The Culturally Responsive Immersion Fellowship
A comprehensive evidence-based 9-month fellowship for leading
systemic change for multilingual students and families.
systemic change for multilingual students and families.
What if there were a better way to transform the way you teach, lead and connect with multilingual learners and their families than traditional professional development?
The Evidence-Based Fellowship for Leading Multilingual Organizational Change from Your Unique Role and Perspective.
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Only 2 seats remain.
Application Window Closing Soon.
Open only to a small group of educators across the U.S.
Don't let this opportunity pass.
To become a 2026 Culturally Responsive Immersion Fellow:
1. Apply to the fellowship.
2. If selected, attend a one-on-one call.
3. Enroll.
Don't let this opportunity pass.
To become a 2026 Culturally Responsive Immersion Fellow:
1. Apply to the fellowship.
2. If selected, attend a one-on-one call.
3. Enroll.
Apply now to activate our offer to help you fund 100% of your participation.
Why Traditional PD Falls Short for Educators Working with Multilingual Students and Families
Your educators need more than sit-and-get sessions to truly transform their practice with and leadership for multilingual students and families.
The 2026 CRI Fellowship is an empathy-first approach to transform educator perspective, followed by skills-building and coaching in the implementation phase of fellows' work.
The 2026 CRI Fellowship is an empathy-first approach to transform educator perspective, followed by skills-building and coaching in the implementation phase of fellows' work.
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What if your educators had the chance to step into a new culture, enhance their learning with small group PD, expand their perspective, and come back to school with increased confidence and practiced tools that directly impact your students and their families?
That’s what the 2026 Culturally Responsive Immersion Fellowship is designed to do. Research shows that cultural immersion experiences, when paired with guided reflection and professional development, are significantly more effective than traditional training-based development experiences alone, in developing educators' cultural competence*, culturally responsive teaching practices**, and personal transformation***.
*Cultural Competence: Heppner and Wang, 2014, Lumkes et al., 2012, Smolcic and Katunich 2017, Onosu 2021
**Culturally Responsive Teaching: tesolonline.com
***Personal Transformation: Slimbach 2017, Onosu 2020, Onosu 2021
That’s what the 2026 Culturally Responsive Immersion Fellowship is designed to do. Research shows that cultural immersion experiences, when paired with guided reflection and professional development, are significantly more effective than traditional training-based development experiences alone, in developing educators' cultural competence*, culturally responsive teaching practices**, and personal transformation***.
*Cultural Competence: Heppner and Wang, 2014, Lumkes et al., 2012, Smolcic and Katunich 2017, Onosu 2021
**Culturally Responsive Teaching: tesolonline.com
***Personal Transformation: Slimbach 2017, Onosu 2020, Onosu 2021
What Makes This Fellowship Different
Three integrated components that create lasting transformation — not just temporary inspiration.
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This fellowship is the first of its kind. It adopts a research-backed approach for transformational learning, encompasses a wholistic impact on students and families, and is available to any in-service educator in any role, from classroom teacher to instructional coach to building leader to registrar, nurse, counselor, and others.
Together Language believes that school-based professionals in all roles are capable of leading systemic change for multilingual students and families. In fact, systemic change-makers across a variety of roles is exactly what every district needs to become its best self for its multilingual community.
When you or your educators enroll in this fellowship, they are stepping into a small community of change-makers committed to leading with empathy and cultural responsiveness for multicultural students and families.
While traditional PD is knowledge- and skill-centered, the Culturally Responsive Immersion Fellowship not only provides new knowledge and skills, but its framework is centered on relationships and lived experience. This unique approach to professional learning has been shown by research to be far more effective than traditional PD, because it changes the very fabric of how educators see their school communities and serve in our multicultural world.
Engagement will benefit the educator, multilingual students and their families — not just today, but for an entire careers.
Together Language believes that school-based professionals in all roles are capable of leading systemic change for multilingual students and families. In fact, systemic change-makers across a variety of roles is exactly what every district needs to become its best self for its multilingual community.
When you or your educators enroll in this fellowship, they are stepping into a small community of change-makers committed to leading with empathy and cultural responsiveness for multicultural students and families.
While traditional PD is knowledge- and skill-centered, the Culturally Responsive Immersion Fellowship not only provides new knowledge and skills, but its framework is centered on relationships and lived experience. This unique approach to professional learning has been shown by research to be far more effective than traditional PD, because it changes the very fabric of how educators see their school communities and serve in our multicultural world.
Engagement will benefit the educator, multilingual students and their families — not just today, but for an entire careers.
What do educators do in Mexico?
Your 4-day cultural immersion in La Paz, Baja California Sur goes far beyond traditional tourism. Educators will engage directly with local change-makers who are shaping their community's future from their own cultural lens.
Hands-On Environmental Stewardship
Work alongside marine biologists and local volunteers to reforest the local coral reef. Experience firsthand the delicate balance between human activity and environmental preservation while contributing to the health of one of Mexico's most vital ecosystems. Learn how coral impacts your own local community, even if you live far from the ocean.
