Click Here to Register
Register for up to 25 hours of online workshops or select just the individual workshops you would like to attend. If needed for school district PO payment: NYSAFLT W-9.
RATES:
Full Institute – up to 25 hours – $200
Up to 10 hours – $150
5 hours – $75
4 hours – $60
3 hours – $45
2 hours- $30
1 hour- $15
Full-time student – 25 hours – $50
Full-time student – 7 hours – $25
Scholarship Recipient (full conference) $100
If you are a member of a World Language organization outside of New York State and would like to attend this event, please email info@nysaflt.org
Apply for a $100 Scholarship
Sponsored by Klett World Languages
This year we will offer five $100 scholarships applicable toward registration expenses. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is July 15, 2024. Click here to apply.
FLES Strand 2024
This year our FLES strand will be spread over several workshops throughout the week. Among our amazing presenters, we have FLES teachers: Joshua Cabral, Marissa Coulehan, Colleen Haggarty, Laura Deighan, and Wesley Wood. While these workshops will be presented with a focus on the early language community, we are confident that they will also appeal to a broad audience of educators from all levels! There are also many workshops that are designed to include all levels and include presentations by: Joanne O’Toole, Lori Langer de Ramirez and Bill Heller, Candace Black, Kristin Archambault, Deirdre Kelly, Sarah Woodward-Jones, Leslie Grahn, Anna Domingo, Stephanie Newvine, Josh Wigle-Harris, Meredith White and more!
FLES Teacher Scholarship
Are you a FLES teacher? Apply for a Hahn FLES teacher scholarship. Two scholarships, up to $500, are available each year for a FLES teacher to attend a conference. Details are in the Members Only area of our website.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Workshops and Presenters
Detailed Schedule
Monday, July 29
9:30-10:30 a.m.
1. Sorry (not sorry), But They WILL Keep Asking
Presenter(s): Joshua Cabral, Brookwood School, Manchester, MA
“Can we play a game?” Embrace the request and discover 10 activities that can be easily adapted to any language or level. Fill your teacher toolbox with ways for students to engage enthusiastically and authentically with the target language in all modes. Best part? Most don’t require much prep.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
2. AI in Language Education: Ethical Integration and Practical Applications
Presenter(s): Celia Chomón Zamora, ACTFL, Alexandria, VA
Join this dynamic workshop tailored for language educators, designed to explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in language teaching. As AI reshapes educational methods, it brings unique ethical challenges, particularly in areas of bias, privacy, and responsible use. This session offers insights into effectively and ethically incorporating AI into language education, enhancing personalized learning while addressing potential pitfalls. It includes a practical demonstration of AI tools for tasks like language assessment and interactive learning. Engage in discussions, share experiences, and discover how AI can ethically transform language education, equipping you with essential knowledge and tools for the evolving educational landscape.
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
(TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)
3. Live it
Presenter(s): Sarah Woodward-Jones, Fayetteville-Manlius Schools, Minoa, NY
This session is all about leveraging shared experiences for use in the World Language classroom. This will include ideas for making the most of field trips, in class experiences, virtual field trips, school wide events and more. Tapping into experiential learning strategies can allow teachers opportunities for community building within our classes, creating engaging content for revised New York State Standard aligned performance tasks and even addressing that very difficult to incorporate community standard! Examples in French.
OR
4. Teach Grammar in the Target Language – Practical Tips and Suggestions
Presenter(s): Lisa Showers, St. Paul Public Schools, St. Paul, MN
3 words: Meaning Before Form. That is the heart of teaching verbs and grammar points in the target language in a way that is manageable for us and relatable for our students. This 1-hour session will briefly explain the intersection of language functions and can-do statements with standard grammar points that we teach at all levels. Let’s continue a critical conversation that impacts our World Language students. Examples are in French but the overall tips and suggestions are applicable across many languages.
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)
5. Maximizing Impact
Presenter(s): Colleen Haggarty, Lakewood/Strawtown Elementary Schools, Nyack, NY
Laura Deighan, Bardonia/West Nyack/Birchwood Elementary Schools
We have all been there: it’s Friday night, and you’re sitting on the couch, watching Bravo, laminating and cutting out materials you made for your class. Then you use the game on Monday, and never use it again! You spent more time creating it than actually using it! We are here to show you how you can create quality materials that can serve multiple purposes, and can be used across grade levels to save us time in lesson planning and preparation.
