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...
See More →

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...
See More →

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 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...
See More →

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...
See More →

Presenters

Noemi Rodriguez

Supervisor of Instruction, Pascack Valley Regional HS District

Noemi Rodriguez-Grimshaw (@team_lologramos) is the Supervisor of World Languages, ESL, Music, and Family & Consumer Sciences for the Pascack Valley Regional High School District in northern Bergen County, 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. She is a veteran language educator who has been sharing and supporting teachers across the globe since 2005. As an award-winning teacher, she specializes in language cur... 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...
See More →

Presenters

Ivan Ferrero

World Language Sales Consultant, Klett World Languages

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

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,...
See More →

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...
See More →

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...
See More →

Presenters

Swaz Piron

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,...
See More →

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...
See More →

Presenters

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 →

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...
See More →

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...
See More →

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...
See More →

Presenters

Jennifer Carson

Proficiency & Learning Specialist, Language Testing International

Language Testing International (LTI), the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, is a leader in proficiency-based language teaching and learning. ACTFL assessments maintain stringent levels of rigor and reliability that ensure a valid measure of communicative skills, recognized by K12 and higher... 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...
See More →

Presenters

Patricia Martínez de la Vega Mansilla

SUNY Cortland

Abi Cleary

Adjunct Lecturer in Spanish, SUNY Cortland

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,...
See More →

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,...
See More →

Presenters

Elizabeth Boghosian

Kimberly Giammichele

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...
See More →

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...
See More →

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....
See More →

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...
See More →

Presenters

Will Anderson

Associate Dean for External Relations and Field Placement, Hofstra University

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...
See More →

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...
See More →

Presenters

Thomas Millington

Abroadia is a study abroad provider based in Geneva, NY. We develop short-term programs for high school and college/university students, faculty, administrators and community members. We design and lead programs in Spain, Cuba and Latin America.

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

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...
See More →

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...
See More →

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...
See More →

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...
See More →

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...
See More →

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 Sp... Read More →

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

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

4:00pm EDT

Partnering With Multilingual Families to Build Cultural Capital

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

High Street 24

Multilingual families bring rich linguistic, cultural, and experiential assets to school communities, yet these strengths are often overlooked or framed as challenges. This session explores how educators and organizations can partner with multilingual families to intentionally build cultural capital through language, positioning home languages as powerful resources for learning, identity...
See More →

Presenters

Marcia Ranieri

Executive Director Capital Region RBERN, RBERN

Executive Director Capital Region RBERN, former Director of World Languages and ENL for Guilderland Schools, Spanish Teacher, Assistant Principal, Language lover and Bilingual advocate.

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

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

5:00pm EDT

Conference Exhibit Viewing – Wine and Cheese (Raffle)

Friday October 16, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT

Fort Orange Atrium

There will be a cash bar from 5pm-6pm as well as a cheese and crudite platter compliments of our Sponsor.

Friday October 16, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
Fort Orange Atrium

Open to All Attendees

6:30pm EDT

Awards Banquet

Friday October 16, 2026 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

King Street Ballroom

Friday October 16, 2026 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
King Street Ballroom

Ticketed Event

7:00am EDT

Meet and Greet FLES Colleagues

Saturday October 17, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT

King Street Atrium

Come and meet colleagues that teach the younger grades all the way to 8th grade. Let's talk about the benefits of an early start, ways we can grow our programs and how we can support one another.

Saturday October 17, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
King Street Atrium

Open to All Attendees

Language of presentation FLES/Early Language
Examples in English

8:00am EDT

Coffee and Conference Exhibit Viewing

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

Fort Orange Atrium

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
Fort Orange Atrium

Open to All Attendees

8:00am EDT

Conference Registration

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm EDT

Fort Orange Atrium

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Fort Orange Atrium

Open to All Attendees

8:30am EDT

Connecting Language Acquisition and the Science of Reading

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Town Hall Amphitheater

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’...
See More →

Presenters

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

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

8:30am EDT

All Things IPAs (6-12)

