2026 NYSAFLT Annual Conference

TICKETED PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION: Finding and using authentic resources for novice level students can be a challenge, as finding resources that are comprehensive to beginning learners can be a challenge. In this workshop, participants will learn several different methods for finding culturally diverse level-appropriate resources, including videos, songs, and written documents, and try out a variety of follow-up activities that can be used to exploit them in the classroom. Participants will also learn how to incorporate authentic resources into an independent exploration library for students to view and interact with outside of class. Material presented will be applicable to upper grades in a FLES/ WLES program as well.

Presenters

Samantha Decker

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Shaker Room

Preconference Workshop

8:30am EDT

So, What’s Your Plan? (And Why Does It Take You All Weekend?)

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT

Town Hall Amphitheater

TICKETED PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION: Are you spending your weeknights and Sundays 'reinventing the wheel'? Do you dread sitting down to plan the next Unit or upcoming assessment? Join this workshop to see one example of a sustainable system that prioritizes student success through predictable routines. (Examples will be for Spanish I and II in the context of large public-school classes, but easily apply to other languages/levels/settings.)

This session is designed to help world language teachers—especially those in their first few years—transition from "survival mode" to a more streamlined, predictable workflow. Materials and demonstrations include: quizzes, tests, reusable games/activities, reusable Unit templates, tech tips, and more! (Everything is editable and free.)

Presenters

Meredith White

Teacher and Instructional Technology Support, Gwinnett County Public Schools

Meredith White is a high school Spanish teacher, university instructor, and high school instructional technology coach in Gwinnett County, Metro Atlanta, Georgia. She was the 2019 Peachtree Ridge High School Teacher of the Year, the 2020 Georgia World Language Teacher of the Year... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater

Preconference Workshop

8:30am EDT

Teaching Gen Alpha: Fast, Fun, and Fully Engaged

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT

Fort Orange 7

TICKETED PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION: Leah Grady, NYSAFLT Teacher of the Year and a 22-year classroom veteran, invites you to a lively, hands-on workshop built around one key question: What if we worked with today’s learners instead of against them?
We’ll explore Gen Alpha—who they are, how they learn, and what actually motivates them (hint: it’s not more worksheets). Then we’ll turn the research into practical, realistic strategies for building connection, increasing engagement, strengthening real-world communication, and bringing more joy into the language classroom.
This session is especially valuable for teachers exploring Comprehensible Input (CI), proficiency-based instruction, or simply looking to modernize their approach without starting from scratch. You’ll get concrete ideas for tweaking what you already have—your curriculum, lessons, activities, and rubrics—to better meet today’s learners.
Expect a fast-paced, interactive session with movement, collaboration, discussion, and plenty of ideas you can use right away.
Best for upper middle and high school world language teachers of all languages.

Presenters

Leah Grady

Spanish Teacher, Queensbury High School

NYSAFLT Ruth Wasley Teacher of the Year 2025 |21 years at Queensbury High School teaching Level 2- UHS SPAN 202 & International Baccalaureate Ab inicio |constantly evolving my proficiency-based instruction for today's [email protected]

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Fort Orange 7

Preconference Workshop

8:30am EDT

Your Language Teaching Assistant? It’s Canva!

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT

Fort Orange 9

TICKETED PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION:This session explores how Canva connects language and culture by empowering language educators to design visually engaging, culturally authentic, and interactive teaching materials. Participants will learn to create activities and assessments using Canva’s tools, grounded in research-informed practices, to enhance language retention, student engagement, and classroom innovation. There will be time for participants to explore and create/ collaborate with peers. Please bring a device to access the website!

Presenters

Noemi Rodriguez

Teacher of Spanish & Multilingual Learners, Pascack Valley Regional HS District

Noemi Rodriguez-Grimshaw (@team_lologramos) is a Teacher of Spanish & Multilingual Learners at Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, N.J. She attended Rutgers University, where she earned her B.A. in Spanish and Ed.M. in Language Education & completed her Reading Specialist certification... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Fort Orange 9

Preconference Workshop

11:30am EDT

Lunch and Recognitions (scholarship, grant, and award winners)

Friday October 16, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

King Street Ballroom

Lunch is included as noted on your name badge. We will recognize scholarship, grant, and award winners during this time.

