On-Demand Sessions

Y-C.R.E.D. 2021 will offer short, pre-recorded content for language learners and educators that can facilitate flexible viewing for any class schedule. This year’s on-demand content will focus on three ways the Global Seal offers support: “Leveling Up” language skills, “Leveraging” language credentials, and “Linking” to future opportunities.

“LEVEL-UP” your Language Learning: 10 Strategies to Grow Listening Skills

Presented by: Linda Egnatz

This session will share 10 ways to “Level-Up” your listening skills in another language. Discover ways to improve your ability to understand podcasts, music, and movies and how to grow your vocabulary. This session will even share tips on how to better comprehend face-to-face conversations. If you are working toward your first Seal of Biliteracy, or you hope to “Level-Up” to a Global Seal of Biliteracy credential at a higher level, this session is for you.

“LEVEL-UP” your Language Learning: 10 Strategies to Grow Speaking Skills

Presented by: Linda Egnatz

This session will share 10 ways to “Level-Up” your speaking skills in another language. Discover what you need to do to grow your speaking proficiency. Included are strategies to grow your vocabulary and tips on giving descriptions and telling stories, as well as how to add length and organization to what you say. If you are working toward your first Seal of Biliteracy, or you hope to “Level-Up” to a Global Seal of Biliteracy credential at a higher level, this session is for you.

Yes, You Can Understand and Enjoy Authentic Content

Presented by: Norah Jones

Is this you? “Authentic content: I know it’s the real deal but it’s so confusing and tough. After a while, it’s no fun.” Let’s break that cycle with a simple system you can control, no matter your educational situation. Go way beyond vocabulary and grammar points to have natural, purposeful interactions with authentic media, texts, even cultural images and products. Focus on proficiency in comprehension and communication from the start – and you can share this approach with peers and teachers!

Connect to Learn: A dialogue between two schools

Presented by: Maritza Sloan

In this pre-recorded Round Table presentation, two groups of students from two different high schools located in two cities hundreds of miles apart will talk about the language programs at their schools. They will talk about the impact of second language acquisition and the study of Spanish Literature in their lives and the community.

Climbing the Language Plateau: How Students Can Advance Their Proficiency in the Target Language

Presented by: Cody Smith

This presentation will focus in on the "level up" core concept of the Global Y-Cred Conference. Current students or teachers (lifelong learners) will receive a review of the ACTFL levels of proficiency and what they mean in terms of future career opportunities. Students will become familiar with fun, exciting ways they can boost their language outside of the classroom.

Gaming and Germany

Presented by: Evan Torner

Believe it or not, modern gaming emerged from Germany with the development of the Kriegsspiel in the 19th Century. Germany in the 21st Century has a vibrant board game, role-playing game, and video game culture that we're only beginning to explore. Join us *auf Deutsch* to learn more!

Your new immersive world, learning language in VR

Presented by: Jay Schnoor

In this 15 minute course, you will see some amazing new tools that exist in the world of VR and see how a few of these tools work to level up your skills in speaking and development of comfort in on-demand sessions.

Oh wie schön ist Deutsch! Filme, Sendungen, Bücher, und Musik für dich!

Presented by: Alysha Holmquist

If you (like me) love German Entertainment, then this is the session for you! Join me to take a look at German music, films, shows, and books - and how your language skills can benefit from these things outside of the classroom.

Level-up! Strategies for Building Your Language

Presented by: Justin Seifts

In this session, the presenter offers a variety of authentic print and digital resources to build proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Using examples from social media, podcasts, websites as well as Vista Higher Learning chat tools, students will take away practical tips for leveling up their proficiency at all levels.

3 Important Things to Explore When Learning a Language

Presented by: Dawn Samples

Do you ever wonder why people do what they do? Or how certain things come to happen in a society or culture? This session will give you some insight of 3 things to explore and consider as you study a new language and culture.