Bonus: Bring back these science and social movement connections to your students!
Community Organizing
Learn from grassroots community organizers who successfully mobilized to protect precious mangrove ecosystems from illegal poaching and exploitation. Discover how local communities, no matter their level of formal education, can create lasting change when they unite around shared values and environmental protection.
Bonus: Bring these new perspectives to your family engagement and partnership efforts!
The Intersection of Art, Cultural Storytelling, & Historical Preservation
Engage directly with a local muralist and cultural artist whose work captures the rich history, traditions, and contemporary struggles of the Baja California Sur community. Explore how art becomes a vehicle for preserving culture, telling untold stories, and building community identity.
Bonus: Bring back ideas to empower students and families to tell their own stories!
Why These Experiences Matter for Educators
These aren't just activities—they're windows into the resilience, creativity, and community-centered values that many of your multilingual students and families carry with them. When you return to your classroom, you'll have:
This isn't a vacation—it's professional development that transforms how you see, understand, and serve the multilingual students and families in your care.
Hands-On Environmental Stewardship
Work alongside marine biologists and local volunteers to reforest the local coral reef. Experience firsthand the delicate balance between human activity and environmental preservation while contributing to the health of one of Mexico's most vital ecosystems. Learn how coral impacts your own local community, even if you live far from the ocean.
Bonus: Bring back these science and social movement connections to your students!
Community Organizing
Learn from grassroots community organizers who successfully mobilized to protect precious mangrove ecosystems from illegal poaching and exploitation. Discover how local communities, no matter their level of formal education, can create lasting change when they unite around shared values and environmental protection.
Bonus: Bring these new perspectives to your family engagement and partnership efforts!
The Intersection of Art, Cultural Storytelling, & Historical Preservation
Engage directly with a local muralist and cultural artist whose work captures the rich history, traditions, and contemporary struggles of the Baja California Sur community. Explore how art becomes a vehicle for preserving culture, telling untold stories, and building community identity.
Bonus: Bring back ideas to empower students and families to tell their own stories!
Why These Experiences Matter for Educators
These aren't just activities—they're windows into the resilience, creativity, and community-centered values that many of your multilingual students and families carry with them. When you return to your classroom, you'll have:
- Lived experience of what it means to be an outsider navigating a new culture and language
- Deep appreciation for the strength and resourcefulness of communities working to preserve their heritage
- Personal stories and connections that help you relate authentically to students whose families have similar experiences of advocacy, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation
- Renewed perspective on the assets and wisdom that multilingual families bring to your school community
This isn't a vacation—it's professional development that transforms how you see, understand, and serve the multilingual students and families in your care.
Why Educators Join
Educators join the fellowship:
- To grow personally and step out of comfort zones
- To relate more meaningfully with students and families
- To explore and learn about another culture in a personal and tangible way
- To gain empathy and perspective for multilingual learners and their caregivers
Only 2 seats remain available for his small-group transformative fellowship.
This is a rare chance to immerse yourself in another culture with focused intention and facilitated learning and reflection in a small close community of mission-driven educators.
Seats are intentionally limited so every participant gets a deeply personal, supportive experience.
Seats are intentionally limited so every participant gets a deeply personal, supportive experience.
Fellowship Dates
January-May 2026: Pre-Immersion Professional Development
June 4-8 2026: Cultural Immersion in Mexico
For participants with significant life or professional responsibilities: We ask fellowship participants to make as many of the PD dates as possible, but we are also prepared to work with participants who may have a conflict due to life or professional responsibilities. We ask that any participant who anticipates any conflicts communicate with the fellowship team as early as possible so we can make a plan that works for you while preserving our fellowship community and preparing you for your immersion experience.
- January 14, 4:30-5:30 CST, virtual
- February 11, 4:30-5:30 CST, virtual
- March 11, 4:30-5:30 CST, virtual
- April 8, 4:30-5:30 CST, virtual
- April 29, 4:30-5:30 CST, virtual
June 4-8 2026: Cultural Immersion in Mexico
- Travel details, guidance and support are offered immediately upon enrollment.
- 2 implementation group sessions, dates TBD
- 2 one-on-one coaching session with Together Language founder, Anne Truran, at any time in 2026-27 school year
For participants with significant life or professional responsibilities: We ask fellowship participants to make as many of the PD dates as possible, but we are also prepared to work with participants who may have a conflict due to life or professional responsibilities. We ask that any participant who anticipates any conflicts communicate with the fellowship team as early as possible so we can make a plan that works for you while preserving our fellowship community and preparing you for your immersion experience.
Investment
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Invest in your most committed educators.
Strengthen their leadership and systems-level advocacy.
Deepen your team's relationships with multilingual students and families.
When educators join the 2026 cohort of the Culturally Responsive Immersion Fellowship, they embark on an unparalleled professional development journey, cultural immersion experience, and long-lasting personal growth.
FAQ:
Is this just an expensive trip for my staff?