Friday October 16, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
King Street Ballroom

Lunch

12:30pm EDT

Exhibits Grand Opening Coffee

Friday October 16, 2026 12:30pm - 1:00pm EDT

Fort Orange Atrium

Friday October 16, 2026 12:30pm - 1:00pm EDT
Fort Orange Atrium

Open to All Attendees

1:00pm EDT

Building Confident Communicators through Proficiency-Oriented Teaching

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

High Street 26

A proficiency-oriented approach empowers students to confidently use the language to communicate, rather than just knowing about it. By emphasizing real-world communication, this method reduces learner anxiety and increases student engagement as they feel successful using the language. This approach aligns with the NYS world language standards and it allows students to see their progress, boosting motivation and confidence. They also feel more confident to use their growing skills outside of educational settings. Join this session to learn practical strategies for implementing a proficiency-oriented approach in your classroom and developing your students’ communicative competence.

Presenters

Ivan Ferrero

World Language Sales Consultant, Klett World Languages

Klett World Languages advances multilingual education in the U.S. with high-quality Spanish, French, German, and Italian materials. Grounded in proven standards and pedagogy, our resources build authentic communicative skills and inspire students to become global citizens. We’re... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
High Street 26

Language of presentation English
Examples in Several
Applicable to Any
Level All Levels Secondary

1:00pm EDT

Encouraging Belonging and Empowering Storytelling in the WL Classroom

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

High Street 28

Transform your WL classroom into a space where identity drives acquisition. Using Gholdy Muhammad’s 5 Pursuits (Identity, Skills, Intellect, Criticality, Joy), we’ll explore how ASL and French students share their stories to foster belonging. Learn to build a supportive environment that empowers students to connect their backgrounds, cultures, and joy through language.

Presenters

Alexis Nicholas, EdD

ASL Educator & World Language Curriculum Leader, Ossining UFSD

Oumar Sarr PhD

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
High Street 28

Language of presentation English
Examples in ASL and French
Applicable to Any
Level Higher Ed Secondary Secondary

1:00pm EDT

Scrolling to Speaking: Turning Today’s Media into Tomorrow’s Proficiency

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Shaker Room

Today’s Gen Alpha and Gen Z learners connect themselves through short videos, cultural updates and authentic media that reflect their daily lives. How can we harness these formats to maximize engagement and language growth in our classrooms? In this session, participants will explore strategies for transforming authentic clips, news segments and cultural spotlights into interpretive, interpersonal and presentational tasks. Join us as we take everyday media and adapt it for student-centered lessons that capture attention while deepening linguistic proficiency!

Presenters

Justin Seifts

Spanish Teacher, Vista

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Shaker Room

Language of presentation English
Examples in English and Spanish
Applicable to Spanish, French, German, Italian
Level All Levels

1:00pm EDT

Authentic Connection Through Authentic Communication

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Fort Orange 5

What if students participated not because they had to, but because they genuinely wanted to? This interactive session explores daily, weekly, and unit-based routines that build authentic communication and connection. Grounded in the ACTFL Core Practices, participants will engage in adaptable, low-prep strategies that promote curiosity, student voice, and meaningful interaction. Learn how to increase participation and create a classroom culture where students communicate with purpose and confidence.

Presenters

Christina Margiore

Teacher, North Shore Schools

HS Spanish teacher - I'm passionate about creating meaningful relationships with my students and supporting them to achieve (and have FUN) in Spanish class!

I'm an IB/AP teacher who is actively working to promote language output and give my students confidence to use their language skills... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 5

Language of presentation English
Examples in English and Spanish
Applicable to Any
Level All Levels

1:00pm EDT

From First-Year Scare to Veteran Flair: Managing a World Language Classroom

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Fort Orange 7

How do we maintain a 90%+ target language environment while ensuring students remain on task and engaged? Join a veteran educator and a NYSAFLT Novice Award winner for an intergenerational deep dive into classroom management tailored specifically for the World Language setting.

