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Welcome to the 109th NYSAFLT Annual Conference!
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Saturday, October 17
 

8:30am EDT

Connecting Language Acquisition and the Science of Reading
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
Feedback Survey
How do students acquire language, and how do they learn to read? Language acquisition and Literacy development are distinct but complementary processes. This session explores what research reveals about natural language acquisition and learning to read. Teachers will gain a clearer picture of how literacy development and language acquisition connect, along with strategies to support learners’ oral language, reading skills, and overall proficiency in world language, dual language, heritage, or English development classrooms.
Presenters
avatar for Martina Bex

Martina Bex

The Comprehensible Classroom
Driven by the core belief that all students are capable of acquiring language, The Comprehensible Classroom has been at the forefront of the movement toward teaching for acquisition since 2010. The company publishes instructional tools grounded in an understanding of language acquisition... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
  Exhibitor Session

8:30am EDT

All Things IPAs (6-12)
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Fort Orange 9
Feedback Survey
All Things IPAs (6-12): In this interactive workshop, we will dive into the process of creating and executing Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs) for world language classrooms. In this session, attendees will learn how to effectively design tasks that assess all three modes of communication—Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational—using authentic materials. We’ll explore how to align these tasks with ACTFL standards to ensure they reflect real-world language use and proficiency levels. Through examples and open discussions, the audience will gain insights into crafting tasks that are engaging and also provide meaningful assessments of your students' language abilities.
Presenters
JM
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Fort Orange 9
  Session D

8:30am EDT

Beyond Points: Constructing Proficiency-Aligned Grading Systems
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Fort Orange 7
Feedback Survey
This panel discussion will bring together four World Language teachers who have implemented standards-based or equitable grading approaches in their classrooms. Panelists will share their journeys, experiences, and some practical strategies. Whether you are just curious about grading systems or looking to refine your established equitable approach, this session will inspire ways to develop students’ growth mindset in your classroom. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable ideas to promote student confidence, motivation, and their language proficiency.
Presenters
avatar for Sarah Woodward-Jones

Sarah Woodward-Jones

World Language Coordinator, French teacher
avatar for Amie Dubos
SE
avatar for Pamela Stano

Pamela Stano

Spanish Teacher, Tully JSHS
Pamela Stano is an engaging Spanish educator. She holds a B.S. in Spanish & Secondary Education from SUNY Oswego and a Masters of Spanish Education from Binghamton University. Currently teaching Spanish 1 &3 at Tully Junior-Senior High School, she brings over a decade of experience... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Fort Orange 7
  Session D

8:30am EDT

Higher Education Committee - Methodologists' Roundtable
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
High Street 22
Feedback Survey
This session will address issues relevant to teacher preparation programs such as the culminating performance assessments, NYSED updates, recruitment, retention of new teachers, curriculum, assessment, standards, K-16 articulation, world language methodology, and more. Open to all who are interested, especially full-time and adjunct faculty in higher education, this roundtable provides an opportunity to brainstorm ideas, share solutions and to continue important dialogue in the profession.
Presenters
EK

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 →
MM

Marisol Marcin

Binghamton University
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
High Street 22
  Session D

8:30am EDT

Maximizing All Modes of Communication Through Podcasts
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
High Street 24
Feedback Survey
In this workshop, I will demonstrate how podcasts in the target language can be used not only for interpretive communication and cultural exploration, but also to engage students in the interpersonal and presentational modes. Participants will explore how to select appropriate podcasts for learners at all proficiency levels and will receive a step-by-step guide to implementing a tertulia-style activity. This includes creating key vocabulary lists, summary slides, and scaffolded discussion questions aligned to different Depths of Knowledge (DOK) levels.
Presenters
avatar for Steven Lopez

Steven Lopez

Teacher, [email protected]
Steven Lopez received his bachelor’s degree in Spanish and his master’s degree in Secondary Education from SUNY Albany. He also holds a master’s degree in Spanish Linguistics from Middlebury College and is a National Board-Certified Teacher as of December 2021. He has been a... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
High Street 24
  Session D

8:30am EDT

Screen-Free, Student-Focused: Energizing Your Classroom
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Fort Orange 5
Feedback Survey
Let’s get back to the basics—screen-free and student-centered. This interactive session shares low-prep, high-movement strategies that spark communication, support diverse learners, and boost engagement across proficiency levels while helping teachers manage workload and build classroom community.
Presenters
DC

