2026 NYSAFLT Annual Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 109th NYSAFLT Annual Conference!

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1:00pm EDT

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

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

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

Exhibitor Session

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

4:00pm EDT

Elementary International Exchange: Penpals between the US and Cuba

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

Fort Orange 7

Feedback Survey

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

Exhibitor Session

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

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

Feedback Survey

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

Session C

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

2026 NYSAFLT Annual Conference

1:00pm EDT

Justin Seifts

4:00pm EDT

Tom Millington

Kaci Sciarabba M.A.

4:00pm EDT

Andrea Hernandez Gallegos

Doreen Rose

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