Cover art by Alyssa Nguyen,Spain Park HS, Birmingham, AL. Teacher: Hannah Rae Joseph
Dearest Friends and Colleagues,
SCOLT in the Carolinas!
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Southern Conference on Language Teaching
Workshop/Conference Session
Attendance Form
PLU/CEU Verification Form
SCOLT Conference – March 19-21, 2026 Raleigh, NC
Thursday Pre-Conference Workshops Attended TIME WORKSHOP # TITLE
Friday Sessions Attended TIME SESSION
Saturday Sessions Attended TIME
Participant Name
School/Institution
I verify that I attended the conference workshops and sessions indicated above.
Participant Signature
Leslie Baldwin, Ed.D., info@scolt.org SCOLT Executive Director
NOTE: SCOLT does not issue or award PLU/CEU credits. This form is intended to provide attendees with a way to verify attendance at sessions and events throughout the conference.
SCOLT PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
SCOLT Board of Directors 2025
PAM BENTON (2027) President Retired, Pinellas County Schools, FL
DR. KRISTA CHAMBLESS (2025) Immediate Past-President University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL
DR. AMANDA MINNILLO (2029) President-Elect, Recording Secretary Avant Assessment, SC
SHANNON BORuM (2025) Co-Registrar, SCOLTalk Co-Editor Jackson High School, GA
TANIKA PERRy-VINCENT (2029) Program Co-Director Atlanta Public Schools, GA
BERTHA DELgADILLO (2026) Program Co-Director Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, GA
LINDA SANTIAgO (2027) Program Co-Director St. Petersburg High School, FL
LINDA MARKLEy (2026) Awards and Scholarships Co-Director Independent Consultant, FL
JEN CARSON (2027) Awards and Scholarships Co-Director Language Testing International, VA
KIMBERLy RENEE WATSON (2028)
Co-Registrar, Co-SCOLTalk Editor Pelahatchie High School, MS
DR. KELLy MOSER (2028) Social Media Mississippi State University, MS
THOMAS SOTH (2027)
SCOLT Representative to ACTFL Chapel Hill High School, NC
DR. PAuLA gARRETT-RuCKS Editor, Dimensions George State University, GA
DR. LESLIE BALDWIN Executive Director
WELCOME TO SCOLT 2026!
Welcome to the Take Flight with Languages SCOLT Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina! We’re delighted to have you join us for an injection of inspiration and sharing that will have you soaring to new heights. North Carolina is the “First in Flight” state and we’re celebrating this heritage by thinking about how our sharing of research, strategies, theories, and resources can help us help our students fly
My hope for this conference is that it’s filled with joy at seeing our “Professional Friends Forever” (PFFs) and making new ones, inspiration at learning new strategies or hearing about new research, remembering things that you used to do that are new again now, understanding the newest, cutting edge ideas, and celebrating the teaching and acquisition of languages.
I feel the same anticipation of this conference as I do when I’m getting ready for a trip. We’ve been preparing and planning just like we do for a trip to explore another country and learn about the culture and history there. Please make the most of this time to learn, collaborate, share, and enjoy each other
Pam Benton SCOLT President, 2026
FLANC & SCFLTA WELCOME LETTERS
Dear SCOLT Conference Participants,
Dearest Friends and Colleagues,
On behalf of the Fostering Language Acquisition in North Carolina (FLANC), it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the SCOLT Conference here in Raleigh, North Carolina. We are delighted to host you in our state during the beautiful month of March, a time of renewal, growth, and new beginnings—an especially fitting backdrop for our shared work in world language education.
What a thrill to gather together again for SCOLT in the Carolinas!
Dearest Friends and Colleagues,
So much has changed since we were together in Myrtle Beach in 2019, and yet, the most important things remain. The SCOLT conference continues to be a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends while meeting new ones; to share tried-and-true resources and strategies while exploring the possibilities brought by recent technology
As we step into 2026, FLANC reflects with pride on a year marked by collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful connections across our community. Our conferences and gatherings continue to remind us of the power of coming together to learn from one another, to exchange ideas, and to support one another as educators and advocates for language learning. In times that present challenges for language education nationwide, these moments of connection and shared purpose matter more than ever.
What a thrill to gather together again for SCOLT in the Carolinas!
So much has changed since we were together in Myrtle Beach in 2019, and yet, the most important things remain. The SCOLT conference continues to be a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends while meeting new ones; to share tried-and-true resources and strategies while exploring the possibilities brought by recent technology.
This year´s theme, “Take Flight With Languages,” is a nod to the Wright brothers’ historic flight at Kill Devil Hills,NC in December of 1903. Those first flights lasted only seconds, but the small successes ultimately led to greater ones. Many language teachers and learners are facing strong headwinds right now and success may seem just out of reach. We need to support each other and stay focused on the small successes: every conversation, every new attempt at a skill, every new cultural insight, every personal connection. They all come together to form paths that take us beyond our earlier limitations.
We are deeply grateful to the presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and leaders whose dedication and generosity make this conference possible. Your willingness to share expertise, spark conversation, and inspire colleagues is truly at the heart of this experience. We are also especially excited to welcome first-time attendees, new presenters, and emerging educators -your voices and perspectives strengthen our profession and our community.
SCFLTA is proud to be a part of your journey and we welcome all who would like to join us for our state conference in the Columbia area in February 2027. We are also proud partners with the Columbia International Festival (https://www.cifonline.org/) and invite you to visit and experience the world April 18-19, 2026.
Cheers to the wild and wonderful journey! Wishing you a phenomenal conference experience,
Raleigh offers a vibrant setting for collaboration, reflection, and celebration. We hope you enjoy not only the rich professional learning opportunities throughout the conference, but also the chance to connect with colleagues, build new relationships, and leave energized for the important work you do every day.
Heather Giles SCFLTA Executive
Director
Thank you for being part of SCOLT 2026 and for supporting world language education. FLANC is honored to welcome you, and we look forward to learning, collaborating, and celebrating together.
Warm Regards,
Bonnie Wang FLANC President Fostering Language Acquisition in North Carolina
This year’s theme, “Take Flight With Languages,” is a nod to the Wright brothers’ historic flight at Kill Devil Hills,NC in December of 1903. Those first flights lasted only seconds, but the small successes ultimately led to greater ones. Many language teachers and learners are facing strong headwinds right now and success may seem just out of reach. We need to support each other and stay focused on the small successes: every conversation, every new attempt at a skill, every new cultural insight, every personal connection. They all come together to form paths that take us beyond our earlier limitations.
SCFLTA is proud to be a part of your journey and we welcome all who would like to join us for our state conference in the Columbia area in February 2027. We are also proud partners with the Columbia International Festival (www.cifonline.org) and invite you to visit and experience the world April 18-19, 2026.
Cheers to the wild and wonderful journey!
Wishing you a phenomenal conference experience,
Heather Giles SCFLTA Executive Director
SEALLT WELCOME LETTER
Dear Attendees,
On behalf of SEALLT — the Southeastern Association for Language Learning Technology — I’m thrilled to welcome you to this special joint conference, Take Flight with Languages, hosted in beautiful Raleigh, North Carolina alongside our incredible partners at FLANC, SCFLTA, and SCOLT.
This year’s theme invites us to soar — not only geographically in Kitty Hawk’s historic skies but also professionally, as we push boundaries in language education and embrace new horizons in teaching, learning, and technology.
As always, SEALLT is proud to represent the voices and work of educators committed to purposeful, informed, and sparing integration of technology. We know that the best language learning can happen when technology supports, rather than replaces, authentic interaction, and when genuine intelligence meets intentional design. While artificial intelligence and emerging tools can enhance what we do, it’s our human connections, expertise, and adaptability that truly make learning take flight.
We invite you to attend our tech-focused sessions, visit the SEALLT table, and engage in the many conversations that make this conference a hub of innovation, encouragement, and growth.
Thank you for being here and for all you do to help students take off in language learning — we’re glad to be flying with you.
Warmly,
Meredith White President, SEALLT
SEALLT 2026 Officers
President
MEREDITH WHITE
Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA
SCOLT Representative
RAEGAN LEMMOND
Opelika High School, AL
K-12 Representative
RAEGAN LEMMOND
Opelika High School, AL
Secretary
LORI LEVAR PIERCE
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, MS
President-Elect
TAVANE MOORE
Fulton County Schools, GA
Treasurer STACEY POWELL
Auburn University, AL
Webmaster JANET BUNCH
Northwest Mississippi Community College, MS
Techspert
ARI GUTMAN
Auburn University, AL
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
THURSDAY
FRIDAY MARCH 19
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Registration [onsite AND preregistration]
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM SCOLT Teacher of the Year Interviews
MARCH 20
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Registration Open
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Exhibits Open
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Continental Breakfast and Exhibits Break
8:00 AM – 8:20 AM SCOLT First Timers Session
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM Opening General Session and Awards
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Exhibits Break
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Round #1
11:30 AM – 12:40 PM Lunch – Pick up in Exhibitor Area; Meeting rooms available for topic collaboration and discussion
12:40 PM – 1:40 PM Round #2
1:50 PM – 2:50 PM Round #3
2:50 PM – 3:10 PM Exhibits Break
3:10 PM – 4:10 PM Round #4
4:20 PM – 5:20 PM Round #5
5:40 PM – 7:45 PM Sponsors and Patrons Reception and Business Meeting [by invitation only]
Do you have the 2026 SCOLT Conference Mobile App?
Download the Sched app or type the link below in your browser on a phone, laptop, or other mobile device.
scolt2026.sched.com
Give your feedback! Complete the conference evaluation: bit.ly/SCOLT26Evaluate
SATURDAY
MARCH 21
7:00 AM – 1:00 PM Registration Open
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Continental Breakfast
7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Exhibits Open
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Round #6
9:10 AM – 10:10 AM Round #7
10:10 AM – 10:50 AM Exhibits Break
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Round #8
12:00 PM – 1:10 PM SCFLTA Luncheon and Exhibits Break
1:20 PM – 2:20 PM Round #9
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Round #10
CODE OF CONDUCT
Condu CT for In-Person Conven TI ons, Mee TI ngs and g a TH er I ngs
SCOLT does not tolerate any unacceptable conduct by attendees, exhibitors, or SCOLT Board of Directors members at in-person events, including but not limited to:
• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
• Physical, verbal, or signed abuse of any attendee, presenter, exhibitor, service provider, guest or SCOLT Board of Directors member..
• Derogatory, discriminatory, or inappropriate comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, or any other protected group.
• Inappropriate use of nudity or sexual images in presentations.
• Continuous or ongoing disruption of presentations during sessions, in the exhibit hall or at any other events or meetings.
• Introduction of topics with the intent to deviate or distract from the focus topic of the presentation or meeting.
• Sharing of confidential information related to people, presentations, meetings, or events that the participant does not have permission to share.
• Sharing of any information or other material protected by copyright without the permission of the copyright owner or without crediting the author or source.
• Recording or taking photos of session presentations against the wishes of the presenter(s). Recording and photography is permitted at public events unless otherwise specified.
• Solicitations for services or product announcements during non-exhibitor or non-sponsored presentations. Adopted September 16, 2023
WORLD LANGUAGES
LANGUAGE · LITERACY · CULTURE
Inspiring and empowering K–12 language learners—those learning a new language, improving a second language, or perfecting their native language.
