This session will walk participants through our district's multi-year transition to proficiency-based exams, focusing on the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL). We will share details on how we have managed the technical logistics of district-wide testing and prepared for implementation across several schools. Discussion will include successes and challenges, along with some considerations for schools and districts across the state.
Managing the Seal of Biliteracy (SoB) often involves complex logistics that overshadow student achievement. This session offers a roadmap to transform the SoB process into an automated workflow using **Google Classroom, AI, and Google Apps Scripting**. Participants will identify key bottlenecks and learn to implement "no-code" solutions—such as automated notifications and AI-assisted data categorization—to ensure accuracy and scalability. By the end of this hour, coordinators and educators will leave with actionable strategies to reclaim their time, minimize errors, and focus on expanding equitable access to biliteracy recognition for all students.
There’s a growing focus on College and Career Readiness (CCR) and career-connected learning, but where do world language programs fit in? This session explores how educators can leverage language credentialing with industry recognized assessments to align language programs with CCR initiatives. We’ll examine how language proficiency credentials support college and workforce readiness, offering students a competitive edge. Attendees will gain insights into employer recognition of language skills, real-world applications, and strategies to advocate for language programs within CCR frameworks, ensuring their long-term value and sustainability.
Proficiency & Learning Specialist, Language Testing International
Language Testing International (LTI) has provided language proficiency testing since 1992 in over 120 languages across 60+ countries. As the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, LTI delivers accredited assessments in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Using certified ACTFL testers... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT Shaker Room
This showcase highlights the curiosity and creativity of undergraduate students from diverse fields such as education, psychology, biology, and health sciences, and more. Through their research and projects, students explore new ideas, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world. Just as cultural awareness grows one language at a time, these projects show how students build knowledge, insight, and connections one discovery at a time.
Have you ever thought about hosting a student teacher but were afraid of the time commitment? Join us as we chat about the value of supporting future language educators and to explore the opportunities available at local universities to work with student teachers. Participants will walk away with a newfound understanding of how collaborating with a student teacher can be both empowering and possibly the best world language PD ever.
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.
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 →
Discover how engaging with professional organizations such as LILT Inc., NYSAFLT, ACTFL, AATs and NECTFL can elevate both your teaching practice and your students’ experiences. This session will highlight the wide range of benefits available through membership, including high-quality instructional resources, professional learning, leadership opportunities, and advocacy.
Participants will also explore the powerful opportunities these organizations provide for students, such as national exams, scholarships, honor societies, and cultural competitions. Walk away with practical strategies to get involved, increase student engagement, and bring meaningful recognition and enrichment opportunities into your world language program.
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.
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 →
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.
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 →
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.
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.
I have been a Spanish teacher in the Pittsford Central School District for the past 20 years. In that time, I have taught multiple levels from HS level 1- AP, exclusively at Mendon High School. In addition to being a teacher in the classroom, I have also been the Standards Leader... Read More →
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Adjunct Lecturer in Spanish, NYSAFLT DEI Committee
Come find out about the NYSAFLT DEI Committee.
THe Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee strives to be a critical lens for NYSAFLT to explore biases and obstacles to members participating completely in the NYSAFLT community and being represented in areas of leadership... Read More →
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!
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.
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
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.
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!
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
