Evan explores how Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is bringing STEAM, technology, and artificial intelligence into multilingual learner education. From 3D printing and virtual reality to robotics and AI prompting, he explains why language proficiency should never determine the level of challenge or opportunity available to students. Evan highlights the idea of 'amplify, not simplify,' emphasizing that educators can provide language scaffolds while still asking multilingual learners to think critically, solve complex problems, and engage with rigorous content.

The conversation also examines how AI can strengthen instructional coaching and professional learning. Evan shares examples of using AI and data to identify specific opportunities for improvement, generate targeted PLC conversations, and build his own capacity as a coach. He also discusses the importance of relationships between district leaders and classroom educators, ensuring resources reflect the diverse languages and backgrounds students bring to school, and creating a shared sense of purpose across multilingual learner teams.

Key Moments

01:42 Evan's Journey into Education

03:31 Making Multilingual Learners Visible

05:39 Bringing AI into Language Learning

06:38 Expanding STEAM Opportunities

07:46 Measuring Engagement and Achievement

10:24 Supporting Multilingual Learners Across Charlotte

13:16 Understanding Charlotte's Language Diversity

15:39 Supporting Non-Spanish-Speaking Learners

18:39 Language Does Not Limit Ability

20:18 Amplify, Don't Simplify

24:56 Bringing AI into Education

26:01 Developing AI Champions

27:50 Using AI to Strengthen Coaching

28:51 Improving PLCs Through AI and Data

32:57 Building Trust with Teachers

36:22 Connecting Multilingual Learner Communities

Why You'll Love This Episode

Evan offers a fresh perspective on multilingual learner education by challenging the idea that language development should mean lowering academic expectations. His examples show how technology, STEAM, AI, thoughtful scaffolding, and strong teacher relationships can expand opportunities while helping students develop both language and future-ready skills.

Connect with Evan Stevens
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Website: https://www.cmsk12.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanbstevens
Email: evanb.stevens@cms.k12.nc.us

Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.