Designed to prepare students for AP® from the start, now with new resources to foster even deeper cultural connections
AI-Powered Speaking Partner
Unlimited low-stakes practice, personalized instant feedback, real-time data insights
Imagina 6e Español sin barreras
Featuring even more authentic films, diverse voices, interactive media, as well as literary and cultural readings and activities
Comprehensible Input (CI) Readers
Authentic, high-interest stories carefully aligned to student proficiency levels
SPANISH 6–12
SUPPLEMENTAL
SUPPLEMENTAL
SPANISH
SCOLT 2025-2026 SPONSORS & PATRONS
2025 - 2026 Ind I v I dual s C ol T sP onsors
SPONSOR
Maria Camila Arrieta
Stephanie Bellot-Donaldson
Pamela Benton
Sara Betler
Katherine Bevins
Shannon Borum
Hilary Browder-Terry
Emily Burrus
Christen Campbell
Krista Chambless
Denise Ciobanu
Alison Clifton
Mara Cobe
Julimar DeLeon-Viera
Milena Duboy
Danielle Engle
Madelyn Ethington
Catherine Fountain
Mary Ellen Foye
Michael Frank
Paula Garrett-Rucks
Tyler Gaviria
Josefina Gembe
Maribel Gomez
Shane Goodpasture
Pamela Gordon
Yeider Guerra
Ann Marie Gunter
Alison Hayter
Bobby Hobgood
Montana Hoffman
Kaleb Hyatt
Silvana Ibanez
Priscilla Jankatt-Das
Jill Jeter
Norah Jones
Chantel Kushner-Samuel
Chelsea Lawrence
Raegan Lemmond
Lori LeVar Pierce
Ana Lopez
Sarah Luesch
Ji Ma
Linda Markley
Ghedy Matus
Jeanne McCoy
Amanda Minnillo
Flor de Lis Morales Torres
Shawn Morrison
Kelly Moser
Michelle Olah
Natalie Ortega-Moran
Ivelisse Otero Maldonado
Donna Podgorny
Stephen Poe
Robbie Richwine
Alexandra Robalino
Monica Rodriguez Bonces
Betsy Roman
Julia Royall
Victoria Russell
Kelly Scheetz
Carmen Scoggins
Andrea Shiera
Tracy Stapleton
Beth Stapleton
Erika Stevens
Rebecca Stewart
Brandee Strickland
Shannon Sudderth
Heidi Trude
Angela Uribe Romero
Bonnie Wang
Rachel Watley
Meredith White
Greg Williams
John Wilson
Carolyn Wright
SPONSOR
Leslie Baldwin
Greg Barfield
Leigh Ann Bruce
Rosalie Cheatham
Danell Donado
Helga Fasciano
Nick Gossett
Emily Gustafson
SPONSOR
Thomas Soth
Herman Bostick
David Jahner
Lynne McLendon
Give your feedback! Complete the conference evaluation: bit.ly/SCOLT26Evaluate
Download the Certificate of Attendance from the Sched platform for your continuing education credits. It is also included in the printed and digital program.
Share the knowledge! Use #SCOLT26 to tag the conference on social media!
Do you have the 2026 SCOLT Conference Mobile App?
Download the Sched app or type the link below in your browser on a phone, laptop, or other mobile device. scolt2026.sched.com
David Jahner
Delandris Jones
Mark Linsky
Beth Marshall
Carlos Ocampo
Jamie Patterson
Marissa Pope-Beck
Elizabeth Willingham
Join SCOLT on social media!
FACEBOOK: Southern Conference on Language Teaching INSTAGRAM: _scoltalk_
Visit the exhibit areas to see all that our sponsors and vendors have to offer!
SCOLT 2027 CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Proposal window: April 15 – October 12, 2026
Submit your session proposal at scolt.org
Conference Dates: March 18-20, 2027
Southbank Hotel, Jacksonville, FL
Theme: Making Waves with Languages
SCOLT presenters want to hear from you! Remember to evaluate the sessions you attend with this form: bit.ly/ SCOLT26SessionFeedback
TODAY! ACTFL MEMBER
Join your colleagues in San Antonio to find innovative ways to improve your practice and support your learners at the not-to-bemissed event for language educators Career-based
Experience outstanding professional development with hundreds of educational sessions, dynamic keynote speakers, and an interactive expo at our convention
Institute of Research and Pedagogical Documentation, Switzerland
4 Michaela Rückl
University of Salzburg, Austria
Christian Ollivier
Réunion Island University, France
5
Logambal Souprayen Cavery
Réunion Island University, France
Angelica galante
McGill University, Canada
6
yunjia Xie McGill University, Canada
Plurilingual Language Learning: European and U.S. Perspectives
Intercomprehension in Theory and Practice: Teaching and Learning Plurilingual Competence in a European Context
Awakening to Languages: Preparing a Peaceful Multilingual World
Teaching Materials for Plurilingual Practices: Insights from Austrian Vocational Schools
Opening a Dialogue between Translanguaging and Interlectal Practices: Constrained Freelanguaging for Peaceful Language Education
Democratizing Knowledge for Plurilingual Education
CALL FOR PAPERS | Dimensions 2027
Dimensions is the official peer-refereed journal of SCOLT. The journal seeks to serve the professional interests of language instructors and researchers across a range of contexts and is dedicated to the advancement of the teaching and learning of world languages, particularly languages other than English.
The journal welcomes manuscripts that document the effectiveness of teaching strategies or address a wide variety of emerging issues of interest within the profession. Submissions that report empirical research and that have clear and significant implications for language teaching and learning will be prioritized, as will submissions received by August 1st, 2026.
Submissions guidelines can be found at: http://www.scolt.org/index.php/publications/dimension
For additional information on manuscript submission or the publication process, please contact the Editor, Paula GarrettRucks at prucks@gsu.edu or Dimensions@SCOLT.org
LEADING SPANISH & PORTUGUESE EDUCATORS TO EXCELLENCE SINCE 1917
The AATSP is the leading professional association for teachers of Spanish and Portuguese in the United States and beyond
We promote language study and cultural understanding at all educational levels, supporting research, collaboration, and global connections Our mission is to empower educators, foster cultural exchange, and enhance the teaching and learning of Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian languages a nd cultures
Joining the AATSP opens doors to meaningful engagement Some of our membership benefits include:
From engaging webinars to the AATSP Annual Conference and the AATSP Career Center, participation in AATSP professional development opportunities connects you with fellow educators to spark collaboration and build the future of your career
Receive exclusive access to a wide range of publications, including our flagship journal Hispania These resources allow members to publish their own research, stay informed on the latest scholarship, and engage with cutting-edge ideas in Spanish and Portuguese language, literature, and pedagogy
Proposal Submissions
Submit by: February 22, 2026
www.aatsp.org/page/2026Conference
Regular Registration Ends: March 31, 2026
Discover a wide range of awards, contests, and honor societies that recognize excellence and foster student engagement at every level From scholarships and the AATSP Exams to the Photo and Poster Contests, as well as the SHH, SHA, and Phi Lambda Beta honor societies, these programs celebrate achievement and inspire creativity
“BEST OF” PRESENTATIONS & FLANC “TOP 10”
The sessions and presenters below were selected by their state organization as the BEST OF STATE presentations at recent state conferences. We are pleased to share these selected presentations at SCOLT 2026!
1-A
10:30-11:30 AM Ballroom 4
2-A
12:40-1:40 PM Ballroom 4
2-E
3-A
3-E
F RIDAY | M ARCH 20
From Fearful to Fearless: A Pathway Toward AI Integration Bobby Hobgood, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Best of FLANC
AI as a Bridge: Expanding Authentic Language Input in NonImmersion Learning Environments Na Li, Western Kentucky University KENTUCKY Best of KWLA
12:40-1:40 PM Salon F Differentiation through the lens of Products, Practices, and Perspectives Lisa Bartels, Wake County Public Schools FLANC TOP 10
1:50-2:50 PM Ballroom 4
Culture Points: Zero Teacher Prep Cultural Connections Madelyn Ethington, The Montgomery Academy ALABAMA Best of AWLA
1:50-2:50 PM Salon F Cultural Connections: TL & Culture Engagement Outside the Classroom Justin Cobb & Yi-Wen Liu, Ravenscroft School
4-A 3:10-4:10 PM Ballroom 4
Laughter and Language: games That Spark Spontaneous Conversations! Alaa Hedeeb, Jonesboro High School
TOP 10
Best of FLAG
4-E 3:10-4:10 PM Salon F Onboarding: Acclimation for Acquisition Carmen Scoggins, Watauga High School FLANC TOP 10
5-A
4:20-5:20 PM Ballroom 4 Lost in Translation? Mind-Brain Myths unraveled in World Language Teaching Teresa York, Metairie Park Country Day School
5-E 4:20-5:20 PM Salon F The Choice is yours! Interactive Choice Boards for Dynamic Learning Paitlyn York, Palisades High School
SATURDAY | M ARCH 21
6-A 8:00-9:00 AM Ballroom 4 Phonetics and Phonology of Spanish: Helping your Students Sound More “Native” Beth Stapleton, Mississippi College
6-E 8:00-9:00 AM Salon F I Am My Language: Roots, Rhythm and Resistance Krishauna Hines-Gaither, ACTFL
Best of LFLTA
Best of MFLA
10
7-A 9:10-10:10 AM Ballroom 4 Hitting the 90% Target: Teaching Circumlocution Skills Rebecca Whitehead, Oak Ridge High School TENNESSEE Best of TWLTA
7-E 9:10-10:10 AM Salon F Voces por la Justicia: Exploring Human Rights Through Language Learning Thomas Soth, Chapel Hill High School
8-A 10:50-11:50 AM Ballroom 4 Around the World in 90 Minutes: Weekly Routines for Culture & Conversation Sydney Nolley, Rustburg High School
TOP 10
Best of FLAVA
8-E 10:50-11:50 AM Salon F Laugh, Speak, Repeat: The Power of Play in Language Learning April Henry, Duke University FLANC TOP 10
9-A 1:20-2:20 PM Ballroom 4 Liberty as Life’s Work: An Ideal, a Motivating Force, and a Lesson for Today Emily Wanger, Spring Mills High School; Nick Shangler, Marshall University WEST VIRGINIA Best of WVFLTA
9-E 1:20-2:20 PM Salon F The Cultural Amigo: Integrating a Mascot into Elementary Learning and Classroom Management Iwinza Sanchez, Elena Gonzalez, Francy Rodriguez, Kitty Hawk Elementary School FLANC TOP 10
10-A 2:30-3:30 PM Ballroom 4 From Prompts to Progress: AI in Interpersonal Skills Jessica Oberly, Beechwood MS; Jessica Kelly, River Bluff HS
10-E 2:30-3:30 PM Salon F When Words Fail, Music Speaks: Integrating Music Into World Language Classes Bethanie Drew, Broughton Global Magnet High School
Best of SCFLTA
10
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Ballroom Pre-function Area
Registration
Registration is located in the in the pre-function space near Ballroom 2 and the exhibit area.
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Pre-function Area & Ballroom 3
Exhibitor set up
Registration is located in the in the pre-function space near Ballroom 2 and the exhibit area.
SCOLT Leadership Luncheon and Workshop
Pam Benton, SCOLT; Amanda Minnillo, SCOLT
*By Invitation Only* SCOLT’s Leadership Workshop 2026 will focus on connections among leaders of the SCOLT state organizations. The session will feature content and activities from the book, Learning Lessons, by SCOLT past president and Founders Award recipient, Linda Markley. SCOLT is grateful to Mandarin Matrix for sponsoring the Leadership Luncheon.
SPONSOR: SCOLT
W-2 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Salon F
Old but Gold: Classic Tools
Worth a Second Look
Raegan Lemmond, Opelika High School; Meredith White, Gwinnett County Public Schools; Tavane Moore, Maynard Jackson High School
Do you have an old favorite you haven’t used in some time? Is there something new? Let’s dust off that resource and take a look at what’s new. We’ll look at platforms like Canva, Padlet, Edpuzzle, and others to create activities and student resources. Bring a device other than a cell phone to use during the hands on portion of the workshop.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SEALLT
STRAND: Learning Resources/Tools
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
SCILL Workshop
Shannon Borum, SCOLT; Linda Markley, SCOLT; Michelle Olah, Independent Consultant
*By Invitation Only*
SPONSOR: SCOLT W-3 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Teacher of the Year Interviews
Interviews to determine the 2027 SCOLT Regional World Language Teacher of the Year.