This session bridges the gap between tried and true routines and modern innovation. We will explore the foundational practices that keep a classroom running like clockwork, alongside high-engagement strategies fresh from recent training. Participants will leave with a practical toolkit designed to lower student anxiety, maximize immersion, and build a community where every student feels safe, supported, and heard.

Presenters

Françoise "Swaz" Piron

South Jefferson CSD, retired

NYSAFLT 2024 President FLNNYL Vice-President FOR LEADERS OF NORTHERN NEW YORK LANGUAGES is a regional organization representing the world language community of the North Country.

Zoey Baird

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 7

Language of presentation English
Examples in Several
Applicable to Any
Level All Levels

1:00pm EDT

From Points to Proficiency: Our Journey Transitioning to the AAPPL Exam

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

High Street 24

This session will walk participants through our district's multi-year transition to proficiency-based exams, focusing on the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL). We will share details on how we have managed the technical logistics of district-wide testing and prepared for implementation across several schools. Discussion will include successes and challenges, along with some considerations for schools and districts across the state.

Presenters

Shawnna Sweet

Rachel Hakes

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
High Street 24

Language of presentation English
Examples in English
Applicable to Any
Level All Levels Middle/Junior Secondary

1:00pm EDT

Reaching your Assessment Destination

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Town Hall Amphitheater

Do you feel like you are stuck at the crossroads of old and new standards and don’t know which road is the right one to take? Join colleagues as we fire up the GPS and help you find the right route to creating assessments that work for you and your students. Together, we will walk through examples of assessments and show you how to create assessment questions of your own that push students to demonstrate their understanding and give you the information you need to guide them on their proficiency journey. We will address assessment questions in all communication modes and give you the opportunity to practice some of your own.

Presenters

Joshua Wigle-Harris

Spanish teacher, East Irondequoit Middle School

Josh Wigle-Harris is a graduate of St. John Fisher University, where he earned a B.A. in Spanish and an M.S. in Special Education. He is a 7th and 8th grade Spanish teacher and serves as the World Languages Curriculum Leader at East Irondequoit Middle School. In recognition of his... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater

Language of presentation English
Examples in Spanish
Applicable to Any
Level Middle/Junior Secondary

1:00pm EDT

Streamlining Your Seal of Biliteracy Workflow

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Fort Orange 9

Managing the Seal of Biliteracy (SoB) often involves complex logistics that overshadow student achievement. This session offers a roadmap to transform the SoB process into an automated workflow using **Google Classroom, AI, and Google Apps Scripting**. Participants will identify key bottlenecks and learn to implement "no-code" solutions—such as automated notifications and AI-assisted data categorization—to ensure accuracy and scalability. By the end of this hour, coordinators and educators will leave with actionable strategies to reclaim their time, minimize errors, and focus on expanding equitable access to biliteracy recognition for all students.

Presenters

Kurt Hassenpflug

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 9

Language of presentation English
Examples in English
Applicable to Any
Level FLES/Early Language Middle/Junior

1:00pm EDT

Unlocking Publication Potential: How to Get Published in the NYSAFLT Journal

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

High Street 22

Have you ever wondered how to get your work published in the NYSAFLT Journal? Do you have colleagues with valuable insights and experiences to share but who might not yet see themselves as potential authors? This session, led by the current journal co-editors, will demystify the publication process and outline the supportive steps available to help you publish your first article in the NYSAFLT Journal. We'll provide a detailed overview of the submission guidelines, the review process, and the resources available to assist you from initial idea to published article. Whether you're an aspiring author or simply curious about the process, bring your questions and invite your colleagues to join us for this informative and encouraging session!