Level Up With Avant Assessment

Presented by: Nick Gossett

Avant Assessment is the world's leading language assessment company. Our STAMP test, available in nearly 40 languages, is accepted by the Global Seal of Biliteracy and by a number of institutions of higher education for placement! Learn about what to expect while taking our proficiency test, how to best prepare for the STAMP test, and what to do once you've received your results! Learn how you can Level Up with Avant Assessment!

Level Up with Game-changer Language Insights*

Presented by: Norah Jones

Level up your language! We’ll start by stepping back for key and fascinating perspectives on how human language works for individuals and groups. Then you’ll really step forward into increased skill, confidence, and enjoyment of your new language(s). Explore the powerful impact of four truths of how human language actually works for individuals and groups; of three steps to natural, confident communication; and of three language gifts to you as an individual as well as to you (and others) as members of linguistic and cultural communities. These simple but profound insights will help you to understand how to approach language learning, why you would do so, and will help bring a sense of well-being, control, and fun to last a lifetime.

The Language Gym: Strengthening our Communication Skills*

Presented by: Haydee Taylor-Arnold

Language learning is a journey that requires constant practice and engagement to develop strong communication skills. Our classroom IS THE GYM that helps students strengthen these skills. This session connects the four communicative skills and the ACTFL proficiency levels with the analogy of a gym where students can take ownership of their learning and can self-reflect, grow, and demonstrate their skills in the target language. Become a LANGUAGE COACH and differentiate instruction with low, mid and high impact activities that personalize the learner’s path to proficiency.

10 strategies for preparing for a proficiency test to qualify for a seal of biliteracy*

Presented by: Sherry Dickerson

In this session, participants will explore 10 strategies they can use to prepare for a proficiency test, which could allow them to qualify for a state or global seal of biliteracy. Participants will learn about the benefits of language credentials, how to level up their language skills, view student writing samples and use checklists to self assess their own language skills.

Game on!*

Presented by: Carmen Scoggins

How do you get better at something? You practice a lot, you take risks, and you believe in yourself. Whether you’re trying to improve your footwork on the field, nail your solo in the musical, or complete a mission to reach the next level, you know you have to keep at it! The same is true when acquiring a language. It is a skill and an opportunity that will take you far in life and make you a better “player”. Think of learning a language like an athlete perfecting her techniques or a gamer honing his skills. Explore ways to level up your language by learning to set goals for yourself, charting your own progress, and reflecting on your own experiences. Are you ready for the language challenge? It’s game on!

How I Earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy in 4 Languages*

Presented by: Megan Niu

In her session, Megan will share the methods she used to learn four foreign languages (two of which she self-taught) and the lessons she learned along the way. She will also tell her story of how she overcame her fear of speaking in foreign languages. She hopes to motivate others wherever they are on their language-learning journey.

Dancing on My Own: Self-taught Language Learners Share Their Secrets

Presented by: Lamia (Mia) Sheikh and Noah Geisel

Not all language learning happens in schools. The world is full of people studying languages for their own reasons and not because of a grade. This Round Table Discussion features self-motivated language learners from a variety of backgrounds, interests and linguistic pursuits sharing their strategies and approaches to acquiring language on their own terms. From music to video games to reading the dictionary, these panelists will wow you with their drive to learn and equip you with new and novel ways that you too can level up your language skills.

Going Above and Beyond: Interview with a Self-Empowered Language Learner

Presented by: Giovanni Moretta and Ryan Wertz

In this session, NCSSFL Past-President Ryan Wertz interviews empowered language learner Giovanni Moretta, a first-year college student and recent seal of biliteracy recipient, on the conditions and supports that are needed to build learner autonomy. Listen in on this dynamic conversation with a young person who clearly “gets” what it takes to achieve a level of proficiency and intercultural competency far beyond the expectations of the typical secondary language program. Benefit from his sage advice and keen insights as you consider how to transform students in your own setting into more independent, life-long learners.

