Workshops
Thursday, July 29, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
1. Inquiring Minds Want to Know! Panel Discussion with NYSED
Presenter(s):
Candace Black, NYSED, Albany, NY
Bill Heller, SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY
Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, The Dalton School, New York, NY
Joanne O’Toole, SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY
Summer Institute kicks off with a panel discussion featuring World Languages Associate Candace Black and members of the Executive Committee of the Content Advisory Panel for World Languages at the NYS Education Department. Participants will have the chance to submit questions in advance and in real time about the content and implementation of the new NYS Learning Standards for World Languages (2021). Take advantage of this opportunity to clarify and deepen your understanding of the standards, proficiency targets, performance indicators, and content topics and themes.
Thursday, July 29, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
2. Q & A: Having Conversations about Race in World Language Classrooms
Presenter(s):
Angèle Kingué, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA
Participants are asked to view Dr. Kingué’s webinar, Having Conversations about Race In foreign Language Classrooms, prior to attending this Q & A session. https://www.nectfl.org/archivedwebinars/ As educators we must address the crisis of structural racism. In this session, the presenter examines the most effective ways to have conversations about race and social justice in world language classrooms, focusing on strategies to prepare students to interrogate and challenge misconceptions and untruths that lead to structural inequality. We’ll discuss activities and strategies that promote critical thinking and agency for social change, using seminal texts by Tiffany Jewell, Ibram X. Kendi, and Maboula Soumahoro, as well as a rich variety of on-line resources, among others. Examples will be in French, but the topic is applicable to all.
Thursday, July 29, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
3. Finding LGBTQ+ Voices in the World Language Classroom
Presenter(s):
Joseph Parodi-Brown, Marianapolis Preparatory School, Thompson CT
A critical component of creating classrooms that are centered in social justice is ensuring that every student can see themself. This webinar will offer language educators a glimpse at research about creating learning environments that are welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ+ students and offer suggestions on how that research can inform a language classroom. The presenter will offer suggestions on where to find authentic resources that are inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community and will discuss the challenges of discussing gendered languages with students who increasingly acknowledge nonbinary identities.
Thursday, July 29, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
4. Social Hour: Opening Reception
Presenter(s):
Marissa Coulehan, Dobbs Ferry UFSD, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Join us as we kick off the Summer Institute with some fun music-themed games like Name That Tune and even a NYSA-Kahoot!
Friday, July 30, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
5. Sustaining a Culturally Responsive Classroom
Presenter(s):
Diana Clark Perez, Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, Syracuse, NY
Ingrid Paredes, Syracuse STEM @ Blodgett, Syracuse, NY
Cultural intolerance, racism, and biases can show up in our schools, communities, and daily lives. To challenge and address this, teachers must develop skills in creating classrooms that are culturally responsive and sustaining. In this session, participants will explore the contexts, terminologies, and their own personal experiences in order to address their biases and their impact on students. The session will allow for opportunities to dialogue and create an initial action plan. Participants should have a basic understanding of Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education.
Friday, July 30, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
6. Got Articulation?*
Presenter(s):
Flor Berman, Saint David’s School, New York, NY
Victoria Gilbert, Saint David’s School, New York, NY
Learn what articulation is and how it can reinvigorate your program to examine it from various perspectives. If you understand where you want to go you are more likely to be able to get there. Join other teachers, administrators and WL supervisors to discuss, brainstorm and design solutions to articulation problems that can support your goals. See case studies of different schools and how decisions made impacted student achievement. Leave with a plan and contacts for others searching for improved program outcomes. Work together with other educators to plan for proficiency through articulated curricula, common assessments and how to implement a cohesive vision.
*FLES Strand, but open to all levels.
Friday, July 30, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
7. Roomies, Zoomies, and Everywhere in Between: Where Do We Go From Here?
Presenter(s):
Meredith White, Peachtree Ridge HS, Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA
In this workshop, attendees will reflect on the lessons from the 2020-221 school year with students, proficiency, organization, and how it all fits together going forward. What went well that we’ll keep doing? What lessons did we learn as a result of a pandemic that would’ve benefited us before? What cracks in the system were illuminated, never to be ignored again? Using these three questions as a guide, as well as humor and candor for levity, Meredith will chronicle her successes and failures with all (editable) resources/tools provided during and after for attendees’ use. Come ready to contemplate what did and didn’t work for you as well as your direction going forward for 2021-22!