Daniela Casadei-Berwind

Three Village SD
Daniela Casadei-Berwind teaches Italian and Spanish at Murphy Junior High in Three Village. Previously, she also taught at Ward Melville High School and Long Island Lutheran. Before becoming a secondary-level teacher, she was an adjunct professor at Hofstra University and Molloy College... Read More →
avatar for Katina Price

Katina Price

District Coordinator | LILT President, Sewanhaka Central High School District
Katina Price is the District Coordinator of World Languages at Sewanhaka CHSD and has over 15 years of teaching experience. She holds degrees from Hofstra University, Saint Louis University (Madrid Campus), and St. John’s University. She has presented a variety of workshops for... Read More →
avatar for Faith Tripp

Faith Tripp

Director of World Languages & ENL, East Williston School District
516-333-7214
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Fort Orange 5
  Session D

8:30am EDT

Turning Ideas into Action: Designing a Compelling MEAD Proposal
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
High Street 28
Feedback Survey
Have an idea for a research project and want to explore the MEAD Fellowship? This session guides World Language educators through developing a clear, competitive proposal. Participants will explore key components of a strong project, including research questions, rationale, and feasibility. The session highlights common pitfalls and effective strategies for aligning projects with MEAD expectations, drawing on the presenter’s experience developing a MEAD research proposal and navigating the application process.
Presenters
avatar for Elcie Douce

Elcie Douce

World Language Department Chair, Nyack Public Schools
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
High Street 28
  Session D

11:30am EDT

Capital-East Regional Breakout Session
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 7
Feedback Survey
Connect with fellow educators from your region, learn about your regional organization, and discover ways to get involved and advocate for language education in your area.
Presenters
avatar for Shannon Lundgren

Shannon Lundgren

MS Spanish Teacher, Bethlehem Central School District
MC
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 7
  Session E - Regional Breakout Session

11:30am EDT

Central New York Regional Breakout Session
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 9
Feedback Survey
Connect with fellow educators from your region, learn about your regional organization, and discover ways to get involved and advocate for language education in your area.
Presenters
BJ
ES
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 9
  Session E - Regional Breakout Session

11:30am EDT

Mid-Hudson/Westchester Regional Breakout Session
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 5
Feedback Survey
Connect with fellow educators from your region, learn about your regional organization, and discover ways to get involved and advocate for language education in your area.
Presenters
KT
avatar for Elcie Douce

Elcie Douce

World Language Department Chair, Nyack Public Schools
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 5
  Session E - Regional Breakout Session

11:30am EDT

NYC/LI Regional Breakout Session
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Shaker Room
Feedback Survey
Connect with fellow educators from your region, learn about your regional organization, and discover ways to get involved and advocate for language education in your area.
Presenters
avatar for David Schultz

David Schultz

FLES-MANDARIN (Grades K-5), North Shore Central School District
David Schultz has been the FLES-Mandarin teacher at North Shore School District since 2016. Prior to his tenure at North Shore Schools, David taught, studied, and lived in China for ten years, completing a graduate degree in Chinese at Peking University. He is currently serving as... Read More →
avatar for Maria Quintanilla

Maria Quintanilla

Spanish Teacher, NYCPS
Maria Quintanilla teaches Spanish for Spanish Speakers at Energy Tech High School in Queens, NY. She has mentored new teachers and has served as teacher mentor for the College Board. She is currently working with the DOE’s Division of Multilingual Learners, developing lesson plans... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Shaker Room
  Session E - Regional Breakout Session

11:30am EDT

Western NY Regional Breakout Session
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
Feedback Survey
Connect with fellow educators from your region, learn about your regional organization, and discover ways to get involved and advocate for language education in your area.
Presenters
avatar for Anna Cartwright

Anna Cartwright

French Teacher, Orchard Park High School
avatar for Joshua Wigle-Harris

Joshua Wigle-Harris

Spanish teacher, East Irondequoit Middle School
Josh Wigle-Harris is a graduate of St. John Fisher University with a B.A. in Spanish and a M.S. in Special Education. He is a 7th & 8th grade Spanish teacher and serves as the World Languages Curriculum Leader at East Irondequoit Middle School. He currently serves as Director of Western New York on... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
  Session E - Regional Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

