Bethel Advance: Education Networking Event

The Bethel University Education Unit (Undergraduate and Graduate Programs) is hosting a unique opportunity for all current students, alumni, colleagues of alumni, school partner educators, and partner school leaders.

Included in the event will be opportunities for professional development (CEUs), networking, job/career opportunities or interviews, mingling with Bethel faculty and other alumni, graduate school representatives, and career counseling resources. Whether you are job seeking or not, this is an engaging opportunity to learn and share among other colleagues in the field of education.

Event Schedule - Attendees

• 4:15 p.m. Professional Development Check-in | Brushaber Commons - 4th floor
• 4:30-5:30 p.m. Professional Development Options (CEUs) | Brushaber Commons - 4th floor
• 5:30-7:30 p.m. Networking, Career Coaching, and Interviews | Brushaber Commons - 2nd Floor

Professional Development Seminar: Supporting New-to-Country Multilingual Learners
Presenter: Krista Aadland, Ed.D.

This one-hour professional development session addresses the unique needs of the expanding Multilingual Learner (ML) population in Minnesota, with a specific focus on students who are new to the country. Participants will explore the intersection of academic, linguistic, and social-emotional factors that impact these students as they navigate new educational environments.

Moving beyond theory, this workshop emphasizes practical, classroom-ready strategies. Educators will learn how to foster engagement and social belonging, scaffold grade-level content for immediate accessibility, and implement a strengths-based perspective that honors cultural and linguistic assets. Participants will leave with concrete tools and the confidence to build inclusive, high-quality learning experiences for every learner. 

1.0 CEU may meet the PELSB English Language Learner requirement. 

Presenter Biography: Dr. Krista Aadland, Multilingual Learner (ML) Program Coordinator, St. Paul City School

Dr. Krista Aadland earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Bethel University in 2025, and also holds her Bachelor’s Degree in ESL / EFL Education from Bethel and a Master’s Degree in Global and Contextual Studies from the Bethel Seminary. Aadland is a dedicated educational leader with over 18 years of classroom experience in grades 6–12, both domestically and internationally. Aadland currently serves as the Multilingual Learner (ML) Program Coordinator at St. Paul City School.

Aadland currently specializes in supporting equitable access and high-quality learning experiences for multilingual learners and other students who face access barriers. Her expertise is in designing and facilitating professional development that helps educators apply inclusive, data-informed, inspirational practices while concurrently meeting state and federal requirements. She strives to provide clear guidance, actionable tools, and opportunities for reflection that support educators’ growth and improve outcomes for students. While outside of work, Aadland enjoys soaking up the sun and reading psychological thrillers.