Presenters

Erin Kearney

University at Buffalo

UB's Institute on Teaching French is a 5-week program for those pursuing an EdM and professional certification via a three-summer track, or non-matriculated students attending for one summer. Our signature pedagogies—critical intercultural experience, place-based learning, and creative... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
High Street 22

Language of presentation English
Examples in Several
Applicable to Any
Level Middle/Junior Secondary

2:00pm EDT

Conference Exhibit Viewing

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

King Street Atrium

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
King Street Atrium

Open to All Attendees

2:15pm EDT

NYSAFLT Board of Directors Meeting

Friday October 16, 2026 2:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

High Street 22

This is a closed meeting for the NYSAFLT Board of Directors

Friday October 16, 2026 2:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
High Street 22

Closed Meeting

2:30pm EDT

Leveraging Assessments for College and Career Readiness

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Shaker Room

There’s a growing focus on College and Career Readiness (CCR) and career-connected learning, but where do world language programs fit in? This session explores how educators can leverage language credentialing with industry recognized assessments to align language programs with CCR initiatives. We’ll examine how language proficiency credentials support college and workforce readiness, offering students a competitive edge. Attendees will gain insights into employer recognition of language skills, real-world applications, and strategies to advocate for language programs within CCR frameworks, ensuring their long-term value and sustainability.

Presenters

Jennifer Carson

Proficiency & Learning Specialist, Language Testing International

Language Testing International (LTI) has provided language proficiency testing since 1992 in over 120 languages across 60+ countries. As the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, LTI delivers accredited assessments in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Using certified ACTFL testers... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Shaker Room

Language of presentation English
Examples in English
Applicable to Any
Level Secondary Higher Ed Middle/Junior

2:30pm EDT

Attention, Memory and Technology: How to get our students back?

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Fort Orange 5

In this era of multi-tasking, never-ending phone usage, internet sites, computers, tablets, and technology use at everybody’s fingertips, along with markets which are competing for people’s time and presence, it seems like educators are constantly fighting for students’ attention. Instead of trying to get their attention, we should be commanding and directing it to the content to be learned in and outside of the classroom. Recognizing that technology is here to stay, this workshop will be an exploration of how technology has encroached attention and memory, and a dialogue where we can explore how to regain the mental presence of our students in our classes; how technology can be helpful to student learning, but also what the dangers of overusing it could be.

Presenters

Patricia Martínez de la Vega Mansilla

SUNY Cortland

Abi Cleary

Adjunct Lecturer in Spanish, NYSAFLT DEI Committee

Come find out about the NYSAFLT DEI Committee.

THe Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee strives to be a critical lens for NYSAFLT to explore biases and obstacles to members participating completely in the NYSAFLT community and being represented in areas of leadership... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 5

Language of presentation English
Examples in English and Spanish
Applicable to Any
Level All Levels

2:30pm EDT

Curious Minds: Undergraduate Research and Projects

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Fort Orange Atrium

This showcase highlights the curiosity and creativity of undergraduate students from diverse fields such as education, psychology, biology, and health sciences, and more. Through their research and projects, students explore new ideas, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world. Just as cultural awareness grows one language at a time, these projects show how students build knowledge, insight, and connections one discovery at a time.

Presenters

Kate Kagan

Associate Professor of Spanish, Russell Sage College

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Fort Orange Atrium

Language of presentation English
Examples in English
Applicable to Any
Level All Levels

2:30pm EDT

From Silence to Confidence: Strategies for Speaking and Writing

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

High Street 28

This session will provide practical, classroom-ready strategies to increase student speaking and writing from novice low to intermediate high. Participants will explore engaging, proficiency-aligned activities that lower student anxiety, promote risk-taking, build confidence in interpersonal and presentational communication, and make your job easier!

Through modeling and interactive practice, attendees will experience techniques such as structured speaking routines, scaffolded writing tasks, and communicative activities that prioritize meaning over perfection. Special attention will be given to creating a classroom environment that supports sustained target language use while remaining accessible to all learners.