The Wi-Fi Is Down: Quick Pivots for Real Communication
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
High Street 28
Feedback Survey
When technology fails, instruction doesn’t have to. This interactive session equips world language educators with quick, no-tech strategies to sustain proficiency-based, communicative learning. Aligned to ACTFL standards, participants experience adaptable routines, explore real-time decision-making, and leave with ready-to-use activities and a
personalized pivot plan to maintain meaningful communication anytime.
Presenters
avatar for Kate Sanders

Kate Sanders

Wayside Publishing
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
High Street 28
  Exhibitor Session

1:30pm EDT

Bridging Language and Culture: Using AI to Deepen Cultural Understanding
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
High Street 26
Feedback Survey
As AI reshapes the classroom, world language educators have an opportunity to rethink how culture is taught. This session explores practical, intentional uses of AI that support authentic voices, multiple perspectives, and meaningful intercultural communication. Participants will leave with classroom‑ready strategies that prioritize deepening cultural understanding using Canva, Ideogram and Gemini Storybook.
Presenters
avatar for Trinidad Arizmendi

Trinidad Arizmendi

Regional World Language Coordinator, PNW BOCES
Hola a todos,
I am the Regional World Language Coordinator at PNW BOCES in Yorktown Heights, NY. In my role, I support World Language needs with the goal of helping every student to be successful. Let me know if you would like to discuss possible future World Language/Technology Opportunities... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
High Street 26
  Session F

1:30pm EDT

Gen AI and Language Pedagogy: Practical Applications
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 5
Feedback Survey
Using concrete classroom examples, this presentation demonstrates the ways in which AI tools and platforms can reinforce language learning. In its discussion, it also underscores the ethical, environmental, and pedagogical risks of GenAI. It ultimately suggests that when used strategically and intentionally with teacher oversight, GenAI can serve as a flexible, time-efficient tool that expands the possibilities of second language instruction.
Presenters
SM
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 5
  Session F

1:30pm EDT

Google Slides to Make Paper Documents... What the TECH?!
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
Feedback Survey
Tired of Word/Docs sending images two towns over when you insert them? Want multiple versions of quizzes and tests in an easier/visible format? Need ONE place for everything at your fingertips *including* audio? Come to see how all this can happen using Google Slides as a document creator!



(All materials shown will be shared and editable.)
Presenters
avatar for Meredith White

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 →
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
  Session F

1:30pm EDT

Implementing Free Choice Reading Program in Checkpoints B/C
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Shaker Room
Feedback Survey
This presentation will explain the processes used to obtain readers and novels and implement a free choice reading (FCR) program at the intermediate leveled classes. Pre and post activities will be explained as they help support the program and the learners’ experiences. Participants will discuss the pros and cons of student accountability through such a classroom routine.
Presenters
avatar for Nicole Alberico-Farr

Nicole Alberico-Farr

Baldwinsville CSD
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Shaker Room
  Session F

1:30pm EDT

Leaders of Tomorrow information session
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Meeting Suite 120
Feedback Survey
We invite you to come find out about our Leaders of Tomorrow. Come see what our current and former participants say about the program. This is a perfect opportunity to chat if you are interested in joining our program. If you’re a former participant, stop by to share your leadership trajectory with our new leaders. This is a panel discussion.
Presenters
avatar for Melanie Thomas

Melanie Thomas

Spencerport CSD
Spanish Teacher
NYSAFLT TOY 2023
NBCT WLOE
Spencerport CSD World Language Teacher Leader
Spencerport CSD Seal of Biliteracy coordinator


avatar for Shannon Lundgren

Shannon Lundgren

MS Spanish Teacher, Bethlehem Central School District
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Meeting Suite 120
  Session F

1:30pm EDT

Past President Advisory Council
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
High Street 22
Feedback Survey
Annual Meeting of NYSAFLT Past Presidents with NYSAFLT updates and discussion. This is a closed meeting.
Presenters
avatar for Françoise

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.
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
High Street 22
  Session F

1:30pm EDT

Safe Spaces for DEI in 2026 and Beyond (formerly the DEI Roundtable).
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
High Street 24
Feedback Survey
Join us for an engaging conversation about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This is part of a new series of sessions supported by NECTFL, ACTFL, and NYSAFLT and other State Organizations to create spaces for dialogue and to share stories. This is a space for listening, reflection, and mutual support to give voice to our experiences. Feel free to bring a friend. All are welcome.
Presenters
avatar for Abi Cleary

Abi Cleary

Adjunct Lecturer in Spanish, SUNY Cortland
DZ

Diana Zuckerman

Retired NYS
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
High Street 24
  Session F