Friday, July 30, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
8. Immersion Hour
Presenter(s):
Marissa Coulehan, Dobbs Ferry UFSD, Dobbs Ferry, 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!
Monday, August 2, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
9. Metacognitive Language Strategies for Struggling Students
Presenter(s):
Jim Ventosa, The McDonogh School, Baltimore MD
While we are familiar with the core practices for language education, some of our students are not. As a result, they often struggle in a proficiency-oriented classroom because they’re not preparing themselves for what they’re going to be asked to do. Participants will leave with talking points to help students and parents understand what approach will be the most beneficial, activities to train the students to better function in a proficiency-oriented classroom, and suggestions for modifications to meet some students halfway.
Monday, August 2, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
10. Mirrors and Windows in The World Language Class*
Presenter(s):
Glenda De Hoyos, The Langley School, Fairfax, VA
The world language class objective for students is not only to learn a language but also to develop cultural competency. Our students should aim to be global citizens that value and respect themselves and others and that work toward a more equal, fair and sustainable world. This is why today, more than ever, it is important that we plan lessons in which all our students can be reflected and valued. It is our responsibility as educators to provide opportunities in which our students learn from other cultures, traditions, beliefs, and ideas with respect and empathy. The goal of this session is for teachers to learn about the concept of “mirrors” and “windows” guided by the presenter’s journey in reaching this goal for her own classes.
*FLES Strand, but open to all levels.
Monday, August 2, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
11. Fresh Eyes: Seeing Work through the Lens of Proficiency
Presenter(s):
Amanda Robustelli-Price, Enfield High School, Enfield, CT
What does it mean to see students in the world language classroom through the lens of proficiency? In this workshop, the presenter will talk about her own shift in classroom practice from a more “traditional” grammar and vocabulary-based program to one focused on communication in the target language, and she will share strategies for those who are working to include a proficiency focus in their classrooms and programs. Participants will explore shifting mindsets for a variety of stakeholders, some key ideas in language acquisition, program goals, assessments, using authentic resources, planning for lessons, and – most importantly – the joy of making communication central to teaching and learning and of “letting go” of certain practices.
Tuesday, August 3, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
12. These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: WL Style
Presenter(s):
Erin Johnson, Penn Yan Academy, Penn Yan, NY
Everyone has their favorite tools, lessons and units that they look forward to using and teaching each year. In this session the presenter will share ten of her favorites with explanations, examples and materials for you to be able to turn them into some of your favorites too! Favorites range from mini units, to specific assignments, to general strategies and activities that can be used at any time. Some of the favorites include Google Earth Projects, a mini unit on The Voice, Fabrice Monteiro’s photography and so much more!
Tuesday, August 3, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
13. Collaborative Slides and PowerPoints for Hybrid and Virtual Student Engagement
Presenter(s):
Samantha Decker, Maple Avenue Middle School, Saratoga Springs, NY
Learn to harness the power of PowerPoint and similar programs to both formatively and summatively assess students across the three modes! These activities and assessments are perfect for hybrid and virtual lessons, where many of the students are at home, and you can monitor every student’s progress as they participate. Ideas are presented by a teacher of middle level novice French learners, but the format can be adapted to just about any level or language.
Tuesday, August 3, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
14. Using Social Media as Authentic Text
Presenter(s):
Leslie Grahn, Independent Consultant, Clarksville, MD
Guiding learners to interpret authentic text is one of ACTFL’s high-leverage teaching practices. During this workshop, we will explore ways to tap into Generation Z students’ interest in social media as an avenue to engaging them in learning in the target language using authentic text. Discover ways you can use memes, authentic tweets, and Instagram posts to provide real world context for student language learning. Gain strategies for using social media for a variety of purposes in your lesson plans.