SPONSOR: SCOLT
Language Gardens - Growing Peer to Peer Communication in WL Classrooms
Heather Giles & Melissa Shaughnessy, Rock Hill High School
Imagine language learning spaces like vibrant gardens, where students blossom as they navigate varied tasks and collaborate, rather than fixating on screens. Join us to explore a framework for cultivating student-to-student interaction that acknowledges the contexts and needs of today’s learners. Participants will dig into ways to “till the soil and plant seeds” for increased student involvement in instruction, assessment, and reflection, leaving with a bouquet of adaptable strategies for their own classrooms.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCFLTA
STRAND: Personalized Learning
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
Anchored in Joy: Reclaiming the Privilege of Teaching Languages
Annabelle Williamson, Metairie Park Country Day School Joy is contagious—and when we model it, students feel it too! In this energizing 3-hour workshop, you’ll discover strategies to bring more laughter, connection, and balance to your teaching. Together we’ll explore practical ideas for language acquisition and classroom boundaries that help both teachers and students thrive. Through storytelling, reflection, and play, you’ll leave re-centered, re-inspired, and ready to bring your best, most joyful self into the classroom every day.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Personalized Learning APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English, German, Spanish, French PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various
Dual Language Immersion Site Visits
See a local Dual Language Immersion program in action! These site visits will take place in 3 school districts in the Raleigh area. During the visits participants will be provided an overview of current program, observe in classrooms, and have a time for questions and answers. Transportation to and from the visits will be from conference hotel. The visits will last 2 to 3 hours, and the time will be scheduled between 8 AM and 12 PM to accommodate transportation time. (**Note the times will be slightly different from other preconference workshops.)
CORE PRACTICE: Provide Appropriate Feedback
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion APPLICABLE LEVELS: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English
Share the knowledge! Use #SCOLT26 to tag the conference on social media!
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Instructional Strategies for Mixed-Ability Classes
Diego Teatin, Sumter High School; Monica Rodriguez-Bonces, Rock Hill Schools; Noemy Orozco, Northwestern High School; Luz Garfias, Northwestern High School
Mixed-ability language classes present unique challenges for teachers: how can they balance varied proficiency levels and student experiences while ensuring rich learning for all? This workshop examines an instructional framework grounded in Project-Based Language Learning (PjBL), Problem-Based Learning (PrBL), and Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL). Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, participants will explore a curriculum developed by the presenters and receive adaptable tools —tasks, authentic resources, examples and rubrics— designed for intermediate to advanced learners, including regular, heritage, and immersion students.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SEALLT
STRAND: Learning Resources/Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
High Engagement in K-5 DLI
Nora Santillan & Fran Averre, Wake County Public School System
Bring your classroom to life with hands-on, high-engagement strategies designed for K–5 DLI teachers. This interactive workshop explores practical ways to create language-rich instruction that fosters communication, collaboration, and cultural connection. Participants will experience and design activities that promote meaningful target language use across content areas—leaving with ready-to-implement tools to make language learning dynamic, purposeful, and fun.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various
Leadership Strategies for DLI
Artificial Intelligence, Genuine Connection: Enhancing Best Practices With AI
Meredith White, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Join members of the SEALLT Board (Southeastern Association of Language Learning Technology) as they share their favorite ways to incorporate AI into their high-leverage practices, not the other way around. This includes but isn’t limited to rubrics, feedback, leveled readings, and more. AI may stand for Artificial Intelligence, but there are ways to get genuine knowledge out of it, too.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
Well-implemented dual language programs develop and connect leadership at all levels, including teachers, coaches, school admisistrators, central office, state department, and parent advocates. Workshop attendees engage in interactive and collaborative activities to explore these leadership roles through instruction, assessment, and program evaluation. Dual language programs develop and connect leadership at all levels, including teachers, coaches, school administrators, central office, state department, and parent advocates. Workshop attendees engage in interactive and collaborative activities to explore these leadership roles through instruction, assessment, and program evaluation.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Various
Ready for Takeoff! Guiding Students from Novice to AP through Scaffolded Performance Assessments
Christen Campbell, Chapel Hill High School
Fasten your seatbelts and get ready to explore how to prepare students for real-world communication and performance-based assessments. This interactive session introduces the latest updates to the AP World Language & Culture exams, connecting them to proficiency-based teaching at all secondary levels. Participants will unpack key shifts in assessment focus, analyze authentic student work, and explore adaptable classroom strategies that build the skills students need from novice to advanced levels. Walk away with model tasks, scaffolded performance examples, and practical tools to help all learners soar.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources/Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various
EXAMPLES IN: Various
SCOLT presenters want to hear from you! Remember to evaluate the sessions you attend with this form: bit.ly/ SCOLT26SessionFeedback
SCOLT 2027 CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Proposal window: April 15 – October 12, 2026
Submit your session proposal at scolt.org
Conference Dates: March 18-20, 2027
Southbank Hotel, Jacksonville, FL
Theme: Making Waves with Languages
1-B 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Start
me up! Using Sentence Starters to Support Student Output & Success
Bethanie Drew, Broughton Global Magnet High School
Exhibits Open
Registration is located in the pre-function space near Ballroom 2 and the
Be sure to thank our exhibitors for coming to this year’s event and supporting our profession! Exhibits will be open today from 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Visit exhibitors in the pre-function area and Ballroom 3.
Continental Breakfast in Exhibitor Area
Join your colleagues for breakfast and network with our exhibitors. SCOLT is grateful to Lingco for sponsoring this breakfast! 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Pre-function area & Ballroom 3
Teachers’ Lounge
SCOLT
This is an interactive, learn by doing session where participants explore what sentence starters can do to support ALL students in feeling competent & confident in their speaking & writing. These versatile low prep, high engagement strategies are adaptable to multiple units, levels, & languages allowing teachers to work smarter, not harder & are sure to bring smiles to your students’ faces! Participants will see authentic classroom examples and leave with the tools to implement these strategies immediately
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources/ Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
1-C 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Ballroom 1 Built for Acquisition, Designed for Teachers: Discover The Somos Curriculum
Martina Bex, The Comprehensible Classroom
AM - 5:00 PM 5 - Boardroom
Need a break from the business of the conference and a place to recharge? Come to the Teachers’ Lounge for a bit of rest and relaxation.
First
Timers Session
Krista Chambless, University of Alabama at Birmingham
SPONSOR: SCOLT
Explore how Somos aligns research, standards, and classroom realities into a curriculum that supports both student proficiency and teacher sustainability. Attendees will take an in-depth look at the materials and leave with an understanding of the approach and outcomes of Somos, Vamos, and Nous Sommes.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
8:00 AM - 8:20 AM Room 2 - Boxwood
Is this your first conference? Do you want to find out how to make the most of your experience at the SCOLT/FLANC/SCFLTA/SEALLT conference? Come to this session to learn some tips and meet colleagues!
Opening General Session and Awards
Exhibits Break Friday | March 20
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Ballroom 4 & 5
Come and hear from the ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year, and meet this year’s candidates for SCOLT Teacher of the Year and more! 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
From Fearful to Fearless: A Pathway Toward AI Integration
Bobby Hobgood, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The virality and preponderance of AI tools has fostered a range of emotions from anxiety to mindless adoption. Given a spectrum of AI integration in world languages, this session introduces a framework for mindful integration of AI tools and techniques. The presenter will demonstrate how he has successfully integrated AI across the modes.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Program and/or Educator Effectiveness APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
IN: English
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Exhibitor
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, DLI, Post-Secondary
1-D 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English
2
Less Busywork, More Impact: Simplifying Life with AI
Julia Royall, West Ashley High School
High-energy and hands-on, this session is for educators with basic tech confidence ready to level up. Explore practical AI tools to streamline lesson planning, create assessments, and design differentiated tasks. Discover strategies to let students use AI to boost engagement and personalize learning. You’ll build, test, and leave with ready-to-use classroom materials. No fluff—just tools, strategies, and results you can launch tomorrow.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: French, Spanish
Flying High with Tech: Empowering Multilingual & Small Group Readers to Soar
Educators will take flight with innovative tech tools designed to elevate literacy for multilingual learners and students needing additional reading support. Participants will explore, experiment, and soar with hands-on strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into daily classroom and small group instruction—helping every learner reach new heights in reading success.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy APPLICABLE LEVELS: Elementary
1-F 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Cleared for Takeoff: Equitable
Grading Strategies that Soar
Porsha Prudencio & Andy Jones, Courtland High School
Salon G
Grading got you grounded? Let your practice take flight! In this session, we’ll explore how to streamline curriculum, instruction, and assessments around clear proficiency-based goals. Discover how to cut the fluff, give feedback that fuels growth, and design a grading system that lifts student confidence and your own joy. Walk away ready to rethink grading fairly, fearlessly, and with purpose.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Assessment and Feedback APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
1-G 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various
Salon C
Materiales Auténticos en Acción
Claudia Kechkian, AATSP
El objetivo de esta sesión es reflexionar acerca del valor de los materiales auténticos en el aula y demostrar cómo se puede crear un ambiente motivador a través de materiales auténticos como la música, el cine, textos, audios y objetos que tenemos a nuestro alcance, mediante estrategias innovadoras.
CORE PRACTICES: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: AATSP
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
Have you wanted to implement more reading into your classroom that functions independently of vocabulary and grammar? Do you feel like it would just be “one more thing” to have to do? This session will serve as a how-to guide to add this invaluable tool to your teacher toolbox as well as dispelling the idea that it creates more work for teachers. Participants will leave with ideas for implementation as well as ways to enhance current teaching.
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
1-I 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Salon E
World Language for All! An Inclusive Course for Special Needs Students
Lynne Hendrick, Chesapeake Public Schools
Explore a course designed for special needs students, bringing them into the world language classroom. This course allows students to learn about the world and gain language skills in a developmentally appropriate way. We will discuss the hows, whats, and whys of developing this course while we reflect on lessons learned. Come and learn how Chesapeake Public Schools is expanding our reach and our students’ world views across diverse student populations, and leave with a lot of JOY!!
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Program Models
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: German, English
1-J 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Room 1 - Dogwood
Prepare your Students for Bilingual Careersfrom Level 1
Susan Duemmel, Western Guilford High School
From healthcare to customer service, bilingual jobs are more in demand than ever! How can we prepare our students starting in Level 1 for global careers? Where should we start in order to provide students with a businessminded purpose and context for language learning? Let’s add specific and targeted practice to build job-related skill sets that include language proficiency and intercultural competency. With a focus on practical tips and role-playing, let’s help our students use languages to soar!
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Languages Beyond the Classroom APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: French
Enhancing
Language Proficiency in DLI Classrooms through Technology and Cultural Perspectives Awareness
Maria Victoria Estrada Ramirez & Cherry Freda, Unionville Elementary School
This presentation will explore various activities designed to improve language proficiency acquisition in a second language in elementary school students across the four core skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. By integrating technology and fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures, students will engage in research, representation, and meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds. These activities aim to empower students to become fluent and biliterate in a second language while simultaneously developing an interest in cultural diversity.
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+ 1-L 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
This session explores innovative ways to bring language and culture to life through the stories of influential Hispanic people and their lasting contributions in fields such as art, science, music, politics, and social change. Participants will discover strategies, resources, and classroom activities that connect students to real-world cultural perspectives while enhancing their linguistic proficiency and global competence.
About Research to Practice sessions : In Round 1, there are two research sessions (1-M, 1-N) in the same room at the same time. Two presenters are paired in the 60-minute session, allowing 20 minutes each to present and 20 minutes for discussion.
1-M 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM*
Transform
Room 6 - Sandalwood
Your Teaching Through ResearchBased Practices
Victoria Russell, Laura Black, Chiquita Brown, Sergio Brown, Valdosta State University
Learn some of the latest research-based techniques for making your teaching more engaging and effective. Topics presented include language anxiety and the role of the teacher, teaching grammar as a concept in context with processing instruction, the effect of second language identity on language learning, and classroom activities to stimulate the negotiation of meaning. The focus of this presentation will be on the pedagogical implications of research with real world applications.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
In-Flight
In-Flight Chat: Increasing Student Engagement
ACTFL Town Hall Focus Group for K-16 Educators: Building Connections & Global Readiness
Kathleen Shelton, ACTFL Director of Education and Certification
K–16 educators are invited to participate in a town hall focus group with ACTFL leadership on how we can work together to develop Global Ready learners and programs. Join us to share your perspectives on three themes: building partnerships with leaders in education, industry, and career tech; sharing examples of innovative language programs that highlight global readiness; and creating credentials for educators, learners, and programs that demonstrate the value of language education in a global context.
SPONSOR: ACTFL
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
IN: Spanish, French
STRAND: Research to Practice APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English
FLANC/SCFLTA AATF Chapters
6 - Sandalwood
Quick Trip Abroad, Clear Results: TeacherFriendly Ways to Show Language Growth
Brian Olovson & Charlie Hazelwood, Kenessaw State University
Short-term study abroad can spark measurable language growth—if teachers know how to capture it. This interactive session translates research into practice by showing how to pair STAMP proficiency results with teacher-friendly CALF (Complexity, Accuracy, Lexis, Fluency) measures and reflective journals. Participants will learn simple coding techniques, explore sample student work, and leave with ready-to-use prompts and templates to document progress from two-week immersion experiences. Discover practical, classroom-ready ways to demonstrate meaningful language development in short-term programs.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Research to Practice
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English 1-N
EXAMPLES: German, Spanish
This is a meeting of the Tennessee chapter of AATSP (American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese). 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
SPONSOR: AAFT
2-A
AI as a
11:30 AM - 12:40 PM Lunch
About In-Flight Chats : If you want to have informal conversations with colleagues around this topic, pick up your lunch and join the room. These lunch conversations do not have a facilitator nor agenda.
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM Ballroom 4
In-Flight Chat: Advocacy 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM Ballroom 5
In-Flight Chat: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM Ballroom 1
In-Flight Chat: Using AI in the Language Classroom
Ballroom 4
Bridge: Expanding Authentic Language Input in Non-Immersion Learning Environments
Na Li, Western Kentucky University
World language teachers in small-town or non-immersion contexts often face a shared challenge: students have limited access to authentic oral language beyond the classroom. This session explores how thoughtfully integrated AI and digital tools can expand students’ access to meaningful oral language while maintaining a proficiency-oriented, human-centered pedagogy. The presenter will demonstrate practical strategies for using AI to provide authentic oral language practice beyond the classroom, scaffold meaningful interaction, and create low-anxiety opportunities for communication. Participants will analyze sample activities, reflect on their own teaching contexts, and leave with a resource toolkit designed to increase the quantity and quality of oral input in settings where authentic exposure is limited.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: KWLA
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: HS, Post-Secondary APPLICABLE
2-B 12:40 PM - 1:40 PM
Ballroom 5
The State of K-12 World Language Education in the United States
Lawrence Paska, ACTFL
Learning languages empowers people to connect with each other, enabling interaction and cultural understanding. Access to high-quality language education is critical for all students. Via data analysis of multiple sources from the U.S Department of Education, this presentation provides an overview of the current state and shifts over time in U.S. K-12 world language instruction. The paper discusses key findings, calls to address gaps in data collection, and implications for educators and policymakers to increase access to high-quality language education.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: ACTFL
STRAND: Articulation and Collaboration APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
2-C
Developing a Can-Do Attitude for Growing Proficiency and Interculturality
Carolyn Taylor, Wayside Publishing
In this informative session, participants will explore the transformative power of Can-Do Statements in shaping a proficiency-based language classroom. Can-Do Statements serve as a clear roadmap for both teachers and students, outlining what learners can accomplish at various proficiency levels. This session will dive into practical strategies for integrating these statements into daily instruction, assessment, and feedback to foster a learner-centered environment.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Standards-Based Instructional Design
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
2-D 12:40
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: French, Spanish
Tailor-Made Teaching: Customizing Language Instruction for Every Learner
Ken Stewart, Lingco
Just like a perfectly tailored outfit, language instruction should be customized to fit the needs of each learner. This session explores how to craft individualized, proficiency-based lessons using Lingco’s editable and authentic content. Discover how to weave thematic instruction, cultural connections, and adaptable activities into a seamless learning experience. Learn practical strategies to design lessons that fit your students like a glove—engaging, rigorous, and tailor-made for success!
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: German, French, Spanish
STRAND: Personalized Learning
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Various
Differentiation through the lens of Products, Practices, and Perspectives
Lisa Bartels, Wake County Public Schools
Differentiation is great in theory, but applying it is a challenge. Analyzing classroom culture through the lens of Products, Practices and Perspectives is a fantastic place to start! Differentiating for product and practice gives students variety and choice. Differentiating for perspective can powerfully transform and individualize learning! Participants will have time to discuss their own classroom practices and explore examples of differentiated products, practices and perspectives in action
CORE PRACTICE: Provide Appropriate Feedback
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Personalized Learning
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: French, Spanish
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English, French
Cultivating Cultural Connections: A Novice Approach
Cécile Lainé, Harpeth Hall
How do we foster cultural connections in the target language with Novice learners? This session will actively reframe ‘Teaching Cultures’ and leverage specific Comprehensible Input strategies in order to engage Novice learners in meaningful intercultural communication. Participants will engage in discussions, demonstrations, and self-reflection.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: Novice Learners
Flight Plan for Success: Reducing Teacher Load While Increasing Student Growth
Amy Anderton & David Tait, Mandarin Matrix
This session demonstrates how Mandarin Matrix, a comprehensive digital Mandarin curriculum for PreK to 16, aligned to ACTFL proficiency levels, supports AP and IB pathways and serves DLI and World Language programs. Participants will see how structured lessons, 25,000 plus downloadable worksheets, integrated assessments with Global Seal of Biliteracy alignment, and AI supported feedback reduce teacher workload while increasing measurable student growth. Teachers can assign simplified or traditional characters, control pinyin, and provide English or Spanish supports.
CORE PRACTICE: Provide Appropriate Feedback
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Learning Resources/Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: French
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Chinese
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English, Chinese
The Power of Play: Building Language and Social-Emotional Skills in Language Cl
Molly Cook, Moravian Academy
In a rapidly evolving world shaped by AI, human connection and communication remain essential. This session highlights how purposeful play and communicative activities foster meaningful language learning from primary through secondary school language learning settings. Drawing on classroom expertise and research, participants will explore strategies that engage learners, strengthen target language use, and promote collaboration and well-being. Teachers and administrators will leave with adaptable, research-informed practices that integrate play as a powerful counterbalance to technology-driven learning environments.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
Connecting Content and Language: Strategies for Integrated DLI Classrooms
Ji Ma, Georgia State University
This session explores how the Integrated Model supports Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs by combining science, music, art, and P.E. with target language instruction. Participants will discover strategies for engaging students in fun, meaningful ways while developing both language and content knowledge across disciplines. Real classroom examples highlight how target language teachers integrate subjects, address challenges, and implement creative solutions. Attendees will gain insights into fostering student engagement, building interdisciplinary connections, and supporting teachers’ success in DLI programs.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LEVELS: DLI
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Chinese, Korean
EXAMPLES IN: Various 2-J 12:40 PM - 1:40 PM
Chelsea Lawrence, UMS-Wright Preparatory School
Learning a language is more than just words - it’s about capturing the culture behind them. Framing the angle on cultural products, practices, and perspectives isn’t always easy and without the right lens can lead to “cultural frankensteins”. Discover how the IMAGE Model (Glisan & Donato) can guide students through an authentic well-framed picture of culture and sharpen their intercultural communication skills.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Friday | March 20
2-K 12:40 PM - 1:40 PM Room 2 - Boxwood
Thrust and Lift: Fine-Tuning Our Daily Routines to Help Students Take Flight
Jennifer Solis, Early College of Forsyth- WSFCS
Sometimes the best innovations are already in our classrooms. In this interactive session, participants will explore how purposeful daily routines—word walls, warm-ups, communicative tasks, and scaffolded supports—create the thrust and lift that help students take off toward higher proficiency. Using the airplane as a metaphor, participants will engage in modeled communicative activities, reflect on current practices, and identify small, purposeful adjustments that provide the motivation, support, and clear runway learners need to soar.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Standards-Based Instructional Design APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
2-L 12:40 PM - 1:40 PM Room 4 - Judicial
Destination Maroc: Un voyage culturel
Beth Marshall, Riverbend High School
By the end of this session, participants will be able to highlight key aspects of Moroccan culture through art, architecture, cuisine, and traditions, show how to incorporate interactive, authentic activities in French, and lastly provide examples of assessments that showcase cultural competence and language growth.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality APPLICABLE LEVELS: High School
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: French PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: French
About Research to Practice sessions : In Round 2, there are two research sessions (2-M, 2-N) in the same room at the same time. Two presenters are paired in the 60-minute session, allowing 20 minutes each to present and 20 minutes for discussion.
2-M 12:40
Katherine Bevins & Victoria Sanders, University of Tenessee
This presentation explores the design and implementation of a Generative AI-based assignments in a university French program, focusing on student and instructor perspectives of its effectiveness. We created GenAIbased conversation practice activities that align with the curriculum of our beginning and intermediate French program. Through questionnaires, we examine student and instructor perceptions of our integration of GenAIbased conversation activities into our curriculum. Findings highlight the potential of GenAI based activities to increase learner engagement and motivation in the target language.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: English
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
Exploring AI Chatbots as Conversational Partners for L2 Learning
Elizabeth Deifell, Appalachian State University
The proliferation of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) chatbots (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT) provides an unprecedented opportunity to address the critical need for unlimited, personalized practice for second language learners. This presentation reports on an exploratory qualitative research study examining university students’ real-time interactions with chatbots and their perceptions of AI’s role in their language and culture learning. Implications for language teachers, the potential use of AI for communicative practice and assessment, and ethical considerations will be discussed.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: Post-Secondary
3-A 1:50 PM - 2:50 PM
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: French
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Culture Points: Zero Teacher Prep Cultural Connections
Madelyn Ethington, The Montgomery Academy
Culture points is a student-driven project where students take their talents and interests and connect then back to culture. Giving students voice and choice in how they connect to target culture builds greater appreciation of the language learning process and creates community within the classroom.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: AWLA
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
Amanda Minillo, Charleston County Schools
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: SCOLT
Leading Professional Learning that Captivates and Transforms
What if professional development didn’t just deliver strategies—but sparked real change? Whether you currently lead/are interested in leading professional learning, in this session, you’ll learn how to design learning experiences that empower teachers to feel confident, capable, and inspired to grow. Through practical tools and powerful design strategies you’ll explore how to craft PL that connects deeply and leads to lasting impact. Leave with a framework to create meaningful, memorable learning that truly transforms.
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION: English PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English, French
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
Ballroom 1
PRESENTATION IN: English 3-C
How AI Is Revolutionizing Speaking Practice in Education
Ben Altschuler, Speakology AI
Providing personalized feedback on world language speaking skills for every student can be challenging in traditional classrooms. Many students don’t speak enough, struggle to find the right words, and often feel less engaged asa result. AI offers a solution, preparing students for real-life conversations and building their confidence. What will we discuss? The challenges of providing individualized speaking feedback in classroom settings, how AI can encourage more frequent and natural conversational practice, and methods for using AI to deliver personalized feedback.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Various
AI, Let’s Talk: Sparking Student Conversations
Liza Trejo, Avant Assessment
Looking for fresh ways to get your students talking? Curious about AI but unsure where to start? This interactive session will help you explore how AI, through a proficiency lens, can boost interpersonal communication in your classroom—without replacing the essential role you play as a teacher. Lift student language with ready to use strategies as soon as you walk out the door of this session.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: French, Spanish
Cultural Connections: TL & Culture Engagement Outside the Classroom
Justin Cobb, Yi-Wen Liu, Ravenscroft School
How can we get students using the target language outside of the classroom? Learn how a pilot running-project assignment geared towards exposing students to the target language and communities in the Raleigh area sparked self-confidence in the target language both in and out of the classroom. We will also go into how this project can be adapted to different school settings across communities as well as other ways to promote interculturality and use of the target language outside the classroom.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
3-F 1:50 PM - 2:50 PM
World Music, Language, & Culture in Harmony
Zelandia Almonacid, Elena Gonzalez, Kitty Hawk Elementary
Explore how world music can enrich K–5 education by fostering creativity, cultural awareness, and bilingual learning. This session introduces the concept of using global songs and rhythms to connect students with diverse cultures and languages. Attendees will gain inspiration for engaging, meaningful musical experiences that celebrate diversity and spark curiosity about the world.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
3-I 1:50 PM - 2:50
Student Jobs: Recruit them to Help Manage Your Class and Craft Engaging Stories
Rick Whitmore, NSU University School
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English, Spanish
G
Try These Engaging Hands-on Activities for Skills Development
Tavane Moore, Maynard Jackson HS, Atlanta Public Schools
Try these no-tech engaging strategies and activities to develop students’ reading, writing, listening and presentational and interpersonal speaking skills. Participants interact with lists of brainstorming ideas from students, watch video clips of activities in action and participate in an activity for each skill. In the Padlet handout, we will brainstorm engaging activity ideas for each skill. The handout also includes links to customizable templates and instructions for each activity.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Standards-Based Instructional Design
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English, Spanish
Integrating Individual and Group Oral Assessments in Target Language
Lucy Alfonso, Richmond Public Schools
This presentation explores integrating individual and group oral assessments in language learning. It highlights effective strategies for evaluating speaking skills through both personal presentations and collaborative interactions. Attendees will learn how to design assessment tasks that balance individual performance with group dynamics, fostering real-world communication skills. The session covers best practices, rubric development, and the role of peer feedback, providing practical tools for language educators to enhance oral assessments and promote student engagement and proficiency.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Assessment and Feedback
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Program and/or Educator Effectiveness
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
Cleo: See Berlin through Film
Raegan Lemmond, Opelika High School
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish, English
Students who are given opportunities (jobs) to actively participate in helping with classroom management develop a sense of belonging, which fosters a procedural system that not only runs like a fine-oiled machine but is also fun and inviting. In addition, students are “hired” to help lead their class in generating action-packed stories with student-created (and illustrated) characters; the entire class contributes to the development of the plot (taking ownership of their language acquisition lowers their affective filters).
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: Spanish PRESENTATION IN: English
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: German PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: Various EXAMPLES IN: English, Spanish EXAMPLES IN: English, German
Can’t afford to take students abroad? Show this 2019 film and take a trip through Berlin. Students follow in the footsteps of historic figures and a young couple of Berliners while on a treasure hunt. Will they succeed? Join me to find out and to get some resources and ideas for your classes.
EXAMPLES IN: English, Spanish 3-G
Flight Plans for Dual Language Immersion Success
Mark Linsky & Ann Marie Gunter, NC Department of Education; Lisa Harris, Virginia DOE; Rocio Zalba, South Carolina DOE
State world language leaders from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia will share how they are supporting dual language immersion educators through regional collaboration. This session includes a flyover of each state’s DLI landscape, highlights from the All Things Immersion leadership series, and a preview of the 2027 International Dual Language Conference. Attendees will gain access to tools, strategies, and research to help their programs soar.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion APPLICABLE LEVELS: DLI
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English
FLANC TOP 10
Write On! Pens, Prompts, and Proficiency
Donna Podgorny, Retired
Experience simple tools—chat mats, sentence starters, journaling, AAPPLand STAMP-style prompts, and more—that turn writing into a powerful, everyday driver of language growth and student voice in DLI and World Language classrooms.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
Laughter and Language: Games That Spark Spontaneous Conversations!
Alaa Hedeeb, Jonesboro High School
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
About Research to Practice sessions : In Round 3, there are two research sessions (3-M, 3-N) in the same room at the same time. Two presenters are paired in the 60-minute session, allowing 20 minutes each to present and 20 minutes for discussion.
3-M 1:50 PM - 2:20 PM* Room 6 - Sandalwood
Tackling the Learner-Centered Problem of Target-Language Speaking through Data
Tamara Trownsell, Randolph School
The proliferation of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) chatbots (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT) provides an unprecedented opportunity to address the critical need for unlimited, personalized practice for second language learners. This presentation reports on an exploratory qualitative research study examining university students’ real-time interactions with chatbots and their perceptions of AI’s role in their language and culture learning. Implications for language teachers, the potential use of AI for communicative practice and assessment, and ethical considerations will be discussed.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Research to Practice
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
3-N 2:20 PM - 2:50 PM*
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: FLAG
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish, French
Room 6 - Sandalwood
CI with University Level Novices: First Semester Lessons Learned
Tracy Stapleton, USC-Union
Teaching a world language with Comprehensible Input in K-12 is increasing in popularity and new resources pop up online every day. Teaching through engaging stories resonates with these age groups. Once students are at the university-level, the goofy stories are less engaging. But many students need beginner language courses to satisfy requirements. I set out to find the sweet spot: engaging but mature, beginner level but interesting. Here’s what I learned.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities !
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Research to Practice
APPLICABLE LEVELS: HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM Pre-function area & Ballroom 3
Exhibits Break
SCOLT is grateful to LAS Links for sponsoring the exhibits break!
The participants will engage in fun and humorous games that spark spontaneous use of the target language. Through interactive activities like improvisation and wordplay, the participants will break down language barriers and build confidence in a humorous and fun atmosphere.
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English, Arabic
We Do Not Care: How to Prioritize MidCareer & Beyond
Meredith White, Gwinnett County Public Schools; Bethanie Drew, Broughton Global Magnet High; Maris Hawkins, Capitol Hill Day
Teaching is difficult, especially as it changes daily, weekly, and yearly. How do we choose resources, develop our confidence, and grow professionally while staying inspired and not burning out? In this session, veteran teacher-presenters outline how they’ve adapted throughout their careers using humor, sharing resources, and reflecting on shifts in perspective, all as it relates to teaching. (All materials shown will be shared and editable.)
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Program and/or Educator Effectiveness
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish 4-A
4-C 3:10 PM - 4:10 PM
Building Confident Communicators through Proficiency-Oriented Teaching
Laura Pearson, Klett World Languages
A proficiency-oriented approach empowers students to confidently use the language to communicate, rather than just knowing about it. By emphasizing real-world communication, this method reduces learner anxiety and increases student engagement as they feel successful using the language. This approach naturally aligns with ACTFL-aligned proficiency levels, allowing students to see their progress, boosting motivation and confidence. By starting with the interpretive mode and providing content for meaningful conversations, students are better prepared to engage and participate in the classroom.
In this engaging session, discover how connecting language growth and academic achievement empowers dual language educators to accelerate student success. Learn how the LAS Links® language assessment from DRC supports this work by providing actionable data in both English and Spanish—in the content areas---helping educators monitor progress, strengthen academic language, and design instruction that drives meaningful learning gains across two languages.
CORE PRACTICE: Provide Appropriate Feedback
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LEVELS: DLI
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English
Onboarding: Acclimation for Acquisition
Carmen Scoggins, Watauga High School
Learning a language is different from learning other subjects. To empower our students in their language classes, we must first guide them in understanding how to learn a language effectively. This session will delve into innovative onboarding strategies designed to build strong relationships, foster engagement, and boost retention. Much like onboarding for a new job, this approach will prepare students to confidently embark on their language-learning adventures with purpose and excitement.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Bringing Language to Life: Inspiring Engagement Beyond the Classroom
Nathan Campbell, ACTFL
Unlock the potential of your students to become lifelong learners by connecting them with the target language and culture outside of the classroom. This session will showcase practical strategies and creative structures that help students of all levels of experience, use, and enjoy language in real-world and community-based settings. Discover how to build meaningful cultural connections that extend far beyond textbooks and walls.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: ACTFL
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Game-ify the Language Classroom!
Hannah Dintino, West Ashley High School
How can we make students so comfortable in the classroom that their willingness to communicate is increased? Join me for a session on various ways to implement games in the classroom, and how they can benefit students. We will discuss the advantages of using brain breaks and vocabulary review games. We will also talk about games that can be used during excess instructional time that require little to no prep! Watch your students grow and thrive through engaging games!
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Comment Aborder Manie Musicale?
Victoria Toste, Santaluces High School
Manie Musicale is a powerful and fun way to engage students in French language and culture. If you’re not participating already, you are missing out! Come to this session to learn all about Manie Musicale, and how to join in the international movement started by Stephanie Carbonneau and Michelle Fournier.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: French
Download the Certificate of Attendance from the Sched platform for your continuing education credits. It is also included in the printed and digital program.
Put the Honor in Honor Society!
Heather Tedder, Watauga High School
Do you have a language honor society? Want to start one? This session is for you! We will talk about all the ways to make your language honor society exciting and effective in the school and community. It will allow your students to shine both in and out of the school setting. We will talk about all the basics and share lots of tried and true ideas!
CORE PRACTICES: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Languages Beyond the Classroom
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: French, possibly Spanish
4-J 3:10 PM - 4:10 PM Room 1
- Dogwood
Achieving National Board Certification in World Languages: YES, YOU CAN!
Lisa Bartels, Wake County Public Schools
National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students and schools. This session explores the certification pathway for world language teachers. Attendees will examine all four NBC components, learn to avoid common pitfalls, and find support resources to assist in their journey. There will be time to brainstorm portfolio topics in collaboration with others. Attendees will leave with resources and confidence to take the next steps in their NBC journey.
Explore how the connection between reading and writing can transform bilingual teaching with practical and dynamic activities. Join this interactive presentation and discover creative strategies to connect reading and writing in the classroom, and put them into action from the very first moment.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LEVELS: DLI
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various
4-L 3:10 PM - 4:10 PM Room 4
- Judicial
Building Confident Communicators: The power of storytelling & more!
Aimee Falk, R.J. Reynolds High School
Many students fear making mistakes when learning a foreign language, hindering their confidence and communication. This session explores strategies to reduce anxiety, encourage risk-taking, and foster a growth mindset through relationship-building and interactive activities. Learn how storytelling and other engaging techniques can empower students to embrace challenges, build confidence, and become more effective communicators in the target language!
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English, French, ASL
Share the knowledge! Use #SCOLT26 to tag the conference on social media!
4-M 3:10 PM - 4:10 PM Room 6 - Sandalwood
Scrolling, Streaming, Speaking: Turning Today’s Media into Tomorrow’s Proficiency
Justin Seifts, Vista Higher Learning Today’s Gen Alpha and Gen Z learners connect themselves through short videos, cultural updates and authentic media that reflect their daily lives. How can we harness these formats to maximize engagement and language growth in our classrooms? In this session, participants will explore strategies for transforming authentic clips, news segments and cultural spotlights into interpretive, interpersonal and presentational tasks. Join us as we take everyday media and adapt it for student-centered lessons that capture attention while deepening linguistic proficiency.
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Lost in Translation? Mind-Brain Myths Unraveled in World Language Teaching
Teresa York, Metairie Park Country Day School
Attention brain changers! In this session, we explore common misconceptions in the field of mind brain education as it relates to second language instruction. Discover practical strategies backed by research to optimize language instruction and empower learners effectively.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: LFLTA
STRAND: Research to Practice
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English
5-B 4:20 PM - 5:20 PM Ballroom 5
Amplifying Acquisition with AI
Heidi Trude, Loudoun Valley High School
Are you ready to amplify language acquisition and energize your classroom? In this session, explore how AI can transform the way students build communicative skills and discover powerful tools to help educators curate authentic resources, design communicative tasks, and craft lessons that align with Acquisition Driven Instruction. Come see how working smarter with AI can lead to proficient and passionate learners, as well as a more inspired you!
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
5-C 4:20 PM - 5:20 PM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: French; Spanish
How to Keep the Ball Rolling: Bringing the 2026 World Cup into Classroom
Susanne Rinner, Cordula Hunold, Sebastian Voetter, Goethe-Institut
This session introduces authentic, classroom-ready resources in German to connect the 2026 World Cup with language instruction. Participants will explore how soccer can support intercultural understanding, social justice themes, and inclusive pedagogy. The session highlights tools that promote relevant, real-world connections in language education.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools APPLICABLE
Cultivating Interculturality and Connection with Voces Digital
Justin Slocum Bailey, Voces Digital
In today’s interconnected world, fostering intercultural understanding is essential for effective language learning and to help students grow as global citizens. In this session, Justin Slocum Bailey will explore how the Voces Digital curriculum promotes interculturality through a story-based, acquisition-driven approach that centers humans—the communities that already use the language and the students who are learning it. Integrating compelling stories and culturally rich materials, Voces Digital helps students engage deeply with diverse cultures, enhancing both communicative and intercultural proficiency.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ES, MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish, French, German PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various
5-E 4:20 PM - 5:20 PM
Salon F
The Choice is Yours! Interactive Choice Boards for Dynamic Learning
Paitlyn York, Palisades High School
Providing autonomy and choice is an important part of helping students take control of their language learning journey. Together, we will explore how to do so using choice boards to complete activities that provide the same learning opportunities in different ways.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
5-F 4:20 PM - 5:20 PM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
Salon G
Frequent Flyers: What Keeps Them Coming Back
Hannah Sullivan, Charleston Southern University
Motivating reluctant learners who are in our courses simply to complete a graduation requirement can be a key part of growing our programs. After a decade of leading language departments, I have discovered activities and procedures that students get excited about and even request (*gasp*). In this session, I’ll share how classroom planning, clip chats, competition, and strategic sharing can build camaraderie and increase motivation. Let’s build relationships along with proficiency!
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Program and/or Educator Effectiveness
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English, Spanish
How do I teach all of these preps?!
Teresa Torgoff, Arlington Public School
In this session, participants will gets tips and resources on how to deal with many different levels to keep their sanity.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English, French
Be Bold, Get out of your Comfort Zone! Engagement, Activities, and Tips
Julimar De Leon-Viera, Evans Middle School
“Be Bold, Get out of your Comfort Zone!” applies the Ron Clark Academy Engagement Approach to world language instruction. This session demonstrates how warm-ups, brain breaks, and interactive review games such as El Pelotazo, ¡Es Arte!, and Grudgeball enhance vocabulary, grammar, and cultural learning. Attendees will gain practical, low-prep strategies that promote active participation, support differentiation, and foster student confidence. The session emphasizes sustainable, researchaligned engagement practices that strengthen language proficiency and create dynamic, student-centered classroom environments.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: Spanish, English EXAMPLES IN: Various
Expanding Worlds: Multilingual Learners in
Classrooms
Milena Duboy & Betsy Roman, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs provide an ideal setting for multilingual learners to grow academically, linguistically and culturally. Through classroom practices, family engagement and data, these inclusive environments support multilingual learners to succeed both socially and academically. Participants will explore evidence-based strategies that affirm language identity, promote high achievement and foster a strong sense of belonging for students in DLI programs.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LEVELS: DLI
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English, Spanish
Voices from Côte d’Ivoire: Beyond the West African Stereotypes
Beckie Bray Rankin, Lexington High School
Break free from tropes and bring authentic, contemporary Francophone culture into your classroom. This session introduces a dynamic collection of classroom-ready materials curated and created by the AATF-Fulbright Hays team following their immersive month in Côte d’Ivoire. These hotoff-the-ground resources push past the traditional “products, practices, and perspectives,” capturing the energy, nuance, and diversity of modern Ivorian life.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: French
PRESENTATION IN: French EXAMPLES IN: French
Engaging Strategies to Get your Students Communicating in the 3 Modes
Kristen Petrovich, Fort Mill High School; Laura Johnson, South Pointe High School
Attendees will leave the session with a variety of interactive and engaging strategies that will provide students with opportunities to actively communicate in all 3 modes. All resources shared in the session (and more!) will be available digitally to attendees- 50+ ready-to-use and mostlymodifiable communicative activities. Resources are in Spanish but most are easily adaptable to other languages.
Awhile: Do We Really Understand Proficiency and Interculturality?
Mara Cobe, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
In North Carolina, we’ve had proficiency based standards since 2010. We now have the updated 2024 North Carolina World Language Standards, which are still proficiency based and with an even stronger focus on interculturality. Let’s take a deeper dive into proficiency and interculturality so that we can plan learning experiences for our students to build their skills and prepare for real world interactions.
CORE PRACTICES: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Standards-Based Instructional Design APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various
Empowering Students to Take Charge of their Language Study
Adriana Medina & Bobby Hobgood, UNC Charlotte
This session identifies both the skills and a mindset that foster student onus of responsibility for language study. We will demonstrate tools and techniques teachers can use to help students integrate study strategies such as timeblocking, timeboxing, and spaced-repetition. Participants will leave with a plan to support students toward becoming more independent language learners.
CORE PRACTICES: Planning with Backward Design Model
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English
Sponsor and Patron Business Meeting
Pam Benton, SCOLT President, Presiding
*By Invitation Only* Attend the Sponsors and Patrons Business meeting. Then gather in the lobby to travel to the reception! Thank you to EF for their generous sponsorship.
SPONSOR: EF
IN: Spanish
8:30 AMOPENIN g g ENERAL SESSIONBallroom 4 and 5
4:20 PM5:20 PM Round #5
5-A: Best of LFLTA YORKLost in Translation? Mind-Brain Myths Unraveled
1:50 PM2:50 PM Round #3 3:10 PM4:10 PM Round #4
4-A: Best of FLAG HEDEEBLaughter and Language: Games that Spark Conversation
3-A: Best of AWLA ETHINGTONCulture Points: Zero Teacher Prep Cultural Connections
3-M: TROWNSELLTackling the LearnerCentered Problem of TL Speaking 4-M: SEIFTSScrolling, Streaming, Speaking
1-M: RUSSELL, BLACK, C BROWN, S BROWNTransforming your Teaching with Research 2-M: BEVINS & SANDERSIntegrating Generative AI Conversation Practice
5-M: MEDINA & HOBGOODEmpowering Students to Take Charge of Language Study 1-N: OLOVSON & HAZELWOODQuick Trip Abroad, Clear Results 2-N: DEIFELLExploring AI Chatbots as Conversational Partners 3-N: STAPLETONCI with University Level Novices
Room 6 - Sandalwood
T
ROOM 8:00 AM9:00 AM Round #6 9:10 AM10:10 AM Round #7 10:50 AM11:50 AM Round #8 1:20 PM2:20 PM Round #9 2:30 PM3:30 PM Round #10
10-A: Best of SCFLTA OBERLY & KELLYFrom Prompts to Progress
9-A: Best of WVFLTA WANGER, N SHANGLERLiberty as Life's Work
8-A: Best of FLAVA NOLLEYAround the World in 90 Minutes: Weekly Routines
7-A: Best of TWLTA WHITEHEADHitting the 90% Target
6-A: Best of MFLA STAPLETONPhonetics and Phonology of Spanish
Ballroom 4
10-B: REYESBeyond Language Learning: Incorporating SEL
10-C: RUSSELL & PENUELARANNAZZISIOnline Options for Spanish, French, and ESOL
8-B JONESCreating Authentic Language Spaces 9-B HYATTShape the Story
9-C: SEBASTIAN, SOUZA, FOUNTAIN, SCOGGINSIntroducing a New Model for Methods
8-C: TEDDERLet's Get Visible
10-D: WEELOCKBeyond France
9-D: KERST-COLEMANTaking Language Higher: Real Resources
8-D: SEALS & GOMEZTracking Progress in Elementary Language Programs
10-E: FLANC Top 10 DREWWhen Words Fail, Music Speaks
9-E: FLANC Top 10 SANCHEZ, GONZALEZ, RODRIGUEZThe Cultural Amigo
8-E: FLANC Top 10 ALVARADO & ANDRADEFostering Bilingual Authors
6-B: ELLIOTT & LAWRENCEScaffolding Silent Discussions 7-B: ALFARO & DREWChoose Your Own Adventure
Ballroom 5
Salon A/B
10-F: ANTONEKStaion Rotations: Runways to Language
9-F: WANG & LIEmpowering Chinese Education
8-F: SANTILLANEmpowering Heritage Voices
Ballroom 1 6-C: RALSTONAI in Language Teaching 7-C: MARTINEZStudentCentered Methodology
Room 4Judicial 6-L: SMALLPuppets in the Secondary WL Classroom 7-L: NICHOLSThe same old story? CrossCultural Connections
6-M: ORTEGAMORANCommunicative Ping Pong 7-M: MOSERMirroring Model Speakers
Room 6 - Sandalwood
7-N: BADRMelody and Motivation
6-N: ZHANGIncreasing Student Enrollment
Saturday | March 21
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration Open
Registration Areas
Registration is located in the in the pre-function space near Ballroom 2 and the exhibit area.
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Pre-function area & Ballroom 3
Exhibits Open
Be sure to thank our exhibitors for coming to this year’s event and supporting our profession! Exhibits will be open today from 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Pre-function area & Ballroom 3
Continental Breakfast in Exhibitor Area
Join your colleagues for breakfast and network with our exhibitors. SCOLT is grateful to Vista Higher Learning, Xperitas, and Language Testing International for sponsoring this breakfast!
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM 5 - Boardroom
Teachers’ Lounge
Need a break from the business of the conference and a place to recharge? Come to the Teachers’ Lounge for a bit of rest and relaxation.
Phonetics and Phonology of Spanish: Helping Your Students Sound More “Native”
Beth Stapleton, Mississippi College
This session will highlight the most prominent rules in Spanish phonology and apply these to help your students sound more “native” in their speaking. There will be concrete examples and exercises you can take back to your classroom to incorporate for all levels of Spanish instruction. This session will be particularly helping for non-native instructors of Spanish who do not know the phonological rules, as well as native speakers who can help explain their language to learners.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Languages 90%
SPONSOR: MFLA
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
AI in Language Teaching: Smart Assistants for Learners and Educators
Anna Ralston & Martina Gombas, Hueber Verlag Artificial intelligence is far more than just a trend—it opens up new possibilities for language learning and lesson design. This hands-on workshop demonstrates how learners can use AI to creatively and independently enhance their language skills, and how educators can save time and gain fresh inspiration for their teaching. Through practical examples, you’ll receive ideas you can implement in your classroom right away.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
Leveraging Language as an Asset: Integrating Language Assessments for CCR
Carlos Mercado, Language Testing International
There’s a growing focus on College and Career Readiness (CCR) and career-connected learning, but where do world language programs fit in? This session explores how you can leverage language credentialing with industry recognized assessments to align language programs with CCR initiatives. See how language proficiency credentials support college and workforce readiness, offering students a competitive edge. Gain insights into employer recognition of language skills, real-world applications, and strategies to advocate for language programs, ensuring their long-term value and sustainability.
CORE PRACTICE: Provide Appropriate Feedback
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Assessment and Feedback
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
6-E 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Salon F
I Am My Language: Roots, Rhythm and Resistance
Krishauna Hines-Gaither, ACTFL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish EXAMPLES IN: German, English EXAMPLES IN: Various
6-B 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Ballroom 5
Scaffolding Silent Discussions for Real Communication from Novice to AP
Claudia Elliott, Paxon School for Advanced Studies; Chelsea Lawrence, UMS-Wright Preparatory School
In this session, teachers will learn how to use Silent Discussions to support interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication from Spanish 1 to AP. Discover how to choose compelling topics, set clear goals, scaffold meaningful responses, and extend learning through follow-up questions and reflections. Leave with ready-to-use strategies and sentence starters to help students think, write, and communicate confidently—in silence.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Assessment and Feedback
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
In 2024, ACTFL affirmed that “All languages and varieties are equally valid.” I Am My Language recognizes languages as sources of domination and liberation. It honors both ancestral and acquired languages and all that they represent. This framework respects the sacredness of home languages (and the experiences that gird them) while offering a bridge into the target language. This antiracist framework will demonstrate to your students that their identities matter. Educators leave this session rooted in new ways of languaging.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: ACTFL / FLANC
STRAND: Social Justice APPLICABLE LEVELS: HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various
Trail, Different Needs: Moving Every Learner Forward
Language learners may be on the same trail heading toward a shared destination, but they move at different speeds and need different supports along the way. This session explores how to differentiate instruction by proficiency level—meeting learners where they are without changing the destination or creating multiple paths. Walk away with practical strategies to design learning experiences that keep all students moving forward on the journey to proficiency.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR:
FLANC TOP 10
Centering Career: Integrating Professions into Beginning Language Courses
Krista Chambless, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
This session presents ideas for incorporating professional language skills into introductory language courses. Students gain practical language abilities for careers. Also, it makes language learning relevant and engaging, fostering a deeper understanding of language and its real-world applications.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish, French
Practical Strategies for Oral and Written Proficiency in DL/I Classrooms
This session offers practical, evidence-based strategies for effective literacy instruction in Dual Language Immersion (DL/I) classrooms. Experienced Mandarin DL/I educators will share approaches to developing oral production and writing through engaging, hands-on activities. Participants will explore adaptable strategies that promote student engagement and language proficiency across target languages. Brief examples of how simple AI tools can complement instruction will also be shared, enhancing efficiency and supporting differentiated learning in DL/I settings.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LEVELS: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Chinese, Spanish, Any DLI PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Chinese
6-I 8:00 AM -
Back to Basics - Pen and Paper Rock!
Robin Oliver & Angela Johnson, North Atlanta High School
Are you tired of AI and technology-based instruction? Technology has its place, but isn’t everyone tired of how enabling it can be? Too much cheating, too many easy ways out...We feel it is time to go back to pen and paper basics and here are some of the tried and tested activities etc. we offer in our language classes. Come hear what we have to offer and join in the discussion and share your own!
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
Addressing Concerns in Online WL Courses: Cheating, AI, and Verbal Skills
Erika Stevens, Walters State Community College
Focusing on sound instructional design principles and backwards design, this session will address concerns that faculty and administration have about online (synchronous and asynchronous) WL courses. The session will look at data and myths about students in these classes including cheating, AI usage, and perceived lack of verbal skills as well as how to best develop strategies to address these potential problems.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
6-L
in the Secondary World Language
Tabitha Smail, East Helena High School / STARBASE Advanced
Flor de Lis Morales Torres, Rock Hill Schools
Maximizing accessibility for students to earn the Seal of Biliteracy and credit by demonstrating proficiency has had great results for a school district. From identification, recommendation, testing administration, and follow up opportunities: come hear our story! Steps and tools of the implementation processes will be shared with participants along with district trend data as proof of success.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Leadership / Advocacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various EXAMPLES IN: French, Spanish
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ES, MS, HS
This session will cover the how and why of using puppets in the second language classroom. Studies show that puppets reduce students’ nervousness to speak, and thus have a variety of applications! Ideas include building cultural competency, free play application, and both interpersonal and presentational speaking. Teacher testimony, student examples, and academic research will lay the foundation for puppetry in the World Language classroom at the secondary level. Attendees will also have a chance to work with puppets themselves!
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
About Research to Practice sessions : In Round 6, there are two research sessions (6-M, 6-M) in the same room at the same time. Two presenters are paired in the 60-minute session, allowing 20 minutes each to present and 20 minutes for discussion.
Communicative Ping Pong: Increase students’ Confidence and TL Communication
Natalie Ortega-Moran, Villanova University
Real-life conversation is much like a game of ping-pong. Given a question or topic about which to talk about or answer, effective communication is not accomplished with one answer. Each participant further engages in developing the conversation by asking additional questions and answering those posed to them, and during the process, students engage in learning more about others as they recycle and use the target language. Communicative Ping Pong develops language skills in the target language while building students’ confidence.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Languages Beyond the Classroom
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish EXAMPLES IN: Spanish EXAMPLES IN: English, Spanish
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
About Research to Practice sessions : In Round 6, there are two research sessions (6-M, 6-N) in the same room at the same time. Two presenters are paired in the 60-minute session, allowing 20 minutes each to present and 20 minutes for discussion.
Increasing Student Enrollment in the DualLanguage Mandarin Immersion Program
Na Zhang, Meadow Glen Middle School
7-C 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM
Student-Centered Methodology: It’s Not About How We Teach, But How They Learn
Pablo Martinez, Edinumen USA
This session introduces Edinumen’s Active Learning Methodology, a student-centered approach that transforms the Spanish classroom into a space of participation, interaction, and authentic language use. This methodology emphasizes how students learn, encouraging them to build knowledge through meaningful engagement and real-world communication. At the heart of this approach are the following pillars that guide instructional design and classroom practice: inductive learning, meaningful learning, student autonomy, language in context, purposeful technology, intercultural competence, and critical thinking.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
This research examines the impact of marketing and outreach strategies on enhancing family awareness and increasing enrollment in a Dual-Language Mandarin Immersion (DLMI) program in SC. It employs a mixed-methods design to collect data from surveys and interviews with parents of children entering kindergarten. The data collection also includes interviews with Mandarin Immersion teachers and attending community events. The research developed and implemented a locally tailored enrollment management plan grounded in the principles of improvement science.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LEVELS: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Chinese PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English, Chinese 6-N 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM* Room 6 - Sandalwood
7-A
BEST OF
Hitting the 90% Target: Teaching Circumlocution Skills
Rebecca Whitehead, Oak Ridge High School
This presentation delves into strategies to use in the classroom to improve our students’ circumlocution skills and therefore increase time spent in the target language. It will draw upon theoretical frameworks and present practical classroom activities to help our students gain confidence in speaking and expand their oral production.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: TWLTA
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
7-B 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Choose Your Own Adventure: Connecting Community & Classroom via Mini Quests
Amy Alfaro & Bethanie Drew, Broughton Global Magnet HS
Do you ever wish you could take your students on personalized field trips to explore target culture, but without the fees, paperwork, and headaches?
Choose Your Own Adventure is an activity that is perfect for you! Two veteran teachers will explain our system for connecting the “real world” in our community with our Spanish classes. Through student work samples and supporting documents for teachers, participants will leave with the tools needed to recreate this program in their classrooms.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Languages Beyond the Classroom
APPLICABLE LEVELS: High School
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Download the Certificate of Attendance from the Sched platform for your continuing education credits. It is also included in the printed and digital program.
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish PRESENTATION & EXAMPLES IN: English
7-D 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM
The Fastest Way to Fluency to Take FlightTPRS 2.0
Craig Sheehy, TPRS Books
How quickly can students reach ACTFL Intermediate speaking? Since many students take only one or two years of language, achieving Intermediate fast is crucial. We believe we’ve found the fastest way. This session will expose teachers to the latest research and improvements in TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). They will learn and immediately apply a lesson recipe that maximizes fluency development, experiencing it firsthand by learning an unknown language.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
APPLICABLE LEVELS, LANguAgES: ALL
7-E 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM
FLANC TOP 10
Voces por la Justicia: Exploring Human Rights Through Language Learning
Thomas Soth, Chapel Hill High School
How can we meaningfully integrate human rights education into the intermediate Spanish classroom while maintaining a focus on language acquisition? This session presents a carefully crafted unit that uses the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a springboard for developing students’ interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills. Come learn how students can strengthen their language skills while engaging with concepts that promote respect for our diverse experiences.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
7-F 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish
PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: Spanish EXAMPLES IN: Various EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Transforming Early Language Learning with Innovative Practices & Tech Tools
Maribel Gomez, Gloribel Colon Cruz, Katherine Bautista-Gomez, Savannah Chatham County Public School System
This session highlights how innovative practices and purposeful technology integration can transform early language learning. Focusing on Dual Language Immersion and Foreign Language in Elementary School programs, participants will explore strategies that foster communication, biliteracy, and cultural understanding. Through examples of engaging classroom routines, authentic experiences, and digital tools, attendees will discover how to create interactive, student-centered environments that promote meaningful language use and long-term proficiency from the earliest grades.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: Elementary School
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Angel Moronta-Martinez, Darlington County School District
Stories play a significant role in learning as various brain-based cognitive capacities are set in motion through narration such as neural coupling (Armstrong, 2020). Stories increase opportunities for language acquisition while also leading to cultural appreciation and reflection on language learning as an intercultural experience. In this workshop, participants will build a story in the target language through creating characters, comparing settings, organizing tasks along a story arch and bringing the concept of intercultural encounters into the classroom experience.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ES, MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English, Spanish
Beyond Drills: Games and Interactive Strategies for Language Learning
Suzanne Groves, The King’s Academy
Too often, language instruction relies on worksheets, memorization, and grammar drills. This interactive workshop offers creative alternatives that put students at the center of learning. Participants will experience adaptable games and collaborative tasks for novice to advanced learners, including kinesthetic activities, problem-solving games, and digital tools for quick assessment. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use templates, strategies for embedding culture and collaboration, and a mini-activity plan. Gain a refreshed toolkit to transform classrooms into spaces of creativity and authentic communication.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Personalized Learning
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English
Helping Students Use, Not Abuse, AI for Language-learning Purposes
Brandee Strickland & Hilary Browder, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Although as educators we often observe the use of Artificial Intelligence by students to “cheat”, there are exciting tools for use in and out of the classroom to support students and increase their access to interaction and feedback. We will report on the use of several tools that allow students to interact with AI interlocutors in the target language and receive feedback. We will explore how these tools, when incorporated into structured activities, can create affordances for language learning.
CORE PRACTICE: Provide Appropriate Feedback
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
7-J 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM Room 1 - Dogwood
Raices y Alas: Latin American Studies to Help Students Take Flight
Angela Uribe Romero, Parkland High School, Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools
Empower students to connect with language through Latin American Studies. Explore how themes like identity, migration, and resistance can deepen cultural understanding and critical thinking while building Spanish proficiency through engaging, justice-centered units.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Social Justice
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
PRESENTATION IN: English, Spanish EXAMPLES IN: Various
Sideline Strategies: Using Sports to Spark Language Learning
Jeanne McCoy, St. Joseph’s Catholic School; Beth Marshall, Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Score big with student engagement—no athletic skills required! Discover how sports themes like the Olympics, World Cup, Tour de France, Formula One, athlete bios, and even team uniforms can captivate learners while connecting culture and language. This session shares winning strategies that blend movement, competition, and critical thinking—all aligned with proficiency goals—to help world language teachers turn sports into a dynamic, culturally rich learning experience aligned to proficiency goals.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
The same old story? Cross-Cultural Connections via Origin Stories, Myths, & More
Jennifer Nichols, Harris Road Middle School
Whether passing on cultural traditions/beliefs, delivering warnings to keep children safe, or entertaining movie-watchers - origin myths, legends, folktales, and oral traditions are prevalent throughout history and around the world. Elements and stories from multiple cultures/countries will be discussed not only to further engage our students and build on their prior knowledge – but to highlight, celebrate, & build bridges that transcend borders and languages to link cultures. Attendees will ‘test’ their knowledge of literature and cultural connections as well.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ES, MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English
*About Research to Practice sessions : In Round 7, there are two research sessions (7-M, 7-N) in the same room at the same time. Two presenters are paired in the 60-minute session, allowing 20 minutes each to present and 20 minutes for discussion.
