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Welcome to the 109th NYSAFLT Annual Conference!
Audience: Spanish clear filter
Friday, October 16
 

1:00pm EDT

Reaching your Assessment Destination
Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
Feedback Survey
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 demonstrate their understanding and give you the information you need to guide them on their proficiency journey. We will address assessment questions in all communication modes and give you the opportunity to practice some of your own.
Presenters
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, where he earned a B.A. in Spanish and an M.S. in Special Education. He is a 7th and 8th grade Spanish teacher and serves as the World Languages Curriculum Leader at East Irondequoit Middle School. In recognition of his... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
  Session A

2:30pm EDT

From Silence to Confidence: Strategies for Speaking and Writing
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
High Street 28
Feedback Survey
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, attendees will experience techniques such as structured speaking routines, scaffolded writing tasks, and communicative activities that prioritize meaning over perfection. Special attention will be given to creating a classroom environment that supports sustained target language use while remaining accessible to all learners.
Presenters
KG
EB
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
High Street 28
  Session B

2:30pm EDT

Interpersonal Speaking: Cultivating Competencies That Spark Joy
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
High Street 26
Feedback Survey
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 on cultural learning both in and beyond the classroom. This session highlights practical examples such as incorporating culturally authentic recipes, exploring local New York City cultural field trips and curating personalized International travel experiences for students. Educators will leave with adaptable strategies that will motivate students to speak, broaden their cultural confidence and inspire authentic communication.
Presenters
RB
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
High Street 26
  Session B

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
Feedback Survey
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 cultural inquiry, and will leave with ready-to-implement strategies to support advanced learners, including those pursuing college credit or the NYS Seal of Biliteracy.
Presenters
avatar for Evelyn Ledezma

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.
avatar for Marna Meltzer-McMorris

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
  Session B

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
Feedback Survey
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. Attendees will leave with adaptable, low-prep activities and practical strategies they can implement right away to foster engagement, confidence, and connection while promoting proficiency-driven instruction.
Presenters
avatar for Alexandra Cabrera

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
  Session B

2:30pm EDT

Toolbox for Level 1 Success: Strategies That Stick
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 9
Feedback Survey
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 with significant learning gaps, low
confidence, and a belief that success in a second language is out of reach.
This engaging and practical workshop will explore the unique instructional, emotional, and motivational needs
of struggling and non-traditional language learners. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources,
differentiated instructional strategies, and interactive classroom activities designed to increase engagement,
build student confidence, and promote meaningful language acquisition. Presenters will share successful
approaches for creating a supportive classroom environment where all students can experience growth and
success in the world language classroom.
Presenters
KD

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 →
JP
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Fort Orange 9
  Session B

4:00pm EDT

A Smarter approach: Native & Heritage speakers in the World Language class
Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
High Street 26
Feedback Survey
This presentation will address the needs of teachers currently teaching native and heritage Spanish speakers who are looking for ways to keep students engaged, improve literacy skills, and foster a culture of growth and love for their home language. The main focus will be on how to upscale the three modes of communication to match the students’ proficiency levels aligned with the World Readiness standards for Learning Languages and the Next Generation Learning Standards for ELA to create meaningful learning experiences to improve their Spanish literacy skills. As a result, clear initial instruction in their home language can encourage the successful completion of the Seal of Biliteracy.
Presenters
AH
DR
Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
High Street 26
  Session C

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
Feedback Survey
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 unit that incorporates the three modes of communication for students at any proficiency level. A model virtual visit to the Museo del Oro in Bogotá, Colombia, will be shared and there will be time for participants to brainstorm a fantasy trip for use in their own classrooms. Come join the tour!
Presenters
avatar for Lori Langer de Ramirez

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 Spanish... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Town Hall Amphitheater
  Session C
 
Saturday, October 17
 

8:30am EDT

Auditory Processing Disorder in the WL Classroom
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Fort Orange 9
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 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 Shari Ebert

Shari Ebert

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 →
avatar for Sarah Woodward-Jones

Sarah Woodward-Jones

World Language Coordinator, French teacher
avatar for Amie Dubos
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

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

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

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

2:45pm EDT

Navigating the New AP exam with APunta al futuro
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Meeting Suite 120
This session is designed to help AP Spanish Language and Culture teachers navigate the updated AP exam and discover how APunta al futuro supports their students’ success. Participants will explore the revised exam framework, take a guided tour of the textbook’s structure and resources, and walk away with practical classroom strategies and a personalized course roadmap. Whether you are new to the updated exam or looking to strengthen your current approach, this series offers the tools, insights, and collaborative planning time to move forward with confidence.
Presenters
avatar for Kate Sanders

Kate Sanders

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

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

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

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