Presenters

Kimberly Giammichele

Elizabeth Boghosian

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
High Street 28

Language of presentation English
Examples in Spanish
Applicable to Any
Level All Levels

2:30pm EDT

Interpersonal Speaking: Cultivating Competencies That Spark Joy

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

High Street 26

This workshop and facilitated discussion invites World Language Educators to explore dynamic approaches and activities to spark joy with their students and strengthen their interpersonal speaking skills. Participants will engage with classroom ready activities (examples in Spanish and English) that bring language learning to life while providing students the ability to foster community and build on cultural learning both in and beyond the classroom. This session highlights practical examples such as incorporating culturally authentic recipes, exploring local New York City cultural field trips and curating personalized International travel experiences for students. Educators will leave with adaptable strategies that will motivate students to speak, broaden their cultural confidence and inspire authentic communication.

Presenters

Robin Birnbaum

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
High Street 26

Language of presentation English
Examples in Spanish
Applicable to Any
Level Secondary Middle/Junior

2:30pm EDT

It’s Checkpoint C, not Checkpoint ZZZ! Keeping Upper-Level Students Engaged

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Fort Orange 7

Upper-level language classes should be dynamic, culturally rich, and proficiency-driven. This session explores practical, classroom-tested strategies to keep Checkpoint C students engaged through the use of authentic resources such as films, articles, podcasts, and social media. Participants will examine adaptable lesson frameworks that promote spontaneous communication, higher-order thinking, and cultural inquiry, and will leave with ready-to-implement strategies to support advanced learners, including those pursuing college credit or the NYS Seal of Biliteracy.

Presenters

Evelyn Ledezma

HS Spanish teacher, Bethlehem Central School Distric

HS Spanish teacher with a passion for languages and culture. I love to travel, sing and dance badly, and just enjoy life. Webmaster of @Natashalagata1, the most beautiful feline Spanish teacher in New York. I also post as myself in @profeeled.

Marna Meltzer-McMorris

Teacher, East Greenbush Central School District

Old dog consistently learning new tricks!

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 7

Language of presentation English
Examples in Spanish
Applicable to Any
Level Secondary Middle/Junior Higher Ed

2:30pm EDT

Low Stakes, High Impact: Activities That Build Communication and Community

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Town Hall Amphitheater

This interactive session will explore activities that increase student communication while intentionally building a strong classroom community. Participants will participate in ready-to-use strategies that engage students in all modes of communication—Interpretive, Interpersonal and Presentational—while encouraging collaboration, friendly competition and shared responsibility for learning. Attendees will leave with adaptable, low-prep activities and practical strategies they can implement right away to foster engagement, confidence, and connection while promoting proficiency-driven instruction.

Presenters

Alexandra Cabrera

Bay Shore Union Free School District

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Adolescent Spanish Education, and an Master's Degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany. I have been teaching Spanish at Bay Shore Middle School for 9 years, and have taught all levels of Dual Language (6, 7, 8), Spanish... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater

Language of presentation English
Examples in Spanish
Applicable to Any
Level Middle/Junior Secondary

2:30pm EDT

The Care and Feeding of a Student Teacher

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

High Street 24

Have you ever thought about hosting a student teacher but were afraid of the time commitment? Join us as we chat about the value of supporting future language educators and to explore the opportunities available at local universities to work with student teachers. Participants will walk away with a newfound understanding of how collaborating with a student teacher can be both empowering and possibly the best world language PD ever.

Presenters

Will Anderson

Associate Dean for External Relations and Field Placement, Hofstra University

Talk to me about mentoring future language educators, about Starbucks, or about the Big Bang Theory!

Jennifer Nesfield

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
High Street 24

Language of presentation English
Examples in English
Applicable to Any
Level All Levels Secondary Higher Ed

2:30pm EDT

Toolbox for Level 1 Success: Strategies That Stick

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Fort Orange 9

Teaching Level 1 Spanish is often associated with novice middle school learners who are being introduced to a
new language for the first time. At the high school level, however, many students enrolled in a Level 1 course
tend to be learners who have previously struggled in a traditional world language setting and may not have
achieved baseline proficiency. These students often enter the classroom with significant learning gaps, low
confidence, and a belief that success in a second language is out of reach.
This engaging and practical workshop will explore the unique instructional, emotional, and motivational needs
of struggling and non-traditional language learners. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources,
differentiated instructional strategies, and interactive classroom activities designed to increase engagement,
build student confidence, and promote meaningful language acquisition. Presenters will share successful
approaches for creating a supportive classroom environment where all students can experience growth and
success in the world language classroom.