Wednesday, August 4, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
15. Putting it All Together: Curriculum Design with the NYS WL Standards
Presenter(s):
Bill Heller, SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY
Joanne O’Toole, SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY
Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, The Dalton School, New York, NY
Explore ways to use the elements of the NYS Learning Standards for World Languages (2o21) to begin to create a cohesive and articulated curriculum. The standards, proficiency benchmarks, performance indicators, and themes and topics, provide the framework for language departments to create engaging courses that will help learners develop communicative proficiency and intercultural competence. Participants will reflect on the strengths and limitations of their own current programs and consider ways to strengthen instruction using these new tools.
Wednesday, August 4, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
16. Reading is FUNdamental: Our Top 10 Tried & True Engagement Activities!*
Presenter(s):
Samara Spielberg, The Allen-Stevenson School, New York, NY
Stephen Krawec, The Allen-Stevenson School, New York, NY
Do you know that collective buzz that radiates throughout your class when students hear the word movie? Or iPads? Or playground? Well, we want to transfer that feeling to reading. ¡Sí se puede! Join us as we share a host of no- and low-prep games, activities, and scaffolds that will excite students and liven up your next reading unit. Whether you’re working with a poem, short story, or full novel, our strategies meet the needs of all learners, are fully customizable, and range in intellectual lift from basic comprehension to higher-order thinking and synthesis. This workshop is perfect for those who are looking for engagement strategies and inspiration as they take their (remote or face-to-face) instruction to the next level.
*FLES Strand, but open to all levels.
Wednesday, August 4, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
17. Social Hour: Closing Reception
Presenter(s):
Marissa Coulehan, Dobbs Ferry UFSD, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Connect with your NYSA-friends during our closing reception. Find out who are the crew mates and who are the imposters as we engage in a NYSAFLT version of Among Us!
Thursday, August 5, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
18. The Standards Presenting an Opportunity to Better Develop Alignment Across the Levels
Presenter(s):
Marisol Marcin, Binghamton University, Binghamton
Post-secondary school is slowly aligning with the new approaches to world language teaching, but we still have a deep attachment to teaching about the language and assessing linguistic competence through the lens of grammar. This session addresses the development of courses and units at different levels to promote a more culture-oriented and communicative classroom and encourage language learning beyond the requirements. The presenter will also share best practices for world language teaching with a focus on culture and communication.
Thursday, August 5, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
19. Using Information-Gap Activities to Promote Communication in the World Language Classroom*
Presenter(s):
Helena Curtain, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (retired), Milwaukee, WI
Rebecca Aubrey, Timothy Edwards Middle School, South Windsor, CT
Students are more engaged in learning another language when they are empowered to use it, no matter what their level is. Information gap activities provide a reason and a meaningful context for learners to speak with each other. In this session, participants will develop an understanding of what an information gap activity is, and what it is not, and how they can be used to promote interpersonal communication and build proficiency. Participants will explore a variety of information gap activities for different levels and ages, as well as how they can be differentiated and adapted for virtual learning if necessary.
*FLES Strand, but open to all levels.
Thursday, August 5, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
20. Leading Change with the NYS WL Standards
Presenter(s):
Bill Heller, SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY
Lori Langer de Ramírez, The Dalton School, New York, NY
Joanne O’Toole SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY
Change can be difficult and scary, but good change, rooted in trustworthy research and supported with concrete resources and methodology, can reap rewarding results for learners and teachers alike. Whether you are a district supervisor, a department chair or a classroom teacher, all can have an important leadership role in successful program development through words, actions and example. This session will empower leaders to consider ways to facilitate change and implement new ideas in ways that will entice innovation and avoid the challenges of poorly implemented initiatives.
Thursday, August 5, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
21. UnCon and Share-out – LIVE ONLY
Presenter(s):
Marissa Coulehan, Dobbs Ferry UFSD, Dobbs Ferry, NY
What have we learned? In this last hour, 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
Rebecca Aubrey
Timothy Edwards Middle School, South Windsor, CT
Rebecca Aubrey has over 20 years of teaching experience at the college level, and 12 years of experience teaching Spanish in grades K-8. Rebecca presents broadly around the country on topics like differentiation, thematic planning, and target language use. Rebecca is passionate about exploring the cultural and linguistic diversity of our world, and equally passionate about empowering students to do the same. She is the 2019 ACTFL Teacher of the Year.