OR
6. The Role of Authentic Conversation in Language Learning
Presenter(s): Marisol Marcin, Binghamton University, NY
Discover the transformative power of authentic conversation in language learning at our workshop tailored for Spanish educators. This engaging session explores practical strategies to infuse real-world conversations into your teaching, emphasizing their vital role in fostering both linguistic mastery and cultural understanding. Experience first-hand interactive activities that showcase the effectiveness of conversation-driven teaching. Together, we’ll uncover methods to integrate these techniques into your classroom, aiming to heighten student engagement and advance communication skills. Join us for a dynamic exploration of conversational pedagogy, where you’ll gain insights and tools to invigorate your language classes, creating an immersive and interactive learning environment that resonates with students.
3:30–4:30 p.m.
7. Opening reception- LIVE ONLY (Not for CTLE)
Presenter(s): Wendy Mercado, Bay Shore Middle School, Bay Shore, NY
Come join us as we reflect on our first day of the summer institute and network with colleagues!
Tuesday, July 30
9:30-10:30 a.m.
8. NYSED World Language Standards Panel Reprised
Presenter(s):
Candace Black, NYSED OBE-WL, Albany, NY
Dr. Joanne O’Toole, SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY
Bill Heller, SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY
Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, The Dalton School, NY
In 2020, the NYSED World Language Standards Panel gave NYSAFLT Summer Institute participants a view of what was to come. In 2024, the Panel returns to ensure that you are up-to-date regarding standards implementation, resources, and opportunities, and to answer your questions. Join us for an update, another look ahead, and a Q & A session.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)
9. Mad Monster Party: Authentic Communication with Comprehensible Creatures
Presenter(s): Wesley Wood, Bullis School, Potomac, MD
Monsters have always been and will always be a source of curiosity for students. Why? Because these creatures come in all shapes and sizes, appear almost ubiquitously in mythology, and provide for some hilarious moments in the physical or virtual classroom. Monsters are language teachers’ best friends because they can be used in so many ways beyond a myth reading. A frequent complaint in early levels of language classes is that the material is often not compelling enough and too noticeably repetitive. This session aims to remedy that persistent problem by sharing a month’s worth of ready-to-use monstrous resources and beastly guides for the novice-level classroom (and above) to assist in the pursuit of authentic communication.
OR
10. The First Days of School: Setting Up for Success in the World Language Classroom
Presenter(s): Kristin Archambault, Mansfield MS, Storrs, CT
The initial days of a school year set the tone for the entire learning journey, particularly in world language classrooms. This presentation aims to highlight the pivotal importance of these early days in shaping students’ attitudes, engagement, and success in studying a new language. We’ll talk about how time spent in the first days of school lays the groundwork for future success as the year goes on. By cultivating community, establishing expectations and routines, and building student confidence, world language teachers at all levels can set their students on the path to linguistic proficiency and intercultural competence.
1:00–2:00 p.m. (TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)
11. Narrative Nourishment: Crafting Comprehensible Input through the Art of Story Asking
Presenter(s): Anna Domingo, West Islip HS, West Islip, NY
“🚀 Break Free from Unit Rut: Unleash the Power of Story Asking! 📚✨ Unsure how to click with the kiddos? Let them take the wheel using the magical method of story asking! 🚗💨 It’s the comprehensible input strategy that transforms students into the driving force of your class, ensuring not just learning but enthusiastic buy-in. 🌟In this session you’ll dive into a story ask demo, and walk away armed with a treasure trove of ideas and resources for the post-story-asking adventure! 🎉 Let’s turn the mundane into the extraordinary! 🌈🚀 #StoryAskingMagic #EngageAndEnchant”
OR
12. Approaches to Generative AI in the World Language Classroom
Presenter(s): Dan Edwards, Pine Bush CSD/Marist College & Kevin Gaugler, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Join us to explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into World Language teaching. This session aims to equip language educators with the knowledge and tools to effectively incorporate AI into teaching practices. During this session, we will delve into fundamental concepts of AI and introduce you to innovative AI tools. We will also showcase practical and creative ways in which AI can be utilized to enhance language learning experiences for students. In addition to exploring the current applications of AI in WL teaching, we will also discuss strategies for implementing AI-driven approaches effectively as well as some of the limitations of this emerging educational technology.