1:30pm EDT

Supercharge your Seal of Biliteracy Program
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 7
Feedback Survey
So you have a Seal of Biliteracy program, but now you want to grow it in a manageable and sustainable way. How do you go about doing this? This workshop will share 10 easy steps to develop a streamlined program for maximal growth by leveraging existing resources and staff. Special attention will be paid to effective student recruitment and support, culminating project design and evaluation, and staff training. Following the presentation of various strategies, participants will work in small groups to develop their own plan to begin supercharging their Seal of Biliteracy program the very next week!
Presenters
avatar for Candace Black

Candace Black

World Language Associate Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, NYSED - OBEWL
New York State Education Department Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages - World Language Standards Initiative and NYS Seal of Biliteracy
YZ

Yunxiao Zhang

NYSED-OBEWL
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 7
  Session F

1:30pm EDT

Talk, Read, Talk, Write: a student-centered approach to NYS World Language
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 9
Feedback Survey
In this session, we will explore a hands-on step by step guide to the TRTW Strategy in the World Language classroom. We will discuss how this strategy/routine can help students master dense rigorous curriculum, negotiate meaning from peers, and develop independent thinking and literacy skills in a safe environment.
Presenters
avatar for Maria Quintanilla

Maria Quintanilla

Spanish Teacher, NYCPS
Maria Quintanilla teaches Spanish for Spanish Speakers at Energy Tech High School in Queens, NY. She has mentored new teachers and has served as teacher mentor for the College Board. She is currently working with the DOE’s Division of Multilingual Learners, developing lesson plans... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 9
  Session F

2:45pm EDT

Building a Week of Comprehensible Input: Simple Routines That Work
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
High Street 28
Feedback Survey
What does a Comprehensible Input (CI) classroom look like every day? This interactive workshop demonstrates simple weekly routines that create meaningful communication in the target language. Participants will experience activities such as Calendar Talk, Special Person Interviews, Music Wednesday, Tasty Thursday, and Fun Friday. Through live demonstrations and reflection, teachers will see how predictable routines foster engagement, personalization, and repeated exposure to high-frequency language. Participants will leave with practical ideas for structuring a week of engaging, low-prep CI instruction.
Presenters
QW
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
High Street 28
  Exhibitor Session

2:45pm EDT

2 Worlds Colliding: Special Ed and WL- They can thrive!
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Fort Orange 9
Feedback Survey
Join us to explore how Special Education and World Language expertise combine to create inclusive classrooms where all learners thrive.

In this session, we'll share strategies that helped our students—particularly those new to language learning—succeed with confidence and joy. Discover how our Special Education and Spanish teachers collaborated to bridge disciplines and support diverse learners using best practices from both fields.

You'll learn the critical distinction between accommodations and modifications, and walk away with practical, ready-to-implement techniques for welcoming ALL students into your world language classroom. This session demonstrates that best practices from both fields aren't just compatible—they're transformative.
Presenters
SL
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Fort Orange 9
  Session G

2:45pm EDT

Addressing Needs to Empower the Heritage Learner and ELL
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
High Street 24
Feedback Survey
Are you wondering how your World Language Department can best meet the needs for both Heritage Learners and ELLs? If you are, then this workshop is for you! In this workshop we will share the steps taken to initiate programs and courses that are designed to best address the needs of Heritage Learners and ELLs in the World Language Classroom. In this workshop curricula, activities, and strategies designed and implemented in our Spanish Language Arts Program and Heritage Spanish Program will be shared as well as what we did to get courses and programs approved to support the academic success of a growing subgroup of our student population. We will also share details and the adjustments we have made while implementing the SLA program.
Presenters
avatar for Emilio Sosa

Emilio Sosa

Longwood CSD
avatar for Daniel Rodriguez

Daniel Rodriguez

World Language Department Chairperson | LILT Conference Site Chair, Longwood Central School District
Chairperson of World Languages at Longwood High School7 years teaching
Presenter at LILT 2023 and 2024
Presenter at NECTFL 2025
Presenter at PNW BOCES World Language Conference 2025
Masters in the Teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language from the International University of Valencia
... Read More →
KH

Karla Hernandez

Spanish Teacher
Karla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Hispanic Languages and Literature from Stony Brook University. Additionally, Karla is certified to teach Spanish for grades 6 through 12 and has a degree in American Sign Lang... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
High Street 24
  Session G