Flor Berman
Saint David’s School, New York, NY
Flor Berman is NYSAFLT FLES committee chair and NNELL NY State Rep. She is committed to research and implementing proficiency-based teaching strategies and assessments. Flor currently serves as the Vice-Chair for the Language Learning for Children ACTFL SIG.
Candace Black
NYSED, Albany, NY
Candace Black is the World Languages Associate in the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages at the NYS Education Department. She has a B.A. in French from SUNY Potsdam and an M.B.A. and an M.A.T. from the University of Rochester. A National Board-Certified Teacher, Candace taught French for 21 years. She has been an active member of NYSAFLT for decades (President-2016). Candace is deeply committed to the professional learning and support of WL teachers.
Diana Clark Perez
Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, Syracuse, NY
Diana Clark Perez is a Spanish Teacher at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central in the Syracuse City School District. She has been an educator for over 15 years and has experience teaching all levels of Spanish from Middle School through College. In addition, she has experience as a Mentor Teacher and currently serves as the Spanish Department Demonstration Teacher for her district, a role that involves creating instructional videos and lessons, and providing weekly Professional Development. Diana holds a B.A. in Hispanic Language & Literature from Boston University, a Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, and a M.S.T. in Secondary Education from LeMoyne College. Diana believes that, as Adrienne Maree Brown said, “Where we are born into privilege, we are charged with dismantling any myth of supremacy. Where we are born into struggle, we are charged with claiming our dignity, joy, and liberation.”
Marissa Coulehan
Dobbs Ferry UFSD, Dobbs Ferry, NY
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 holds the positions of NYSAFLT first vice president, NNELL executive secretary, and ACTFL Language Learning for Children special interest group chair.
Helena Curtain
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (retired), Milwaukee, WI
Dr. Helena Curtain is an internationally known author, consultant and visiting professor in the field of language education. She is the co-author of Languages and Learners: Making the Match, now in its fifth edition, a textbook used for training language teachers. Dr. Curtain’s teaching background ranges from the elementary school to the university level. She has won several seven national awards for her leadership in language education.
Glenda De Hoyos
The Langley School, Fairfax, VA
Glenda De Hoyos is a passionate educator with 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 preschool – 2nd grade and is the World Languages Department Chair at The Langley School in McLean, Virginia. She is the VA-DC NNELL state rep. She has been a presenter at ACTFL, NNELL and GWATFL conferences.
Samantha Decker
Maple Avenue Middle School, Saratoga Springs, NY
Samantha Decker is a 7th grade French teacher at Maple Avenue Middle School in Saratoga Springs, about to enter her 12th year in the profession teaching at the middle school she once attended. She enjoys collaborating and exchanging ideas with other teachers through blogging, social media, and conferences. She has been a NYSAFLT member since she was in high school!
Victoria Gilbert, Ed.D.
Saint David’s School, New York, NY
Dr. Victoria Gilbert, Ed.D. is a frequent conference presenter. Dr. Gilbert has taught FLES methodology classes and been a lead instructor in NYU’s and GLP’s StarTalk program for teachers. She is currently Modern Language Chair at Saint David’s School.
Leslie Grahn
Independent Consultant, Clarksville, MD
Leslie Grahn has 27 years of language teaching and 12 years of experience at the central office level, as Coordinator of World Languages for Howard County Schools in Maryland. She curates and creates resources to support language teaching and learning through her website (www.grahnforlang.com) and on Pinterest (grahnforlang). Leslie is the co-author of The Keys to Strategies for Language Instruction and serves on the NECTFL, NADSFL and ACTFL boards.
Bill Heller
SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY
Bill Heller has taught in public elementary, secondary, community college and undergraduate classrooms for 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 2018 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).
Erin Johnson
Penn Yan Academy, Penn Yan, NY
Erin Johnson is a French teacher at Penn Yan Academy. She is dually certified in both French and Spanish and has a masters degree in Educational Technology. She has taught both French and Spanish from grades 6-12 for 11 years. Erin has had the opportunity to present many workshops at NYSAFLT and NECTFL conferences around strategies and technology that she uses to engage her students. She has also participated in NYSAFLT’s Leaders of Tomorrow program.