2:30–3:30 p.m.
13. Re-thinking Special Education & the World Language Classroom
Presenter(s): Joshua Wigle-Harris, East Irondequoit CSD, Irondequoit, NY
The needs of our students are ever growing and unique. As a World Language teacher, sometimes meeting these needs can be difficult. Learn how our collaborative team of language teachers, administration and paraprofessional staff are making changes to structures and building in supports at East Irondequoit Middle School. You will see how our team has taken the leap and are thinking outside of the box, trying new things to best serve our students. You will see how we have created co-taught sections and use paraprofessional staff expertise during instruction. Come learn how you too can advocate for support in the World Language classrooms in your district.
3:30–4:30 p.m.
14. End of Day Debrief/ Networking- LIVE ONLY (Not for CTLE)
Presenter(s): Wendy Mercado, Bay Shore MS, Bay Shore, 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, July 31
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
15. Teaching for Today: Building a More Inclusive World Language Curriculum
Presenter(s): Allison Perryman, The Cultural Classroom, Woodbridge
Did you know that according to 2020 data, the US Department of Education found that students other than white collectively made up more than 50% of the K-12 Public School population? – This marks a historic demographic shift in US public school education. How can the growing diversity of the world, country, and student body be reflected naturally and authentically in the world language classroom? Using Spanish as an example, we can examine various cultural contacts and intersections. This will not only increase the visibility of marginalized groups in the classroom and create a more inclusive space, but also create global and empathetic citizens, helping them to interact with cultural competency and understanding.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
(TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)
16. Sneaky Input: Strategies to Mix Up the Interpretive Mode
Presenter(s): Stephanie Newvine, General Brown Jr-Sr HS, Dexter, NY
Sometimes the interpretive mode can seem dry, especially when listening to or reading a passage multiple times. However, when we mix it up and provide students with engaging opportunities for target language input it can be a lot of fun! In this workshop I share various activities I use in my classroom to enhance instruction in the interpretive mode. The strategies include ways to make interpretive tasks more interactive and game-like, enticing students to re-read or re-listen for additional input, and building classroom community at the same time. The majority of activities can be easily implemented with very limited prep, helping teachers to bring more JOY to their classrooms- without added work!
OR
17. The Mindset Behind Effective Classroom Management
Presenter(s): Gina Lanfranchi Grubbs, Massapequa Schools, Massapequa, NY
Students will inevitably do what they are not supposed to do. It is not always easy to respond to them effectively with authority and kindness when they push our buttons. The aim of this presentation is to cultivate the mindset of an effective classroom manager. We will discuss what goes on in our brains when students go against our rules and procedures, and we will navigate actionable steps that teachers can implement right away to make better decisions when disruptions occur so their can classes can run smoothly.
1:00–2:00 p.m. (TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)
18. Get Creative with Canva
Presenter(s): Erin Johnson, Penn Yan Academy, Penn Yan, NY
Do you get tired of seeing your students turn in the same presentations and projects over and over? What if there was a way you could have your students do the same assignments but get more creative products from them? In this presentation the presenter will introduce you to Canva (psst – it’s free for educators!). She will show you how the creativity of her students’ work has increased as they have used Canva more. Learn about some of the work and projects that students have done and see examples of how creative they have been. You will also have a chance to try out Canva and see how creative you can be!
OR
CANCELED – 19. Leveraging Engaging Strategies for Cultural Competence
Presenter(s): Tracy Rucker, Louisville Collegiate School
Tracy Rucker will share strategies on organizing student-centered activities, techniques on using the target language to communicate effectively, and effective tips on using comprehensible input to motivate diverse learners. Learn how to leverage low-prep communicative activities in co-created learning environments. Rucker will demonstrate how he leverages level-up vocabulary and scaffolding tools with technology to motivate learners.