How to Leverage your Seal of Biliteracy

Presented by: Linda Egnatz

This session will teach you how to describe your language skills and how to leverage your State or Global Seal of Biliteracy. You’ll learn how to highlight your abilities and add your Seal of Biliteracy to academic or employment applications and how to share your language credentials in interviews. If you are have already earned a Seal of Biliteracy, or are working toward your first, this session is for you.

Increase Job Opportunities with your Global Seal of Biliteracy

Presented by: Linda Egnatz

This session will teach you how to understand your language proficiency level and how it aligns with language skills needed in the workplace. You’ll learn about a variety of careers where individuals with language skills are highly preferred and qualify for signing bonuses and higher pay. You’ll learn how to add your Seal of Biliteracy to employment applications and how to share your language credentials in interviews. If you have already earned a Seal of Biliteracy, or are working toward your first, this session is for you.

How High School Language Courses can Prepare You for Your Future

Presented by: Dr. Karyn Koven

In this session, you will meet Dr. Karyn Koven, Founder of LanguageBird. Dr. Koven is a lifelong educator and learner who has assisted thousands of students in college admissions and an innovator in teaching world languages. Learn why students should persist in learning a language throughout high school, what colleges are looking for in applicants, why the Global Seal is an asset for your future, and how LanguageBird can help you meet your goals for language learning.

How Languages Enrich Our Lives

Presented by: Jill Hnat and Dawn Samples

Want to expand your horizons? Want to enrich your personal and professional experiences? Want to explore ways that learning a language supports every day life? Join us for an informal chat between two veteran language learners and enthusiasts hoping to inspire you to stay the course and continue your language learning journey as far as you can go!

Leverage Life with Spanish: Where can Spanish Teaching Take You?

Presented by: Sheri Long

Listen to a career educator and Spanish teacher talk about why you should consider teaching Spanish as a career path. From Beijing to Havana, Spanish teaching travels well and enriches in a variety of ways. Hear about her network of students and former students. Spanish teaching can be a career as well as a lifestyle. The current Executive Director of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese reflects on her own journey as a Spanish teacher.

Using Your Native Language to Build Connections Abroad

Presented by: Or Shemer

What is it like to speak your native language in a foreign country? As a Hebrew-speaking educator in the U.S. working in Israel education, Or Shemer shares her perspective building relationships and connections with college students.

Journey to Becoming Global Citizens*

Presented by: Taylor Doyle

Throughout my years of traveling, I have had the fortunate opportunity to befriend extraordinary individuals that inspire me every day. I would like to use this Round Table Discussion as a space to offer unique accounts of how beneficial and impactful foreign languages are throughout different areas of our lives: personal, professional, etc.

Empowering Your Voice*

Presented by: Amanda Seewald

Your own personal narrative is the greatest advocacy tool you have. Each experience builds the story of your pathway through the world. When we share language and culture, the perspectives we grow empower our abilities to make a difference. The power of your voice amplified through action and interaction can take you and your ideas anywhere. Join this session to reflect on how you can empower your voice and reach your goals.

Why Learn Japanese - Three Learners' Perspectives

Presented by: David Bong, Chris Marusich, Robert Cunningham, and Simone Elkins

Three Japanese learners will present three very different stories about why and how they have been learning Japanese. This session will be of interest to learners and educators alike.

Translation & Interpreting: Career Path Opportunity

Presented by: Caitilin Walsh

According to the US Department of Labor, the job outlook for translators and interpreters is expected increase much faster than for other jobs in the coming years. This session will focus on the skills necessary for students to work as a successful translator or interpreter as well as other job opportunities in the language services industry.

Learn a Language, Travel the World

Presented by: Ross Jones

Knowing another language is an incredible skill that certainly presents a multitude of life and career opportunities. In this session, Ross Jones will discuss his experiences in learning another language, as well as some of the opportunities that have been made available to him as a result of studying Spanish. Like many high school students, Ross started to learn Spanish during his freshman year, and continued to study it in college. In the spring semester of his junior year at Truman State University, he studied abroad in Burgos, Spain. After graduation, Ross received a grant through the prestigious Fulbright US Student Program to teach English in Santiago de Compostela, Spain for the 2021-2022 school year.