Angèle Kingué
Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA
Dr. Angèle Kingué is a professor of French and Francophone Studies and Special Advisor to the Provost at Bucknell University. A writer and scholar of Francophone African culture and literature, she has published two novels and a children’s book. She has received numerous awards, including the University Medal of Honor from the Université de Tours, the 2016 Best of NECTFL. Kingué holds a PhD in French-Foreign Language Pedagogy and Second Language Acquisition, Penn State University.
Stephen Krawec
The Allen-Stevenson School, New York, NY
Stephen Krawec is a Spanish Teacher and Upper School Advisor at the Allen-Stevenson School, an all-boys K-8 school in New York City. He strives to create positive communities where students can take risks, own their learning goals and celebrate their individual and collective accomplishments.
Lori Langer de Ramírez
The Dalton School, New York, NY
Dr. Lori Langer de Ramírez has taught 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 the Director of World and Classical Languages & Global Language Initiatives at the Dalton School and has authored books, texts and articles about language teaching and learning and multicultural education. She presents at conferences in the U.S. and around the world.
Marisol Marcin
Binghamton University, Binghamton
Marisol Marcin is a professor of Global Studies at Binghamton University. She holds a Ph.D. in translation studies from the same university. A former NYSAFLT Regional Director, Marcin has taught Spanish and English as a New Language at the secondary level. In 2019, she participated in the regional New York World language Standards Review Committee. Her current research interests are language learning, language teaching, gaming in education, heritage language learners, and critical language awareness.
Joanne O’Toole
SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY
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.
Ingrid Paredes
Syracuse STEM @ Blodgett, Syracuse, NY
Ingrid Paredes is a Spanish Teacher at Syracuse STEM @ Blodgett in the Syracuse City School District. She has been an educator for over 18 years with experience as a classroom teacher, mentor, instructional coach, resource specialist and administrator. In addition, Ingrid has presented at local, regional and state conferences focusing on the areas of World Language Standards and Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education. Ingrid holds a B.A. in Political Science and Theatre from the College of Wooster, an M.S.T. in Secondary Education from LeMoyne College and a C.A.S. In Educational Leadership from SUNY Oswego. As an advocate for Multilingual Learners and Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education, Ingrid continues to actively engage and collaborate with fellow educators, students, families and communities to not only bring awareness, but enact change in and out of the classroom..
Joseph Parodi-Brown
Marianapolis Preparatory School, Thompson CT,
Joseph Parodi-Brown is Chair of Modern Languages and SHIELD Director at Marianapolis Preparatory School where he has taught all levels of Spanish. He focuses on teaching for proficiency and engaging language education through the lens of social justice. His doctoral dissertation centered the experiences of LGBTQ+ students in Catholic schools. Joseph serves on the CT COLT board and as the Secretary of the ACTFL Critical and Social Justice Approaches SIG.
Amanda Robustelli-Price
Enfield High School, Enfield, CT
Amanda Robustelli-Price has worked as a French teacher, department coordinator, and teacher trainer during her 19 years in education. She is the current president of the Connecticut Council of Language Teachers. Passionate about proficiency, Amanda is in her fourth year back in the high school classroom, and is working diligently to propel herself and her students forward on the path to proficiency.
Samara Spielberg
The Allen-Stevenson School, New York, NY
Samara Spielberg is the Spanish Department Chair at the Allen-Stevenson School, an all-boys K-8 school in New York City. With the personal and professional understanding that we are all relational learners, Samara puts human connection at the core of all of her work.
Jim Ventosa
The McDonogh School, Baltimore MD
Jim Ventosa is a teacher of Spanish at The McDonogh School outside of Baltimore, Maryland. Prior to this, he worked in different public schools in the state of Maryland. He has participated in the grading of the AP Spanish Language Exam. When not teaching, he can be found spending time with his family, playing unlistenable music, or falling off a skateboard.
Meredith White
Peachtree Ridge HS, Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA
Meredith White earned her B.A., B.S., M.Ed., and Ed.S. all in World Language Education from the University of Georgia. When she isn’t at PRHS teaching Spanish, she’s at Georgia State University teaching educational methods classes or presenting/attending state, regional, and national workshops. Passionate about sharing and collaborating with other teachers, she blogs, moderates the PLN #langchat, and serves on the GGC College of Education Advisory and SEALLT Executive Boards.
