2026 NYSAFLT Annual Conference

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 motivation and confidence. They also feel more confident to use their growing skills outside of educational settings. Join this session to learn practical strategies for implementing a proficiency-oriented approach in your classroom and developing your students’ communicative competence.

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.

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.

Ensuring adequate target language conversation practice is difficult, particularly for novice learners who need significant support. AI can help, with always-ready and judgement-free conversation partners. Yet, amid a growing epidemic of loneliness, is filling student time with chatbots where we want to go? Pangea Chat creates a playful, social experience that makes curriculum-aligned, task-based conversation practice fun and impactful for any curriculum. The web and mobile platform leverages AI for personalized scaffolding but keeps peer-to-peer interaction as the focus. Supported by the National Science Foundation.

As AI reshapes the classroom, world language educators have an opportunity to rethink how culture is taught. This session explores practical, intentional uses of AI that support authentic voices, multiple perspectives, and meaningful intercultural communication. Participants will leave with classroom‑ready strategies that prioritize deepening cultural understanding using Canva, Ideogram and Gemini Storybook.

Scaling 1-on-1 interpersonal speaking practice in world language classrooms can be challenging. Many students do not receive enough conversation time, struggle to find the right words, and feel less confident as a result. This session explores how teacher-driven AI conversation partners can expand individualized speaking practice and personalized feedback while teachers control the content, pedagogy, and “brain” behind the AI.

What will we discuss?

* Challenges of individualized speaking feedback
* How AI supports frequent, natural conversation practice
* How to program an AI avatar for effective conversations
* Methods for delivering personalized feedback to every student