Panamá es tu destino

Presented by: Alexis Ng Cáceres

In the video of "Panamá es tu destino", I will be covering the main tourist destinations in Panama, but keeping in mind the use of Spanish according to country (including nationalisms), in this case Panama. The video would be mini tour style, making the content entertaining and preventing people from getting bored. The idea is to always keep the expectation, helping people stay focused and pay more attention to the content.

Arabic Honor Society: Take your Arabic to the next level!

Presented by: Omar Tarabishi

In this session, students and educators can hear about the opportunities for students studying Arabic to get involved with the Arabic Honor Society. Attendees will hear about joining the at-large chapter, starting a chapter, participating in contests and competitions, webinar events as well as scholarship opportunities.

Level Up: Scholarships & Study Abroad

Presented by: Jill Woerner

You’ve started learning another language…Now what? If you want to take your language to another level, consider studying abroad for a few weeks, a summer, a semester, or an entire academic year. Join us learn about amazing scholarship opportunities to learn language and culture and explore the array of destinations and languages you can study around the world! AFS-USA will help you find an opportunity that fits your schedule, your goals, and your budget!

Benefits of International Immersion Experiences Through the Eyes of the Student

Presented by: Robert Vitolo

In this session, we sit down with for international students from Zaragoza, Spain to discuss their perspectives and experiences as they participate in a year aboard in the United States.

Black Language Learner Abroad: My Study Abroad Experience with Centro Mundolengua

Presented by: Lamar Shambley

Back in 2009, I chose to take an adventure that transformed my life. The six-month abroad experience with Centro Mundolengua sparked a sense of purpose in me, a Black young man from Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, that led me on a journey to become a language educator and a founder of a nonprofit organization that amplifies language learning opportunities for U.S. teens of color.

Scholarships, Language & More!*

Presented by: Jill Woerner

Hear from recent returnees from various study abroad and scholarship programs and find out how spending a summer or year abroad can be YOUR reality! AFS-USA staff will share the details about how to apply, where the resources are to share with your parents and how you can connect with students who have gone abroad already so you can start making plans for yourself! Consider learning Thai, Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, Turkish, Indonesian, German, and so many more. No previous experience with the language is needed…just the passion, curiosity, and motivation to get started!

Career Readiness Panel: Using your Arabic in a variety of Roles*

Presented by: Omar Tarabishi

Understand the benefits of being multilingual and how this can lead to future careers using your Arabic skills. Panelists will speak about their Arabic journey throughout their school years, after graduation and what positions they were able to attain as a result of their high level language skills. Hear from a variety of Arabic-speaking professional panelists as they highlight their journey and provide tips along the way.

Job Opportunities for Bilinguals (Field Specific)

Presented by: Chunme Guan and Ye Sun

Learning another language can greatly expand your professional horizon, which could open a new window to experience another culture and explore the world. Globalization and diversity will need more understanding and communication in various fields. Nowadays, more and more institutions, companies are looking for the employers who has a bilingual or multilingual backgroud. In this session, more categories of job opportunities will be introduced, which will better help the Chinese learners to prepare for their academic and profesisonal careers, which may change their life and enrich their journey.

Our Experience as Exchange Students in the US State Department NSLI and YES Programs

Presented by: Sheila Bong, Azima Zaidi, James Daley, Kana Hammon, and Negina Pirzad

Three American and one Pakistani student discuss the languages and lessons they learned in their home stays in Morocco, Egypt, China, and the US, and how their experiences have influenced their lives and careers.

Speaking of Success: Languages & Careers

Presented by: Stacie Berdan, Connie Berdan, Nazia Manji, Zou Yingying, and Maria Villaquiran

Stacie Berdan will facilitate an inspiring discussion about the value and importance of languages across all types of professions and around the world. Panelists will share experiences that illustrate how their language skills have helped them in their careers thus far, as well as the trends and opportunities they see emerging in the future global workforce. The panel includes an undergraduate college student who earned the Seal of Biliteracy; she shares her perspective on how her language skills have played a role in her studies research and part-time jobs thus far. The panel offers practical advice, helpful tips and a clear answer as to why language skills are critical to succeed in the global marketplace.