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Fort Orange 9

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...
See More →

Presenters

Jenny Maldonado

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Fort Orange 9

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

8:30am EDT

Beyond Points: Constructing Proficiency-Aligned Grading Systems

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Fort Orange 7

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...
See More →

Presenters

Sarah Woodward-Jones

World Language Coordinator, French teacher

Amie Dubos

Shari Ebert

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

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

8:30am EDT

Higher Education Committee - Methodologists' Roundtable

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

High Street 22

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...
See More →

Presenters

Erin Kearney

University at Buffalo

Marisol Marcin

Binghamton University

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
High Street 22

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

8:30am EDT

L'art en classe : plus qu'une trace, une audace !

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Shaker Room

Elevate your curriculum by transforming the "10 Arts" from a cultural footnote into a catalyst for proficiency. This session explores how the fine arts, architecture, cinema, and digital media can drive the three modes of communication. Participants will analyze authentic resources—such as world-renowned paintings adapted for modern advertisements—and discover project ideas for students to...
See More →

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.

Joy Cumming

South Jefferson CSD

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Shaker Room

Language of presentation French
Examples in French
Applicable to French
Level All Levels

8:30am EDT

Little Eyes, Big Language: Engaging Youth with History and Language

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

High Street 26

Young learners deserve to see themselves reflected in the languages and histories they explore. This session presents the “Little Eyes Framework,” a three-phase inquiry model that uses narrative, sensory engagement, and student agency to deepen comprehension and foster a sense of belonging in K–5 world language and multilingual classrooms.

Presenters

Raynelda Calderon

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
High Street 26

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

8:30am EDT

Maximizing All Modes of Communication Through Podcasts

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

High Street 24

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...
See More →

Presenters

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

Language of presentation English
Examples in English and offer other lists of other languages.
Applicable to Any
Level All Levels

8:30am EDT

Screen-Free, Student-Focused: Energizing Your Classroom

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Fort Orange 5

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

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 →

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 →

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

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

8:30am EDT

Turning Ideas into Action: Designing a Compelling MEAD Proposal

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

High Street 28

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...
See More →

Presenters

Elcie Douce

World Language Department Chair, Nyack Public Schools

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
High Street 28

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

9:30am EDT

Coffee and Conference Exhibit Viewing

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:00am EDT

Fort Orange Atrium

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:00am EDT
Fort Orange Atrium

Open to All Attendees

10:00am EDT

General Session and Keynote (General Session and Keynote)

Saturday October 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

King Street Ballroom

NYSAFLT Annual Business Meeting and keynote address by Meredith White

Saturday October 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
King Street Ballroom

General Session

11:00am EDT

Final Conference Exhibit Viewing (Raffle)

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Fort Orange Atrium

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Fort Orange Atrium

Open to All Attendees

11:00am EDT

New Member and First Timer's Lounge

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Fort Orange Atrium

Before or after perusing our Exhibitor Gallery, new NYSAFLT Members and First Time Attendees are encouraged to join our Past Presidents for a warm NYSA-welcome to our organization. Meet some of our leaders past and present. Learn how to be more involved in your profession. Find a new friend and mentor.

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Fort Orange Atrium

Open to All Attendees

11:30am EDT

Capital-East Regional Breakout Session

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Fort Orange 7

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

Shannon Lundgren

MS Spanish Teacher, Bethlehem Central School District

Meghan Chance

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 7

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

11:30am EDT

Central New York Regional Breakout Session

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Fort Orange 9

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

Brianna Jaspersohn

Erica Stark

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 9

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

11:30am EDT

Mid-Hudson/Westchester Regional Breakout Session

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Fort Orange 5

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

Kaleigh Thomas

Elcie Douce

World Language Department Chair, Nyack Public Schools

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 5

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

11:30am EDT

NYC/LI Regional Breakout Session

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Shaker Room

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

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 →

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

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

11:30am EDT

Western NY Regional Breakout Session

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Town Hall Amphitheater

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

Anna Cartwright

French Teacher, Orchard Park High School

Joshua Wigle-Harris

Spanish teacher, East Irondequoit Middle School

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater

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

12:30pm EDT

Lunch (all conference attendees) and NYSAFLT Service Recognition Awards, NYSED Update

Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

King Street Ballroom

Lunch is included as noted on your name badge. We will recognize service award winners during this time. Candace Black will give a brief update on the Revised NYS WL Standards.

Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
King Street Ballroom

Lunch

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

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...
See More →

Presenters

Kate Sanders

Wayside Publishing

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
High Street 28

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

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

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...
See More →

Presenters

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

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

1:30pm EDT

Gen AI and Language Pedagogy: Practical Applications

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Fort Orange 5

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...
See More →

Presenters

Shanaaz Mohammed

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 5

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

1:30pm EDT

Google Slides to Make Paper Documents... What the TECH?!

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Town Hall Amphitheater

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

Meredith White

Teacher and Instructional Technology Support, Gwinnett County Public Schools

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

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

1:30pm EDT

Implementing Free Choice Reading Program in Checkpoints B/C

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Shaker Room

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

Nicole Alberico-Farr

Baldwinsville CSD

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Shaker Room

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

1:30pm EDT

Leaders of Tomorrow information session

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Meeting Suite 120

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

Melanie Thomas

Spencerport CSD

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

Shannon Lundgren

MS Spanish Teacher, Bethlehem Central School District

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Meeting Suite 120

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

1:30pm EDT

Past President Advisory Council

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

High Street 22

Annual Meeting of NYSAFLT Past Presidents with NYSAFLT updates and discussion. This is a closed meeting.

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.

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

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

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

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

Abi Cleary

Adjunct Lecturer in Spanish, SUNY Cortland

Diana Zuckerman

Retired NYS

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
High Street 24

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

1:30pm EDT

Supercharge your Seal of Biliteracy Program

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Fort Orange 7

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...
See More →

Presenters

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

Yunxiao Zhang

NYSED-OBEWL

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 7

Language of presentation English
Examples in English
Applicable to Any
Level Secondary

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

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

Maria Quintanilla

Spanish Teacher, NYCPS

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fort Orange 9

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

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

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...
See More →

Presenters

Qin Wu

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
High Street 28

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

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

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...
See More →

Presenters

Shannon Lundgren Megan McGinnis

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Fort Orange 9

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

2:45pm EDT

Addressing Needs to Empower the Heritage Learner and ELL

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

High Street 24

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...
See More →

Presenters

Emilio Sosa

Longwood CSD

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 →

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

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

2:45pm EDT

Assigned but Unprepared: Supporting New Teachers Without Burnout

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Fort Orange 5

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...
See More →

Presenters

Nicholas Amster

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Fort Orange 5

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

2:45pm EDT

Auditory Processing Disorder in the WL Classroom

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

High Street 26

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...
See More →

Presenters

Anna Cartwright

French Teacher, Orchard Park High School

Daniel Cartwright AuD

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
High Street 26

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

2:45pm EDT

Enhancing Language Learning Through Interactive Notebooks

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Shaker Room

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...
See More →

Presenters

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

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

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

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....
See More →

Presenters

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

Language of presentation English
Examples in English
Applicable to Any
Level Secondary Secondary

2:45pm EDT

Italian Teachers’ Roundtable on the Revised Standards for World Language

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Meeting Suite 120

Come ready to share — bring your ideas, questions, and classroom challenges to this collaborative Italian teachers’ roundtable focused on NYSED’s revised Standards for World Language. This session is a judgment-free space where every question matters and practical peer support drives learning. Together we’ll unpack proficiency-focused shifts, co-create Can-Do statements and formative...
See More →

Presenters

Melissa Stio

Greece CSD

ITALIAN 😁

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Meeting Suite 120

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

2:45pm EDT

Member Organizations Round Table

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

High Street 22

This is a space for NYSAFLT Regional organizations to meet and exchange ideas and share conference information. *Invite only*

Presenters

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

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

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

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...
See More →

Presenters

Shari Ebert

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Fort Orange 7