Presenters

Kyle Davis

Spanish Teacher, Northport School District

Hello all, my name is Kyle Davis. I am a dedicated high school Spanish teacher in my fifth year of teaching 9th and 10th grade. As a heritage speaker and former student in a bilingual education program, I bring a deep personal connection to language learning. I hold a bachelor’s... Read More →

Jimmy Peralta-Gamez

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 9

Language of presentation English
Examples in Spanish
Applicable to Any
Level Secondary Middle/Junior FLES/Early Language

3:30pm EDT

Conference Exhibit Viewing - Coffee Break

Friday October 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

King Street Atrium

Friday October 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
King Street Atrium

Open to All Attendees

4:00pm EDT

Elementary International Exchange: Penpals between the US and Cuba

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Fort Orange 7

During the 2024-2025 academic year, Abroadia and West Street Elementary School (Geneva, NY) facilitated an exchange between students in Geneva and their counterparts in Havana, Cuba. Throughout the course of several months, Kaci Sciarabba guided her students in activities that helped them extend their friendship to Cuban students, while a teacher in Havana did the same. The lesson we hope everyone will take from this presentation is that it is never too early to introduce international pen pal programs to students.

Presenters

Tom Millington

Abroadia

Abroadia is a study abroad provider based in Geneva, NY. In addition to semester programs abroad, we design short-term programs overseas for college students and high school teachers. We work with high school teachers to create programs for students and we offer training opportunities... Read More →

Kaci Sciarabba M.A.

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 7

Language of presentation English
Examples in English
Applicable to Spanish
Level FLES/Early Language

4:00pm EDT

When Families Don’t Speak the Language Supporting Language Learning at Home

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

High Street 24

How can students succeed in learning a new language when no one at home speaks it? This session addresses a common challenge for world language teachers: limited language exposure outside the classroom and families who want to help but do not know the target language. Participants will explore practical strategies for extending learning beyond the classroom without requiring parents to speak the language. Strategies include simple home-learning routines, accessible family communication, independent practice, technology-supported activities, and ways to engage parents as learning partners rather than language instructors. Arabic examples will be shared, with strategies applicable to all world languages.

Presenters

Doaa Alasadi

Bis inc

BIS School Inc. is a U.S.-based educational organization specializing in Arabic language education, curriculum development, educational books, online learning, teacher training, and customized programs for schools and institutions. Since 2017, BIS has supported learners and educators... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
High Street 24

Language of presentation English
Examples in Arabic
Applicable to Any
Level All Levels FLES/Early Language, All Levels Middle/Junior Secondary, Secondary

4:00pm EDT

A Smarter approach: Native & Heritage speakers in the World Language class

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

High Street 26

This presentation will address the needs of teachers currently teaching native and heritage Spanish speakers who are looking for ways to keep students engaged, improve literacy skills, and foster a culture of growth and love for their home language. The main focus will be on how to upscale the three modes of communication to match the students’ proficiency levels aligned with the World Readiness standards for Learning Languages and the Next Generation Learning Standards for ELA to create meaningful learning experiences to improve their Spanish literacy skills. As a result, clear initial instruction in their home language can encourage the successful completion of the Seal of Biliteracy.

Presenters

Andrea Hernandez Gallegos

Doreen Rose

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
High Street 26

Language of presentation English
Examples in Spanish
Applicable to Spanish
Level All Levels FLES/Early Language

4:00pm EDT

Bringing Art to Life: Engaging Checkpoint B Learners Through Communication

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Shaker Room

This interactive workshop is designed for world language teachers seeking to deepen student engagement and proficiency through an art unit at the Checkpoint B level. Grounded in the three modes of communication—interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational—participants will explore practical, classroom-ready strategies that bring art, culture, and language together in meaningful ways.