Instituto Cervantes

Instituto Cervantes is a worldwide non-profit organization created by the Spanish government in 1991. It is named after Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote and perhaps the most important figure in the history of Spanish literature.

Ich schenke dir eine Geschichte: Lisas Geschichte ist auch Nürnbergs Geschichte

Presented by: Angelika Becker

I will share a story about history „eine Geschichte über Geschichte“. We learn best when we hear stories. So sit back, relax and let me tell you „Lisas Geschichte“.

Real World Opportunities to Boost Language Skills, Develop Cultural Awareness and Show Compassion

Presented by: Sherry Dickerson, Forest Resener

Learn how to leverage student language skills and link them to future growth by exploring free StoveTeam International lessons for Spanish classes. Students learn cultural information about Central American cultures, analyze the issues with open-fire cooking in homes and take action to help improve the lives of people in another country. Through this unit, students develop proficiency skills as well as cultural competence, allowing them to use their Spanish for more authentic purposes and to make a positive difference in the world.

Every Day's an IPA

Presented by: Norah Lulich Jones

Enjoy an interactive, practical, experiential romp through Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs), from daily formative engagements to meaningful periodic summative communication reflections. We’ll see how to develop rubrics for IPAs all along the continuum. You’ll receive guidelines for and practice in the key skill of coaching, which energizes and engages students and leads to significant growth in proficiency and self-confidence. IPAs every day, every way, all the way!

GTC's Virtual Exchange Programme

Presented by: Wioleta Antecka, Gonca Keskin

During this pandemic, it's extremely difficult to travel. Virtual tours are a perfect solution. They give children the opportunity to travel around the world without leaving their classrooms. Virtual tours are the alternative to traditional in-person trips. They promote global citizenship education, cross-cultural understanding and citizen-to-citizen diplomacy in schools and communities worldwide. Therefore, they benefit the students as well as the teachers to learn and explore other countries.
Such trips also enrich them with the learning material. This is a very low cost alternative to enjoy the virtual tours as it allows us to step inside other countries from any device.

Quizzing tools, retrieval practice and multi-modal feedback in language lessons

Presented by: Joe Dale

In this webinar, Joe Dale will showcase a variety of examples of good practice in online teaching from practising secondary school languages teachers on Twitter. He will explore ways in which teachers have dealt with life during the pandemic and show how different cross-platform tools can promote collaboration, independent learning, retrieval practice and assessment opportunities in a remote teaching and hybrid teaching context. Joe will demonstrate how easy it is to enhance learning in a purposeful way with a range of tools which are device agnostic allowing learners to practise, reflect and share the results easily.

Engage your students beyond the classroom with Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica

Presented by: Kelly Scheetz

The session will explain the various aspects of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, an honor society for high school Spanish and Portuguese students, including the steps for chartering a chapter of the organization, how to maintain an active chapter, suggestions for activities to keep students involved, scholarships for which students can apply, awards for chapters and sponsors, and more. Participants will be inspired to start new chapters or engage their existing chapters even more as SHH activities can encourage students to use Spanish beyond the classroom.

Connecting with Gen Z

Presented by: Krista Chambless

In this session, I explore characteristics of Generation Z. I then look at how best to leverage these characteristics in the classroom to connect with this generation students.

Teams for the win!

Presented by: Carmen Scoggins

The concept of a team is powerful! People work together to accomplish a shared goal while improving their own performance along the way. Check out this session to see how creating student learning teams benefits them in and out of the classroom. Students feel comfortable taking risks because they know their team has got their back as they gain confidence in the language through collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. See how learning teams can help you leverage language for your students. Go team!