2:30–3:30 p.m.
20. AI in the World Language Classroom: What The TECH Do We Do Now?
Presenter(s): Meredith White, Collins Hill HS, Gwinnett Co. Public Schools, Suwanee, GA
Does thinking about generative AI in your classroom This presentation will focus on alleviating the fears that World Language teachers have with emerging generative Artificial Intelligence so that they can see it can be useful. Specifically, Meredith will focus on Twee, Question Well, Diffit, Tome, Goblin Tools, Magic School AI ChatGPT, and a few more. From the perspective of a classroom teacher, the examples will be both relatable and practical and all resources shown will be shared with attendees.
3:30-4-30 p.m.
21. Immersion hour- LIVE ONLY
Presenter(s): Wendy Mercado, Bay Shore MS, Bay Shore, 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 1
9:30-10:30 a.m.
(TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)
22. Structure and Novelty: Finding the Balance
Presenter(s): Marissa Coulehan, Springhurst ES, Dobbs Ferry, NY
It is widely understood that facilitating world language acquisition for novice level students is like a delicate dance. How does one find the right balance between having a predictable learning space while leaving room for spontaneity? In this workshop, teachers will learn how to integrate structured routines as well as how to skillfully introduce novelty to keep checkpoint A students on their toes. You will leave with some fresh, new ideas for the upcoming school year!
OR
23. “We can have fun too!” Proficiency Based Games at Checkpoint B/C
Presenter(s): Nicole Alberico-Farr, CW Baker HS, Baldwinsville, NY
Students always appreciate a good game in the classroom. In this workshop I will share some games I regularly use in my proficiency-based classroom. These are games that combine targeted vocab or grammar structures or review content in a manner that demands students’ full attention and motivates through friendly competition and the desire to succeed. These activities will maximize students’ input or output. You will have low tech and moderate tech games as well as low-moderate prep, but yield high results with student engagement!
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (TWO OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE)
24. 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.
OR
25. Why Are We Even Doing This?
Presenter(s): Mike Travers, Wellesley High School, Wellesley, MA
In teaching, we talk about how everything we do in our classrooms needs to have a purpose. But is that purpose to practice language or to really get our students communicating about something that interests them? Join us for this session as we take a look at ways we can transform lessons in the 3 modes of communication into tasks that compel students to learn and communicate in the target language.
1:00-2:00 p.m.
26. Getting More Mileage out of Authentic Resources
Presenter(s): Leslie Grahn, Howard County Public Schools (retired), Clarksville, MD
Searching for and curating authentic resources to serve as the contexts for lesson tasks can be very time-consuming. In particular, selecting a different authentic resource for every lesson task can seem insurmountable. During this interactive session, participants will explore strategies for extending an authentic resource across communicative modes, task types, and student groupings in a connected and integrated way. A variety of examples of lesson sequences and a template will be provided to get more communicative “mileage” out of a single authentic resource.
2:15-3:15 p.m.
27. UnCon and Share-out – LIVE ONLY
Presenter(s): Wendy Mercado, Bay Shore MS, Bay Shore, NY
What have we learned? In this last hour of SI24, 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.
Presenters:
Nicole Alberico-Farr is the 2023 NYSAFLT Teacher of the Year. With over 20 years experience as a Spanish teacher she has taught levels 1-AP, is a current Seal of Biliteracy advisor and coordinates student trips to Spain. Nicole is also a mom of 3, wife and active PTA member in the children’s schools.
Kristin Archambault is a veteran teacher of French and Spanish. She currently teaches middle school French in Storrs, Connecticut. She is also president of RIFLA (Rhode Island for Language Association) and a former world language student teacher supervisor for the University of Connecticut. She has presented at the RIFLA, NECTFL, and ACTFL conferences on topics such as motivation, grading practices, classroom management, and authentic resources.
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.
Joshua Cabral has been teaching French and Spanish for 27 years. He regularly presents workshops at state, regional and national conferences. Joshua has done extensive graduate work in Applied Linguistics and consults with schools and districts working toward building proficiency-based programs. Joshua is passionate about access to education and also works closely with schools in Haiti and Nicaragua. He is also the host of the World Language Classroom Podcast.