No. This is a comprehensive 9-month professional development fellowship. The 4-day cultural immersion experience is one component of a research-backed program that includes months of PD, coaching, and implementation support. Research shows this combination is more effective than traditional PD alone. This fellowship is for candidates serious about stepping actively engaging in learning and discussion, outside their comfort zone, and openly reflecting on their practice with multilingual students and families.
No. This is a comprehensive 9-month professional development fellowship. The 4-day cultural immersion experience is one component of a research-backed program that includes months of PD, coaching, and implementation support. Research shows this combination is more effective than traditional PD alone. This fellowship is for candidates serious about stepping actively engaging in learning and discussion, outside their comfort zone, and openly reflecting on their practice with multilingual students and families.
Do participants need to speak Spanish?
Not at all. Our bilingual guides ensure meaningful participation regardless of Spanish proficiency. In fact, experiencing language barriers firsthand often increases empathy for multilingual students and families and increases skills in communicating and collaborating with speakers of other languages. All participants also receive access to Spanish for Relationship-Building Level 1, a 6-week beginning Spanish course for educators and school-based professionals.
Not at all. Our bilingual guides ensure meaningful participation regardless of Spanish proficiency. In fact, experiencing language barriers firsthand often increases empathy for multilingual students and families and increases skills in communicating and collaborating with speakers of other languages. All participants also receive access to Spanish for Relationship-Building Level 1, a 6-week beginning Spanish course for educators and school-based professionals.
What funding sources can we use?
This fellowship qualifies for Title I funds (school improvement, family engagement), Title III funds (English Learner support), and general professional development funds. We provide all necessary documentation and can also provide a one-on-one call to assist with funding justification.
This fellowship qualifies for Title I funds (school improvement, family engagement), Title III funds (English Learner support), and general professional development funds. We provide all necessary documentation and can also provide a one-on-one call to assist with funding justification.
What measurable outcomes can we expect?
Research shows participants develop increased cultural responsiveness, improved relationships with multilingual students and families, enhanced instructional practices, and greater confidence in serving multilingual and multicultural populations. We provide pre/post assessment tools to measure impact.
Research shows participants develop increased cultural responsiveness, improved relationships with multilingual students and families, enhanced instructional practices, and greater confidence in serving multilingual and multicultural populations. We provide pre/post assessment tools to measure impact.
Is it safe for employees to travel to La Paz?
Yes. The U.S. Department of State lists Baja California Sur as the same level as the UK, Spain, and France. La Paz has a lower crime rate than nearby Cabo San Lucas, a widely trusted travel destination.
Yes. The U.S. Department of State lists Baja California Sur as the same level as the UK, Spain, and France. La Paz has a lower crime rate than nearby Cabo San Lucas, a widely trusted travel destination.
How do you protect participant health and safety during the immersion experience?
The bilingual guides accompanying fellowship participants are certified naturalists and first responders. Our in-country partner, TOSEA, has a medical emergency plan in place for each location participants will find themselves in.
The bilingual guides accompanying fellowship participants are certified naturalists and first responders. Our in-country partner, TOSEA, has a medical emergency plan in place for each location participants will find themselves in.
Is 4 days long enough to be effective cultural immersion?
Research shows that short-term cultural immersion experiences can be just as transformative as long-term ones — especially when paired with guided reflection. Research findings suggest that "transformative learning during cultural immersion does not depend on the length of the stay but on the willingness and extent to which participants engage with the host community" (Onosu 2020).
Research shows that short-term cultural immersion experiences can be just as transformative as long-term ones — especially when paired with guided reflection. Research findings suggest that "transformative learning during cultural immersion does not depend on the length of the stay but on the willingness and extent to which participants engage with the host community" (Onosu 2020).
What is included in the fellowship?
The full fellowship for all participants and tiers includes:
The full fellowship for all participants and tiers includes:
- 9 virtual professional development sessions, including pre-work
- 4-day immersion experience, including lodging, airport transfers, transportation, meals (except one dinner), and personnel
- 2 one-on-one coaching session
- Recordings of Spanish for Relationship-Building Level 1 ($495 value)
- Supplementary Spanish micro-lessons specific to the immersion experience (exclusive to fellowship)
- Travel guide: packing list, passport application and renewal instructions, travel and currency exchange tips
- Access to the Together Language team for ongoing support
What’s not included in the price?
- Participant airfare
- Optional travel insurance (recommended)
- One dinner during which participants are free to explore La Paz independently
- Hotel housekeeping gratuity (estimated $2 USD per day, $6 USD total)
What if I change my mind?
Individual participants enrolling directly, without district sponsorship, may receive a 100% refund for 7 days after enrolling. Travel insurance is recommended for emergencies beyond that window.
Individual participants enrolling directly, without district sponsorship, may receive a 100% refund for 7 days after enrolling. Travel insurance is recommended for emergencies beyond that window.
Lead Systemic Change for Multilingual Students & Families from Your Unique District Vantage Point
Join the 2026 cohort and give your educators the transformative professional development they want — and that your multilingual students and families need.
Have questions?
Schedule your sponsorship call or contact [email protected].