Engaging and motivating students in a real-life learning environment

Presented by: Joe Lucero

1. LANGUAGE & CULTURE FOCUSED, THEME BASED TOPICS
Each session is preceded and concluded with language, cultural and educational material
2. TRUE LIFE REVELATION
Interact with storytellers in China, speak with locals by engaging in real life conversations and student-led adventurous encounters in unscripted situations.
3. LIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Be immersed into Chinese language through real life experiences.

Ready, Set, Go: Launching Creativity for Intermediate Learners

Presented by: Haydee Taylor-Arnold

Creativity sparks the exploration and discovery of new ideas and inspires students to be active participants of their own learning. In this session, the presenter will share activities that support intermediate learners to think on the “how” instead of the “what”, and to create, explore, and discover original ideas of value while expanding their communication skills in the target language.

Partnering with Duolingo for Student Engagement

Presented by: Tracee A Miller

Building on the efficacy and success of the original Duolingo platform, Duolingo for Schools, created for schools and universities alike, augments any curriculum, giving students content designed to promote long-term retention, while providing teachers with creative ways to differentiate instruction, increase engagement, and keep students learning on any device, both inside and outside the classroom. This session goes behind the scenes to show how Duolingo for Schools works--from the learning science behind the app’s effectiveness to the business model that keeps Duolingo free for teachers and students around the world. Learn how Duolingo for Schools makes it easy to enrich your curriculum and motivate students.

AATF and the New Reality

Presented by: Jayne Abrate, Anne Jensen, Tracy Rucker

The AATF President, Executive Director, and Vice-President for Diversity will discuss new initiatives of the association to address the changing landscape of French teaching, including resources and professional development for virtual teaching, strategies for including diverse Francophone communities in instruction, and new tools for creating community of teachers of French.

An Introduction to Task-based Language Teaching

Presented by: Grant Castner

By integrating tasks into our daily classes, we provide two main benefits to our students. First, students see the language in context; they see how they can use the language in the real world.

The second and much more subtle benefit is that we change our students' perceptions of what’s important in language class. With a greater emphasis on tasks and using language to communicate, students’ focus will gradually shift from form (verb tenses, conjugations, noun and adjective agreement) to function.

No longer will students see language as something to memorize and rehearse ad infinitum, but rather they will see its application first-hand.

5 Keys to Maximizing Synchronous Time in Online Instruction

Presented by: Lauren Rosen

This session will identify 5 key strategies that prepare students to maximize their synchronous time in both online and face to face class meetings. Essential features for successful lessons in virtual environments will be addressed. Participants will realize that it isn’t about how much time, but rather, about how the time is spent that has the greatest impact on student performance. Following this short session participants will be able to articulate clear strategies for maximizing the amount of oral practice students have during synchronous sessions. In addition, participants will identify actions they can take to alter their current lessons thus providing better support for student movement on the path to proficiency.

Adding Interactivity and Fun to Online Instruction

Presented by: Paulino Brener

Paulino has more than 7 years of experience teaching online to children and adults. He shares his treasure bag full of tips and tricks to make online lessons interactive and fun. Learn some activities to keep all your students engaged during online lessons. Discover some apps and technology tools to enhance the virtual learning experience.

Building Global Scholars and Future Leaders

Presented by: Linda Zins-Adams

Five students share how they will earn a Global Seal of Biliteracy and continue to build their language proficiency. They will also share how Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio provides a rigorous academic layer through service, immersion, and awareness experiences through the World Language and Chaminade Global Scholar programs. Throughout their four years, students have engaging, practical experiences and opportunities to investigate a wide range of themes Upon graduation, students develop an awareness of ways to propose solutions for global issues, build cross-cultural skills, and gain exposure to the worldwide market challenges to investigate best practices for success in a global world.

Celebrating Linguistic Identities: Former and Current English Learners Obtaining the Seal of Biliteracy

Presented by: Samuel Aguirre

Multilingual learners, including students identified as former and current English learners (ELs), bring rich linguistic and cultural strengths to our schools and communities. Supporting their path to the attainment of a Seal of Biliteracy is key. However, often times, our data shows that former and current ELs are underrepresented on the student count of the Seal of Biliteracy awards. Join me for a conversation on opportunities for supporting former and current ELs on their path to a Seal of Biliteracy and strategies for celebrating their linguistic identities from an administrator and teacher role.