Marissa Coulehan is an elementary Spanish teacher currently teaching second through fifth grade Spanish in Dobbs Ferry, NY. She teaches the New York State FLES certification course at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. Marissa is a NYSAFLT Past President, former NNELL executive secretary, and Past Chair of the ACTFL Language Learning for Children special interest group.
Anna Domingo, M.A. in Italian Language and Literature from Stony Brook, is an experienced educator at West Islip High School. Contributing actively to her profession. Anna, a dynamic educator with a decade of experience, consistently refines her teaching methods to offer a comprehensible and confidence-building language learning journey in Spanish and/or Italian.
Dan Edwards is a Spanish Teacher at Pine Bush High School in and an Adjunct Instructor of Spanish at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. With an Ed.D in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education from Indiana University, his research interests include the motivation of L2 students in the classroom environment and the role of AI in education and language acquisition. Dan was a 2019 NYSAFLT Leader of Tomorrow and is the current president of ALOUD.
Dr. Kevin Gaugler, Professor of Spanish and Assistant Dean at Marist College, New York, won the 2010 ACTFL Technology Teaching Award. He authored a chapter on modern technology in language education for the “Teacher’s Handbook” (5th edition, Cengage Learning) and has been featured in The Language Educator, Campus Technology Magazine, NPR, and PBS for his innovative instructional methods.
Leslie Grahn has 27 years of teaching experience and twelve years of experience at the central office level as Coordinator of World Languages for Howard County Public Schools in Maryland. She curates and creates resources to support language teaching and learning and shares them through her website (www.grahnforlang.com) and on Pinterest (grahnforlang). Leslie is the co-author of The Keys to Strategies for Language Instruction and has served on the boards of NECTFL, NADSFL and ACTFL.
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).
My name is Colleen Haggarty and I am an elementary Spanish teacher in the Clarkstown Central School District in New York. I teach Spanish to grades K-5. This is my 8th year teaching FLES. I previously taught English to high school students in Madrid, Spain. I am truly passionate about teaching early language learning.
My name is Laura Deighan and I am an elementary Spanish teacher in the Clarkstown Central School District in New York. I teach Spanish to grades K-5. This is my 7th year teaching FLES and I absolutely love it! I previously taught high school-level Spanish in a nearby high school.
Erin Johnson is a high school French teacher at Penn Yan Academy, teaching levels 1-5. She has taught 6-12 French and Spanish throughout her career. She holds a B.A. in French Ed from Juniata College and a Masters as a Ed. Tech Specialist from Nazareth University. She has presented at many different conferences. She uses background and strong student relationships to make her classes student centered and communicative for all to succeed.
Deirdre Kelly has been teaching Spanish for nine 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, and Instagram.
Gina Lanfranchi Grubbs is a French teacher at Berner Middle School in Massapequa NY. She has been teaching for the past ten years. During that time, she gleaned from professional organizations such as LILT, NYSAFLT, and ACTFL. She is new to presenting, and is excited to share with this amazing group of language educators. When she is not thinking about teaching, she loves spending time with her family, friends and Jesus.
Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez began her language teaching career as a teacher of Spanish, French, and ESL. She holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is currently the K-12 Chair of World and Classical Languages & Global Language Initiatives at the Dalton School in New York City. She also serves as an Executive Committee Member and Curriculum Specialist on the World Language Content Advisory Panel for the New York State Education Department World Languages Standards and Professional Development Initiative. Lori is the author of books, texts, and articles about language teaching and learning and multicultural education. She presents workshops at local, regional, and national conferences and works with teachers in schools throughout the U.S. and around the world. Her website (www.miscositas.com) offers free materials for teaching Chinese, English, French, and Spanish.
Marisol Marcin, with over 20 years in language education, teaches Spanish and English from K-12 to university levels. Presently serving as the Second Vice President of NYSAFLT, she specializes in language acquisition, educational technology, and heritage language instruction. Marisol participated in the revision of the NY world language standards and has presented at multiple educational conferences on topics related to language education.
