angela Kelly

Guests: Eric Bethel, Dr. Maggie Marcus

Topics covered

• dual language education
• bilingualism
• multilingualism
• equity in education
• school culture
• supporting multilingual learners

Keywords

• dual language programs
• bilingual education
• multilingual education
• equity
• school models
• academic outcomes
• belonging
• opportunity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: District of Columbia Public Schools, The Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation

More episodes of The Empowered Principal® Podcast

• Ep #436: The Science of Handwriting: Why It Still Matters for Student Success with Holly Britton · May 5, 2026 · 44 min
• Ep #435: The Energy Mindset Behind Your Leadership · April 28, 2026 · 36 min
• Ep #434: How to Recognize and Prevent Burnout in Schools with Jasmin Dennis · April 21, 2026 · 48 min
• Ep #433: Overcome Childlike Energy and Step into Mature Empowerment · April 14, 2026 · 23 min
• Ep #432: The Neuroscience of Behavior: How to Create the Conditions for Real Transformation with Dr. Lisa Riegel · April 7, 2026 · 53 min
• Ep #431: A Guide to College Admissions for School Leaders and Families with Warren Buck · March 31, 2026 · 42 min