Connecting Your Students With the World While Being Isolated From It

Presented by: Akash Patel

Technology is making it easier than ever to connect students to the world. Global Teacher Prize Finalist Akash Patel will share how you can connect your students with native speakers of different languages from over 100 countries LIVE and for FREE. He will share resources from the Happy World Foundation for standards-based interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect, engage and empower students as valued global citizens.

Exploring Virtual Reality With Google Tools In and Out of the Languages Classroom

Presented by: Joe Dale

This session will explore how different Google tools can promote collaboration, independent learning, creativity and intercultural understanding. Delegates will have the opportunity to see how My Maps, Google Tour Creator and Google Expeditions have the power to take students on a virtual journey visiting places around the world and practising their language skills: Session outline: Google Arts and Culture for promoting culture Google Earth Voyager to learn about places connected through an historical story Google Maps to practise directions and explore inside historical buildings Google My Maps to practise writing and speaking around points on a map Google Expeditions and Google Tour Creator for virtual field trips with embedded images.

Honoring and Empowering Teachers with the Global Seal of Biliteracy

Presented by: Paula Moore

In this 30 minute session, the world language team at Washington County Public Schools in Western Maryland will show how the district honored and recognized language teachers through the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Participants will explore how the Global Seal of Biliteracy was a professional development opportunity that empowered teachers in their language teaching and language learning journey. The supervisor of ESOL and World Languages will explain the steps and the process the district used to credential and celebrate teachers. Teachers will narrate how the experience influenced and impacted them professionally and personally.

Instagram à la Mode: Social Media for Regular, Relevant, Rewarding Language Engagement

Presented by: Meredith White

In this session, participants will experience how Meredith uses Instagram for and with her own novice Spanish students. Through a how-to demonstration, insider tips, and artifact creation, educators can engage in Instagram as a forum for authentic resources that meets students where they are. In learning how to curate an intentional, meaningful target language experience with Instagram, participants will see how their own and their students' motivation and participation can increase resulting in increased engagement and proficiency. Instagram = Instalanguage!

Maximizing Move and Picture Talks

Presented by: Ellen Ericson

Teaching in the target language is vital for the success of your students. Context-embedded lessons are vital to move students along their path to proficiency. How can you maximize your use of the target language in a fun, compelling, and engaging way that allows for best practices and aligns with research? Try a movie or picture talk! Do you have a great video or set of images but aren't sure how to maximize them? Come learn how to boost your resources by incorporating all 3 modes of communication, 90% target language use AND make the most out of every moment in your class period. We will discuss pre, during and post video activities, and learn how to get your students running back to class the next day!

Project-based Language Learning: Making Language Come Alive in the Classroom

Presented by: Maria Carreira

This session will present the main ideas and best practices of PBL, illustrating them using sample projects for learners at different levels of proficiency.

Sync Up to Level Up!

Presented by: Catherine Ousselin

Beyond online Quizlet and Google Forms, teachers can ignite their students’ global interests and intercultural competencies by syncing them up with meaningful online experiences and activities. Participants will explore ways to harness appropriate social media accounts that allow students to express their voice and choice as global learners and citizens. The presentation will address identifying and evaluating social media accounts and student-friendly social justice campaigns; designing goals and outcomes for student engagement, and supporting learners on their paths to global awareness. While the examples will be for French teachers and learners, all are invited to attend and contribute ideas for other languages.

Technology-Enhanced Interpretive Communication Activities

Presented by: Florencia Henshaw

How can we capitalize on available tech tools to hone our students’ interpretive communication skills? In this session, I will describe different ways in which technology can help educators not only provide learners with rich bimodal input (oral and written), but also incorporate creative and engaging post-reading/listening activities.