2026 NYSAFLT Annual Conference

TICKETED PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION: Leah Grady, NYSAFLT Teacher of the Year and a 21-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?
In this engaging session, we’ll explore Gen Alpha—who they are, how they learn, and what
truly motivates them. You’ll walk away with research-based, practical strategies to increase connection, strengthen real-world communication, and bring more joy into your classroom. This is also good for those experimenting with a CI approach and a more proficiency-based classroom.
Expect an interactive, fast-paced experience with movement and collaboration. Get ideas on how to tweak your curriculum, lessons, and rubrics- not reinvent them! This is best for upper middle and high school teachers of all languages.
In this engaging session, we’ll explore Gen Alpha—who they are, how they learn, and what truly motivates them (hint: it’s not worksheets). You’ll walk away with research-based, practical strategies to increase connection, strengthen real-world communication, and bring more joy into your language classroom.

Expect an interactive, fast-paced experience with movement and collaboration. get ideas on how to tweak your curriculum, lessons and rubrics- not reinvent them! This is best for middle and high school teachers of all languages!