Dr. Joanne O’Toole is a Professor of Modern Language Education in 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 has served as NYSAFLT President, as a NECTFL Director, and is a regular presenter at professional conferences. Joanne taught Spanish for 16 years prior to entering post-secondary education.
Stephanie Newvine teaches Spanish at General Brown Junior-Senior High School in Dexter, NY. She currently teaches pre-Checkpoint A (8th grade), Checkpoint A, and 12th grade (dual enrollment through Jefferson Community College), and coordinates the school Seal of Biliteracy program. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband, toddler & baby, reading, being outside, and hiking.
Allison Perryman has over a decade of experience as a Spanish teacher. She has studied Spanish, French, and Latin during her career and has a Master’s from Middlebury College in Spanish Linguistics. Allison loves helping teachers as the founder of The Cultural Classroom. She is a mother and lover of culture. has over a decade of experience as a Spanish teacher. She has studied Spanish, French, and Latin during her career and has a Master’s from Middlebury College in Spanish Linguistics. Allison loves helping teachers as the founder of The Cultural Classroom. She is a mother and lover of culture.
Tracy Rucker studied French at The University of the South and Middlebury College; he participated in theater and specialized in studies of the Francophone world. An award-winning world language teacher with more than 25 years of teaching experience, Rucker has traveled to France, Quebec, and Costa Rica. He creates meaning for 21st century learners by discussing real-life topics, like body positivity, harassment in schools, identity, and global awareness, as diversity and Inclusion reflect skill-building.
Lisa Showers currently supports K-12 Immersion and World Language teachers in St Paul, MN. She has over 34 years of 6-12 classroom experience teaching French in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Additionally, she has 20 years of National Board Certification and previously taught K-12 World Language Methodology courses for 19 years at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. At her presentations, the goal is to expand professional conversations and present ideas for continued growth.
Mike Travers is a Spanish teacher at Wellesley High School in Massachusetts and has taught learners both Spanish/French at the novice/intermediate levels. Mike is very active in professional learning communities through MAFLA, NECTFL, and ACTFL, where he presents, facilitates or participates in workshops to continue learning more about proficiency-based teaching. He has presented on the topics of grammar, curriculum writing and language learning and the brain. Apart from conferences, Mike is the vice president of MAFLA.
For 16 years, Meredith White taught Spanish in both Tennessee and Georgia. Focused on novices, her work with students ingrained proficiency-based teaching, comprehensible input, technology, and helping make learning Spanish fun. In March of 2023, she transitioned to an Instructional Technology support role to help more teachers in all content areas with both their teaching and technology use (or even paring down). She often presents and shares resources at local, state, regional, and national conferences.
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 teaches Spanish and is serving as the World Languages Curriculum Leader at East Irondequoit Middle School. He is the NYSAFLT Rochester Regional Conference Co-Chair, a member of the Annual Conference Planning Committee as A/V Co-Chair, served on the NYSAFLT Awards Selection and Strategic Planning Committees. He’s also part of the NYS WL Leadership Council.
Wesley Wood is a middle and high school Latin (and sometimes French) teacher in Rockville, Maryland. He is in his seventh year of teaching, with Master’s degrees in Classics from the University of Colorado Boulder and in Foreign Language Education from Miami University – Ohio. ln 2022, Wesley was Teacher of the Year for the Greater Washington DC Association of World Language Teachers and was selected as a Mead Fellow for NECTFL.
Sarah Woodward-Jones is a World Language Curriculum Coordinator and National Board certified French teacher at Fayetteville-Manlius Schools, in the Syracuse Suburbs. She has been teaching French both middle and high school for the past 17 years. Outside of school, she is an avid reader, Girl Scout leader and mother of two school aged daughters.
Dr. Celia Chomón Zamora, CAE currently serves as ACTFL’s Director of Professional Learning and Certification. She has worked for over 15 years as a K-12 language teacher and administrator in public and private school settings, a postsecondary language program instructor, assistant director, and researcher. Dr. Zamora completed her doctoral degree in Spanish Applied Linguistics from Georgetown University, where she was awarded the Harold N. Glassman Distinguished Dissertation Award in the social sciences.
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