2:45pm EDT

Assigned but Unprepared: Supporting New Teachers Without Burnout
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Fort Orange 5
Feedback Survey
Mentors are often assigned, but rarely prepared. Too often, we mentor based on what we can give, not what our mentees need, leaving new teachers unsupported and mentors overwhelmed especially in a field facing declining numbers of World Language educators. This session is designed for teacher mentors seeking a clear, practical structure for year-long support. Using a three-phase framework (Launch → Support → Sustain), participants will analyze real scenarios and develop a customizable mentoring roadmap for contexts where content-specific mentorship is limited. Attendees will leave with a first-meeting conversation guide, WL-specific look-fors, and tools to support mentees effectively—without adding to their own workload.
Presenters
NA
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Fort Orange 5
  Session G

2:45pm EDT

Auditory Processing Disorder in the WL Classroom
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
High Street 26
Feedback Survey
Students of language rely on the brain's ability to process and make meaning from sounds in order to acquire the language they are learning. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), sometimes referred to as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), is a neurological condition that affects how the brain interprets and processes sounds, thus impacting how a student acquires language. During this presentation, a doctor of Audiology and a French teacher will introduce teachers to the types of processing challenges that students with this disorder may face and describe classroom modifications to assist with comprehension and production of the target language.
Presenters
avatar for Anna Cartwright

Anna Cartwright

French Teacher, Orchard Park High School
DC
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
High Street 26
  Session G

2:45pm EDT

Enhancing Language Learning Through Interactive Notebooks
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Shaker Room
Feedback Survey
Step away from the screen and rediscover the power of the classic composition notebook.
Unlock the potential of interactive notebooks in the language classroom to boost student
engagement, foster creativity, and enhance language retention. This session will explore
innovative ways to integrate interactive notebooks into your teaching practice, providing
students with hands-on learning experiences that support vocabulary acquisition, grammar
understanding, and cultural exploration. Participants will discover practical strategies for
organizing content, assessing student progress, and incorporating multimedia elements. Join us
to learn how to transform your language into dynamic, student-centered learning adventures.
Presenters
avatar for Carina Morales Hauser

Carina Morales Hauser

Spanish Teacher, Long Beach High School
Carina is certified to teach Spanish to grades one through 12 and hold a Master’s degree in Spanish literature and grammar. She has been teaching since 2008, and is currently in her sixth year teaching Spanish in the Long Beach school district. Since starting her career, she has... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Shaker Room
  Session G

2:45pm EDT

Grab and Go Games and Activities for the World Language Classroom
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
Feedback Survey
This interactive session will provide world language teachers with a flexible toolkit of fun, engaging activities to boost student participation. Participants will experience a variety of strategies ranging from quick, 5 minute brain breaks to low or no prep games and more structured activities. All activities are designed to keep students using the language while building energy and confidence. Attendees will actively participate in all games and activities, leaving with ready to use ideas that can be adapted for any language or level.
Presenters
avatar for Valerie Greer

Valerie Greer

French Teacher, Bay Shore Middle School
French teacher Bay Shore Middle School, NYSAFLT Secretary/Treasurer, Newspaper Club Advisor.
I love to present at conferences and share ideas with my colleagues. I am passionate about making my classes fun and engaging!
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
  Session G

2:45pm EDT

Member Organizations Round Table
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
High Street 22
Feedback Survey
This is a space for NYSAFLT Regional organizations to meet and exchange ideas and share conference information. *Invite only*
Presenters
avatar for Wendy Mercado

Wendy Mercado

Spanish Teacher | NYSAFLT President, Bay Shore UFSD
Wendy earned a B.A in Hispanic Language and Literature and a M.A in Liberal Studies from SUNY Stony Brook. She has presented workshops for LILT, NYSAFLT, NECTFL, and ACTFL in addition to serving as the lead organizer for EdCamp WL LI. She has previously been named “Best of NY... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
High Street 22
  Session G

2:45pm EDT

Stop the Freeze: Helping students think less and talk more
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Fort Orange 7
Feedback Survey
Why do students shut down during interpersonal tasks? Even after plenty of practice and review, students struggle to respond. This session explores the hidden role of cognitive load in spontaneous communication and how it disproportionately impacts intermediate learners. Through interactive examples and classroom-tested activities, participants will learn how to lower the processing demands of conversations without lowering expectations. Walk away with practical tools to help students stay present, respond more fluidly, and build conversational endurance across languages.
Presenters
SE
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Fort Orange 7
  Session G
 

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