Presenters

Tatyana Qadiri

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Shaker Room

Language of presentation English
Examples in French
Applicable to Any
Level Secondary Higher Ed Middle/Junior

4:00pm EDT

Engaged & Empowered: Practical Strategies for Novice Instruction

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Fort Orange 5

This interactive session invites world language educators to explore practical strategies that spark curiosity and build confidence among novice learners. By the end of the workshop, participants will take away a toolkit of adaptable strategies that prioritize engagement, reflection, technology integration, and cultural inclusivity—essential components for nurturing confident, communicative novice learners in any world language classroom.

Presenters

Marissa Coulehan

Elementary Spanish Teacher, Harrison Central School District

#Earlylang Spanish teacher in suburban NY, grades 4 - 5. NYSAFLT past president. I love teaching with singing, games, puppets, and humor. Let's connect!

Wendy Torres

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 5

Language of presentation English
Examples in English and Spanish
Applicable to Any
Level Secondary Middle/Junior

4:00pm EDT

Gotitas del Saber: Language and Culture Learning Through Podcasting

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Fort Orange 9

Podcasts are transforming how we engage with language learning and cultural appreciation, creating meaningful bridges between classrooms and communities. In alignment with this year’s theme, this presentation explores how the Gotitas del Saber Podcast strengthens Spanish acquisition while celebrating Hispanic culture. With over 100 episodes, this weekly podcast immerses students and the school community in Latinx traditions, highlighting influential figures and cultural origins of foods like corn and potatoes. Though created in Spanish, it can be adapted to any language and across all grade levels. Attendees will explore content creation, classroom integration, and its impact on engagement, community, and cultural connection.

Presenters

Nivia Marrero

César Lozada

The Dalton School

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 9

Language of presentation English and Spanish
Examples in English and Spanish
Applicable to Any
Level Secondary Higher Ed Middle/Junior

4:00pm EDT

Leveling Up Your Practice: Engaging with Professional WL Organizations

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

High Street 28

Discover how engaging with professional organizations such as LILT Inc., NYSAFLT, ACTFL, AATs and NECTFL can elevate both your teaching practice and your students’ experiences. This session will highlight the wide range of benefits available through membership, including high-quality instructional resources, professional learning, leadership opportunities, and advocacy.

Participants will also explore the powerful opportunities these organizations provide for students, such as national exams, scholarships, honor societies, and cultural competitions. Walk away with practical strategies to get involved, increase student engagement, and bring meaningful recognition and enrichment opportunities into your world language program.

Presenters

Michele Ortiz Ana

Aguiar-Mady

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
High Street 28

Language of presentation English
Examples in English
Applicable to Any
Level FLES/Early Language Middle/Junior Secondary

4:00pm EDT

Museum Mania, Great Galleries and Excellent Exhibits: Fantasy Trips for All

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Town Hall Amphitheater

No time, funding, or chaperones for an in-person, real-world trip to a museum with your students? Don’t fret! A museum fantasy trip can be just the ticket! In this session, we will explore ways to design a thematic unit around a virtual visit to any exhibit – real or imaged. Participants will consider ways to incorporate cultural products, practices, and perspectives into a standards-based unit that incorporates the three modes of communication for students at any proficiency level. A model virtual visit to the Museo del Oro in Bogotá, Colombia, will be shared and there will be time for participants to brainstorm a fantasy trip for use in their own classrooms. Come join the tour!

Presenters

Lori Langer de Ramirez

K-12 ChairWorld and Classical Language Department, The Dalton School

I always knew I would be a teacher. My mom is a teacher and I grew up around red marking pens, gradebooks, and worksheets. But it wasn’t until 7th grade that I knew what I wanted to teach. That first day of Spanish class when Señor jumped up on a desk and started singing in Spanish... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater