SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Workshops and Presenters

Detailed Schedule

Monday, July 31

9:30-10:30 a.m.

1. Looking to the School Year with Purpose and Hope

Presenter(s): Trudy Anderson, Nathan Hale School, New Haven, CT

Looking forward to the new school year presents many opportunities and some apprehension. In this session, we will examine ways to reconnect with our students and we will evaluate our practices and activities to ensure that they promote proficiency and enjoyment for both students and teachers. We will discuss criteria for keeping or letting go of treasured activities. We will also look at ways to renew our purpose by challenging ourselves to step out of our comfort zones.

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)

2. Flow in the Elementary Classroom

Presenter(s): Erica Peplinski-Burge, Voces Digital, Van Buren Twp, MI

“Flow: the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity.” Come join this session to learn how to keep your students in a state of flow in the elementary classroom from a teacher with 18 years of experience working with students from Pre-k to 8th grade. Class rules, procedures, point systems, classroom jobs, challenge students, favorite activities (including reading and writing), brain breaks, and games will all be highlighted. Participants will leave ready to keep their students in a state of flow, while staying in the target language.

OR

3. How To Implement a Free Choice Reading Program

Presenter(s): Nicole Alberico-Farr, CW Baker HS, Baldwinsville, NY

In this presentation, the presenter will explain how and why she decided to implement a Free Choice Reading (FCR) Program in her high school classes at Checkpoint B and C. She will explore types of texts to use, explore how to implement accountability of students, and explain the desired learning outcomes before implementing the program. The presenter will also detail the learning outcomes that have been achieved. Resources and examples will be given along with support to implement at the Checkpoint A level.

1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

4. All For One and One For All: Building Community in a Language Classroom

Presenter(s):
Donna Tatum-Johns, Kentucky Country Day School, Louisville, KY
Michele Whaley, Pacific Northern Academy, Anchorage, AK

How can teachers build community in a fractured world while using play to build a foundation that supports language acquisition? Learn how to restructure the start of the year in a way that builds a cohesive community, creates student buy-in, improves classroom management, and facilitates language acquisition. The presenters will share activities that change the focus at the beginning of a course from rigor and strict engagement to community-building so that students feel confident interacting in a new language. Video from face-to-face and online classes in Spanish, French, and Russian will help participants envision how those activities can be part of lessons in their own classrooms.

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

5. The Inner, Outer Workshop

Presenter(s): Arlène Elizabeth Casimir, Reveye, LLC, Brooklyn, New York

The Inner, Outer Workshop is a collaborative and transformative learning study group session for educators to be nourished and supported with integrating culturally responsive, healing-centered, and trauma-informed pedagogy in their lives and in their teaching across all content areas.

Through expert customization, Arlène will design, facilitate, and evaluate responsive experiences that invite educators to take the inward journey to create sustainable outer change in their respective roles and classrooms.

Whether emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually, educators always give, hold space, and fill the cups of their colleagues, students, and families (sometimes to the point of depletion). This can especially be the case in these unprecedented times.

The question is: who fills teachers’ cups? Who holds space for and nourishes them? This workshop answers that question.

3:30–4:30 p.m.

6. Opening reception- LIVE ONLY (Not for CTLE)

Presenter(s): Alexis Thornton, Putnam Valley High School, Putnam Valley, NY

Come join us as we reflect on our first day of the summer institute and network with colleagues!

Tuesday, August 1

9:30-10:30 a.m. (TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)

7. Equitable Grading Practices in the WL Classroom

Presenter(s): Kristin Archambault, Mansfield Middle School, Mansfield, CT

What does a B in Italian or French at the end of a marking period really represent? If the grade is based on traditional grading practices, the answer is not always clear. While most language teachers want to accurately reflect student progress in developing language proficiency, traditional practices may unintentionally do just the opposite.

During this workshop, we will examine traditional grading practices that may cause inequity and offer alternatives based on ACTFL Proficiency Standards that more accurately represent what a student can really do with the language. Leave with some quick fixes that you can implement right away as well as suggestions for further study.

OR

8. Practical Strategies to Boost Student Communication

Presenter(s): Eric Jaworski, Ocean Lakes High School, Virginia Beach, VA

In this session, the presenter will share techniques and strategies that participants can incorporate in their instructional practice immediately to prompt unrehearsed communication in the World Language classroom. Scaffolding techniques for all three modes of communication will be modeled, with examples from the presenters’ own classes. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their own approach to teaching and learning and its effect on learner engagement and language proficiency. Using strategies like student-driven topics and personalized vocabulary, participants will begin the process of moving their students from rehearsed to unrehearsed communication.

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)

9. Unit Design Streamline

Presenter(s): Beckie Bray Rankin, Lexington High School, Lexington, MA

Hoping to build authentic units founded in all the good research and overwhelmed by the time required to complete the task? Pursue systemized ways to effectively compose essential questions, craft meaningful context, create performance-based assessments, and cull can do statements. Alternating between brief presentations and time to work, this session will build organization to maximize effectiveness. Regardless of your level or language, let’s work together to integrate multiple voices into the path to proficiency without sacrificing our well-being.

OR

10. Communicating Comfortably From Day One

Presenter(s): Alexandra Browne, Bay Shore Middle School, Bay Shore, NY

Getting novice-level students into the target language from the very beginning can be tough, but it’s not impossible! This session aims to equip teachers with tools to encourage total use of the target language from the first day of school- from games, to language supports, to assessments, there is always something you can use to keep your students speaking and help lower their affective filter! Examples provided in Spanish but can be adapted to any language.

1:00–2:00 p.m. (TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)

11. Expanding Your PLN Using Social Media

Presenter(s): Anna Cartwright, Orchard Park High School, Orchard Park, NY

A Professional Learning Network (PLN) is a set of digital connections that a teacher establishes with other teachers. With the internet providing us with so many ways to connect, teachers today are connecting with other teachers from all over the globe to discuss pedagogy, content, and best practices. During this session, we’ll discuss how to set up a professional social media account, ideal for connecting with other teachers. We’ll also discuss how to connect with other World Languages teachers using hashtags, live chats, and discussion groups.

OR

12. Choosing Intentionally: Edtech in the Early Language Class

Presenter(s): Glenda De Hoyos, The Langley School, Fairfax, VA

The goal of this session is to model ideas for using different ed-tech tools in the Early Language classroom, focusing on the backward design and planning with the mindset of Less-but-Better. In a time in which there is a tendency to believe that more is better and, as teachers, we might feel the pressure to do, cover, and use more resources, it is vital to re-evaluate our why and goals so that we can be intentional about the ed-tech choices in our classes. Participants will have access to various customizable resources using different ed-tech tools. The presenter hopes this session facilitates the creation of engaging and meaningful activities that can be intentionally planned to maximize our student’s learning experience and minimize the teacher’s planning time.

2:30–3:30 p.m.

13. Our Journey Begins- Launching a New Age in Language Learning

Presenter(s): Candace Black, NYSED OBE-WL, Albany, NY

This workshop will present an update on the implementation of the revised NYS Learning Standards for World Languages set to be implemented in September of 2023 for 7th grade and the first year of any elementary program in world languages. The presenter will review available professional learning opportunities and resources as well as lay the course for future offerings in 2023-24. Ample time will be allotted for attendees to ask questions about issues related to the standards and the Seal of Biliteracy.

3:30–4:30 p.m.

14. *NEW THIS YEAR* End of Day Debrief/ Networking- LIVE ONLY (Not for CTLE)

Presenter(s): Alexis Thornton, Putnam Valley High School, Putnam Valley, NY

Need a chance to unwind and process everything you have learned? Join us this afternoon to discuss the first two days of learning, share ideas and network with colleagues!

Wednesday, August 2

9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. *TWO HOURS*

15. Reflection and Planning for Professional Growth with the Standards

Presenter(s):
Bill Heller, SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY
Dr. Joanne O’Toole, SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY

With last school year in the rear view mirror, and the challenge and excitement of a new school year ahead, teachers can leverage this “in-between” time for reflection and planning. In this session, participants will engage in guided reflection on their readiness to enact the revised NYS Learning Standards for World Languages. In breakout rooms, attendees will then talk through the challenges and opportunities they foresee in their professional journey. Presenters will offer participants resources, support, and encouragement for developing a personalized pathway for self-guided professional growth.

1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

16. **CANCELED** A Quick Chat about Clip Chats 

Presenter(s): Deirdre Kelly, Clarkstown South HS, West Nyack, NY

Looking for a fun new way to hit multiple modes in one lesson? Trying to work on updating your unit plans to meet the revised NYS standards? Clips Chats (formerly known as movie talks) are an engaging and comprehensible way to incorporate audiovisual, authentic materials in your classroom. Come learn which clips work best, how to implement clip chats in your lessons, and get a chance to practice finding your own clip and scripting your own chat! Participants will have the opportunity to find a clip and practice producing a clip chat of their own during this session.

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

17. Brain Breaks for World Language Classes

Presenter(s): Sarah Hopper, Corning-Painted Post High School, Corning, NY

This interactive webinar will include the benefits of brain breaks in the classroom. We will participate in many brain breaks. The presenter will share group challenges and how these brain breaks build community. Participants will leave with a plethora of materials to make low- prep brain breaks part of any curriculum. Come have some fun that you can bring back to your classroom!

3:30–4:30 p.m.

18. Immersion hour- LIVE ONLY

Presenter(s): Alexis Thornton, Putnam Valley High School, Putnam Valley, NY

Come enjoy an hour of socializing, networking, and comparing professional notes in the language of your choice (other than English, of course!). Bring a non-member friend and introduce them to NYSAFLT!

Thursday, August 3

9:30-10:30 a.m.

19. Come Sail With Us! Choose Your Own Adventure!- LIVE ONLY

Presenter(s): NYSAFLT Executive Members

As we arrive at our final day, we want to give attendees a chance to reflect on what they have learned so far, pose questions and discuss with fellow colleagues! Grab a cup of coffee and come join us in your choice of Breakout Rooms for lively discussions!

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)

20. Un monde de ressources au bout de vos doigts!

Presenter(s): Catherine Ousselin, Mount Vernon High School, Mount Vernon, WA

How do French educators find and organize authentic resources around which to design empowering learning experiences? How do we support student voice and identity at the local and global levels? In this session, we will explore the AATF’s curated authentic resources and the new Shared Resource platform. We will discuss the design and delivery of content-driven unit plans and communicative activities that encourage intercultural competency, inquiry, and investigation. Units, templates, and resources will be shared.

OR

21. Video Viernes: Authentic Television Series in the CI Classroom

Presenter(s): Rachel Hazen, Alden Senior High School, Alden, NY

Teachers are so fortunate that there are so many television programs available through Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. Many Spanish teachers implement Video viernes to take advantage of these programs. In this session, the presenter will demonstrate how to prepare these shows so that they are comprehensible to students, and explain how they tie into the New York State World Language standards and ACTFL standards. There will also be recommendations for pre-viewing, during viewing and post-viewing. Links will be shared from teachers who have created materials for some of these shows. Examples are in Spanish, but there are materials available in other languages through blog posts by other language teachers.

1:00-2:o0 p.m.

22. Sailing with Ease Into Each Day: High-Leverage Routines for All Levels

Presenter(s): Meredith White, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Suwanee, GA

In this workshop, participants will be charged to reflect on the daily routines and high-leverage habits that make their class a memorable experience for students rather than just memorized content. In the context of large, diverse classes, the presenter will share the ACTFL Six Core Practice hacks that make can-do and proficiency-based language teaching enjoyable and effective. Participants will receive all files used and then, in turn, work to create their own versions to fit their own needs.

2:00-3:00 p.m.

23. UnCon and Share-out – LIVE ONLY

Presenter(s): Alexis Thornton, Putnam Valley High School, Putnam Valley, NY

What have we learned? In this last hour of SI23, we will reflect together on what we have learned and how we plan to implement our new skills in our classrooms. NYSAFLT leadership will present an update on professional offerings in New York State and beyond, and we will share a brief slideshow of the highlights of the week.

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Presenters:

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Nicole Alberico-Farr is a wife, mom of 3, and a high school Spanish teacher in CNY. She has taught all levels of Spanish but has the most experience at the Checkpoint B/C levels. She organizes elementary enrichment programs and leads student trips to Spain regularly. She is an active member of the professional regional organization of LECNY and currently serves as President.

Trudy Anderson is excited to introduce her students to Spanish and encourages them to visualize how being proficient in a second language can open new avenues for success. She believes it is important to help students be curious about other cultures and perspectives. Trudy collaborates well with colleagues and enjoys seeing new teachers hone and improve their craft. She has been a Yale New Haven Teachers Institute Fellow, curriculum writer, coach, and presenter at conferences. Trudy was named the CT COLT Teacher of the Year in 2021 and the NECTFL 2022 Teacher of the Year. Trudy will be the keynote speaker at NYSAFLT’s Annual Conference in Syracuse, NY October 20-21, 2023!

 

Kristin Archambault has been teaching French and Spanish since the mid 90’s. Although most of her experience is at the high school level, she currently teaches middle school French in Storrs, Connecticut. She is also Vice President and Professional Development Chairperson for RIFLA (the Rhode Island Foreign Language Association) and a world language student teacher supervisor for the University of Connecticut. She has presented at the RIFLA, NECTFL, and ACTFL conferences.

Candace Black is the World Language Associate at OBEWL-NYSED. She has a B.A. in French from SUNY Potsdam and both an M.B.A./M.A.T. from the University of Rochester. A National Board-Certified Teacher, Candace taught French for 21 years. She served as an officer of NYSAFLT and was the recipient of the President’s Award from both NYSAFLT and NYSAWLA in 2021. She was elected as a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques by the French government.

 

Beckie Bray Rankin’s passion for teaching French evolved from a love of travel, food, and new ideas. Now teaching at the HS level, she focuses not only on instilling lifelong learning into her students, but also embedding important social justice and social emotional concepts into the curriculum. Professionally, she volunteers for several organizations (NECTFL, MaFLA, AATF, LILL) and personally she loves to garden, sail, cook, and practice yoga.

Alexandra Browne has been a Spanish/Dual Language teacher at Bay Shore Middle School in Bay Shore, NY since 2017. She has taught Dual Language Spanish grades 6, 7 and 8 and Spanish 1A. Alexandra is also a Flipgrid-certified educator. In her free time, Alexandra enjoys crafting, watching cheesy Netflix shows, and cooking.

 

Anna Cartwright received her Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from Nazareth College of Rochester, where she minored in Italian and obtained her teaching certifications. She completed her Master of Arts in French Cultural Studies at the NYU Institute of French Studies. She is a French teacher and World Languages Curriculum Coordinator at Orchard Park High School in Orchard Park, NY. She also sits on the Board of Directors for NYSAFLT.

Arlène Elizabeth Casimir is a Brooklyn-based educator, healer, and writer. As a Haitian-American, she recognizes the power of community, literacy, and spirituality to help others live with personal integrity, transcend their circumstances, and author their own lives. Arlène enjoys supporting teachers, families, schools, and organizations to practice the necessary inner work for equitable outer change. She is the CEO and Founder of Reveye, LLC (pronounced: rev-ai-yay), where she offers tools, strategies, and practices for transformation. Her book Trauma Responsive Pedagogy: Teaching for Healing and Transformation will be released in May 2023.

Glenda De Hoyos is a passionate educator with more than 15 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has been committed to creating inspiring, meaningful, and joyous activities that motivate students to thrive and become life-long learners. She teaches Spanish in grades preschool through 2nd grade and is the World Languages Department Chair at The Langley School in McLean, Virginia. She is the NNELL Southeast Regional Representative and the GWATFL MAP Early Language Leader.

Rachel Hazen has taught everything from 5-year-olds in a Saturday morning program to students in a course for College credit for Genesee Community college. She is presently teaching in the Alden Central School District. She has traveled to Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Honduras, Perú, and Puerto Rico. Amongst her hobbies, she loves to read, mostly historical fiction. Rachel enjoys crafts and knitting in particular.

Bill Heller has taught in public elementary, secondary, community college and undergraduate classrooms for over 40 years, including 24 years teaching Spanish at Perry High School. He has been a methods and Spanish instructor at SUNY Geneseo since 2001. Bill served as Conference Chair for the 2017 Northeast Conference (NECTFL) and is currently a member of the Executive Board and Content Advisory Panel for World Languages at the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

Sarah Hopper is certified in French, Spanish, and ENL. She has 21 years of experience. She loves to have fun with her students. She has authored several books on teaching and technology. She was selected as a PBS Digital Innovator in 2014. She has taught all levels including IB and College- Credit Courses.

Eric Jaworski is a teacher of Spanish at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach. He holds a B.A. in Spanish from ODU and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from AU. President-elect of the Foreign Language Association of Virginia, Eric also serves as the STARTALK Curriculum and Instruction Specialist in the VBCPS STARTALK Academies. He was the 2018 FLAVA World Language Teacher of the Year and a 2019 NECTFL Teacher of the Year finalist.

Deirdre Kelly has been teaching Spanish for eight years. She is currently enjoying cultivating global-minded citizens in her classroom at Clarkstown South HS while incorporating her passions for reading, CI, music brackets, DEI, and brain breaks. When she’s not making her students fall in love with the Colombian folk-pop band MORAT, she’s off dancing or solo backpacking around the world! Find her on Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, and Twitter.

Dr. Joanne O’Toole is a Professor of Modern Language Education and Interim Chair of the Curriculum and Instruction Department at SUNY Oswego. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the NYSED World Languages Content Advisory Panel and the Principal Investigator of the NYS World Language Standards Initiative. Joanne is a current NECTFL Director and a former NYSAFLT President. She regularly presents at national, state, and local professional conferences. Joanne taught Spanish for 16 years prior to entering post-secondary education.

Catherine Ousselin is a graduate of the University of Kansas with an M.A. in French Language and Literature. She teaches French 1-AP at Mount Vernon High in Washington State. Catherine is an ACTFL Board Member, (K-12 At-Large), Past PNCFL President, and the AATF Director of Social Media Integration and Curated Resources. She is a frequent presenter on curriculum design and technology integration. Catherine was the 2017 PNCFL finalist for ACTFL Teacher of the Year.

Erica Peplinski-Burge taught Spanish for 18 years to every age from pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade. She currently enjoys developing Comprehensible Input curriculum and helping teachers explore the connection between neuroscience and language acquisition as a Curriculum Manager and Teacher Trainer at Voces Digital. Erica has presented at Central States, ACTFL, MIWLA, IFLT, and school districts across the country; Erica helps organize MittenCi and CiMidwest. Erica was also the MIWLA 2020 Teacher of the Year.

Donna Tatum-Johns’ passion is twofold: teaching French using CI strategies and supporting teachers in these same techniques. Donna has been teaching French at all levels for 35 years and has been training teachers in acquisition-driven approaches for over 19 years. In addition to teaching full-time in Kentucky, she regularly presents at national, regional, and state conferences.

 

Alexis Thornton is a teacher of French and Spanish at Putnam Valley High School. She serves as the Department Coordinator of the World Languages Department. She has also proudly served as president of PoWeRFuL Educators (Putnam, Westchester Region Foreign Languages) for 18 years. At the state level, she NYSAFLT’s First Vice-President after having served on the NYSAFLT Board of Directors and various committees. She also served on the revision of the new NYS Standards Committee. When not doing everything World Language related, she spends time hiking with her super supportive husband Kris!

 

 

Michele Whaley was a 2017 ACTFL TOY finalist, having received multiple state and regional awards. Teaching with Comprehensible Input turned language acquisition into a true collaboration with students and contributed to strong classroom communities. Retired from public school, Michele is now “Profe” to her elementary Spanish school students. She teaches post-secondary Russian online. Michele is thrilled when she can help teachers find their way to methods that make teaching joyous.

 

 

 

Meredith White is a Spanish I and II teacher and Instructional Technology Coach in Metro Atlanta, GA, Gwinnett County Public Schools. She has been teaching for 15 years and was the Peachtree Ridge High School 2019 Teacher of the Year as well as the 2020 Georgia World Language Teacher of the Year. Meredith is also a LILL Advocate!