Mirroring Model Speakers: Teaching Pronunciation through Authentic Examples
Kelly Moser, Mississippi State University
Interested in helping students improve their pronunciation? This session will introduce “the mirror project,” in which students model authentic speech from varied sources (cartoons, interviews, commercials, songs, and other media). Mirroring native speech helps students focus on specific speech patterns, styles, and levels of formality. We will learn about pronunciation profiles and strategies for mirroring native speech. This session is offered as part of the NFMLTA’s outreach initiative, which seeks to share cuttingedge research in practical and classroom-ready ways.
CORE PRACTICE: Provide Appropriate Feedback
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Research to Practice
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
Saturday | March 21
*About Research to Practice sessions : In Round 7, there are two research sessions (7-M, 7-N) in the same room at the same time. Two presenters are paired in the 60-minute session, allowing 20 minutes each to present and 20 minutes for discussion.
7-N 9:10 AM - 9:40 AM* Room 6 - Sandalwood
Melody & Motivation: Using Gamified Music to Enliven the Language Classroom
Farida Badr, UNCG
This session explores how the integration of gamification and music can energize the language classroom, increase motivation, and strengthen language retention. Participants will experience practical examples of how game-based structures—such as quests, collaborative challenges, and immediate feedback—combine with songs, rhythm, and movement to enhance listening, pronunciation, and cultural connection. Attendees will gain ready-to-use lesson templates and digital tools adaptable to multiple proficiency levels and classroom formats.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Research to Practice
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English
Let’s Get Visible
Heather Tedder, AATF
Ready to grow your program? Stand out from the other languages offered in your school? Come learn about a variety of ways to increase your program’s visibility, from National French Week to honor societies to contests. Initiatives presented will run the gamut from easy-to-implement to high-effort/highpayoff. Two seasoned pros will walk you through different outreach strategies that you can adapt to best suit your teaching environment.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Exhibitor
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: French
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English, French
Tracking Progress in Elementary Language Programs According to ACTFL Guidelines
Natalya Seals, Little Sponges; Maribel Gomez, SavannahChatham County Public School System
8-A 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM Ballroom
Around
World in 90 Minutes: Weekly Routines for Culture & Conversation
Sydney Nolley, Rustburg High School
Keep culture at the heart of your language classroom with weekly themed routines! In this session, we’ll explore creative, culturally rich activities you can anchor to the same day each week — from “Musique Mercredi” to “Foodie Fridays” and beyond. Learn how these simple, consistent rituals build student engagement, cultural curiosity, and language confidence. Walk away with fresh ideas, sample activities, and tech tools to make cultural learning a regular, meaningful part of your class.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: FLAVA
STRAND: Learning Resources/Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: French, Spanish
Creating Authentic Language Spaces through Virtual Exchanges
Kelly Jones, University of South Carolina
Discover how virtual exchanges can transform your world language or Dual Language Immersion (DLI) classroom into an authentic communication space. This session explores strategies for connecting students with peers around the world to build cultural competence, linguistic confidence, and global awareness. Participants will learn practical tools and frameworks for designing meaningful virtual interactions that enhance proficiency, promote collaboration, and empower learners to use the target language in realworld contexts.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Languages Beyond the Classroom APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
CORE PRACTICE: Provide Appropriate Feedback
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
2
Effective elementary language programs rely on clear, meaningful progress tracking aligned to ACTFL proficiency guidelines. This session explores how educators and leaders can monitor language growth in developmentally appropriate ways that reflect what students can do across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Participants will learn practical strategies for formative assessment, feedback, and data use that support instruction, inform program decisions, and strengthen consistency across classrooms - without overburdening teachers or compromising engagement.
STRAND: Assessment and Feedback APPLICABLE LEVELS: Elementary School
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various 8-D 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM Ballroom
8-E 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM Salon F
Laugh, Speak, Repeat: The Power of Play in Language Learning
April Henry, Duke University
In a world where language learning often feels high-stakes and grammarheavy, playful pedagogy offers a refreshing, research-informed approach that centers joy, curiosity, and connection. This talk explores how playful learning strategies can enhance engagement, deepen retention, and create more inclusive and humanizing language classrooms. Drawing from World Language teaching contexts, we will examine how games, storytelling, improvisation, and creative project-based learning can foster risk-taking, collaboration, and authentic communication.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Research to Practice
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
8-F 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
IN: German, English
Salon G
Empowering Heritage Voices: Introducing Spanish Heritage Curriculum in Middle School
Nora Santillan, Wake County Public School System
This session introduces a Spanish Heritage Language curriculum designed specifically for middle school learners. Participants will explore strategies that validate students’ cultural and linguistic identities while developing advanced literacy and communication skills in Spanish. The session will highlight curriculum design, instructional practices, and resources that foster pride, engagement, and academic growth among heritage learners. Attendees will leave with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to build meaningful, culturally sustaining learning experiences for Hispanic students in middle school.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Program Models
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS,
AI FUNdamentals
Tanika Perry-Vincent, Atlanta Public Schools
It’s time for us to embrace this era in history as we navigate the integration of AI in our language classrooms. Attendees will distinguish between advanced and artificial intelligences. We will discuss the importance of addressing cultural bias in AI. This session allows participants to explore lesson design, instructional planning, tools, and resources to determine how AI can be used to accomplish performance objectives in EVERY CONTENT, but are IDEAL for ELL, WL/LA, DLI, and Speech classes.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Standards-Based Instructional Design
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
8-H 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Salon D
Using Memes and Instagram to Motivate
Speaking
and Writing at the Novice Level
Shawn Morrison, College of Charleston
It is difficult for students at the Novice level to express themselves in the target language. In this session, attendees will be presented with examples of memes and Instagram posts that can be used to create activities for students to communicate in all three modes.
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Standards-Based Instructional Design
APPLICABLE LEVELS: all
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: French
Andy Jones & Porsha Prudencio, Courtland High School
Ready to take your assessments to new heights? Discover practical ways to assess reading and listening comprehension that truly reflect proficiencybased learning. Walk away with tools that help you measure what matters most: real comprehension. Watch confidence soar and engagement take flight as your students grow in proficiency.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Assessment and Feedback
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
Tools for Including Students with Special Needs in a DLI Classroom
The presentation will encompass differentiated instruction strategies, assistive technologies, and collaborative teaching models.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Dual Language Immersion
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English, French 8-I 10:50
Empowering Feedback: Transforming Student Writing
Yeider Guerra, Rock Hill High School
We will dive into creative approaches for developing meaningful feedback for students’ interpersonal and presentational writing. Recognizing the challenges of building writing skills, we will explore engaging high and lowprep strategies and resources to help students climb the ACTFL Pyramid. Join us for a dynamic session that deepens your feedback practice and empowers student success through targeted, actionable advice.
CORE PRACTICE: Provide Appropriate Feedback
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Assessment and Feedback
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Teaching with Purpose: Inspiring the Next Generation
Najoua Benramak, Seventy First High School
Teaching is a powerful force for change. Each day, we step into classrooms carrying knowledge, hope, and the tools to shape the future. Teaching with purpose means creating experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and foster critical thinking.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Languages Beyond the Classroom
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
*About Research to Practice sessions : In Round 8, there is one research session (8-M) with 20 minutes for the presentation and 20 minutes for discussion.
Implementing Oral Interpersonal Communication Tasks in Honors Mandarin 2
Yan Zhou, Ravenscroft School
This presentation will cover how students practice authentic speaking skills through three key interpersonal tasks: exploring classmate profiles, discussing school events like the Arts Exhibition, and responding orally to virtual cultural correspondence, etc.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Research to Practice
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
SPONSOR: SCFLTA 12:00 PM - 1:10 PM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Arabic, French EXAMPLES IN: Various
Visit the exhibit areas to see all that our sponsors and vendors have to offer!
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Various
SCFLTA Luncheon and Business Meeting
SCFLTA luncheon, business meeting, and awards. Must have prepurchased ticket. 11:50 PM - 1:20 PM
Lunch and Exhibits
If not attending the SCFLTA luncheon, this is an “on your own” lunch period. This period is also a great time to visit exhibitors!
Saturday | March 21
9-A 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM
BEST
Liberty as Life’s Work: An Ideal, a Motivating Force, and a Lesson for Today
4
Emily Wanger, Spring Mills HS; Nick Shangler, Marshall University
The session begins with an accessible, novice-level introduction to French vocabulary connected to liberty, revolution, and the world of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. Participants will then explore Lafayette’s unique relationship with the United States, from his service in the Revolution to his return as a symbol of enduring friendship. Our special guest, Monsieur Julien Icher, Founder and President of the Lafayette Trail, Inc. will explain Lafayette’s role as an emblem of Franco-American relations, his passion for rational liberty, and his friendships with American statesmen. The workshop concludes with an A2/B1 level lesson that highlights crosscurricular connections between French language learning and History, offering practical classroom applications.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: WVFLTA
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: French
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
Mapping
Kaleb Hyatt, Bay Springs Middle School
9-D 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM
Taking Language Higher: Real Resources for Real Proficiency
Sarah Kerst-Coleman, Carnegie Learning
Authentic resources build real-world language skills and cultural understanding across all proficiency levels. This session explores why authentic input matters, how it aligns with ACTFL modes of communication, and how to scaffold it for diverse learners using research-based strategies. Participants will engage with authentic texts, examine sample tasks, and collaborate through guided share-outs and interactive tools. Teachers will leave with practical, classroom-ready ideas and a next-step plan for using authentic materials with their students.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
9-C 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English
Discover how story mapping can transform your world language classroom into a space for creativity, comprehension, and connection. This session explores practical ways to guide students in visually organizing narratives to support input-based instruction. Participants will learn how to help learners process stories, identify key details, and retell events with confidence in the target language. Leave with ready-to-use strategies and templates that make storytelling more engaging, memorable, and meaningful for all proficiency levels.
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
9-E 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM Salon F
The Cultural Amigo: Integrating a Mascot into Elementary Learning and Classroom Management
PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: French EXAMPLES IN: Spanish, French
Iwinza Sanchez, Elena Gonzalez, Francy Rodriguez, Kitty Hawk Elementary School
Participants will learn how to use a classroom mascot as a cultural and linguistic bridge to boost engagement, language development, and classroom community. They will explore K–5 examples across subjects, design meaningful activities connecting culture and learning, and apply strategies to enhance motivation and classroom management.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: Elementary School
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
9-F 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM Salon G
Empower Chinese Education: How CLASS Leads, Collaborates, and Promotes Excellence
Yan Wang, Na Li, CLASS
Introducing a New Model for Methods: The Future of Language Educator Preparation
Paul Sebastian, Benji Souza, Catherine Fountain, Carmen Scoggins, Appalachian State University
The language methodology course is a foundational pillar in the preparation of language teachers. Typically, the course is taught by someone who has both K12 teaching experience and an advanced degree in a field related to language pedagogy. Finding an effective faculty member with this combination of professional credentials is challenging, particularly for smaller programs with limited hiring pools. Offering a solution to this challenge, we introduce a co-teaching methods model that is built around a K12 and university partnership.
CORE PRACTICE: Provide Appropriate Feedback
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Program Models
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish EXAMPLES IN: English
This session introduces the mission and initiatives of the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS). Participants will learn how CLASS supports K–12 Chinese teachers and students through professional development, innovative teaching events, studentcentered programs, and leadership opportunities. The session highlights how CLASS fosters collaboration, promotes instructional excellence, and builds a vibrant learning community that empowers educators and enriches student learning experiences in Chinese language education.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
9-G 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM
I Just Can’t Today:
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Chinese PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: Chinese EXAMPLES IN: English, Spanish EXAMPLES IN: Chinese, English
Salon C
Strategies for When You’re Running on Empty
Shane Goodpasture, Marion Senior High School
If the past few years have taught us anything its that some days are just HARD. As teachers, we are expected to ¨be on¨ all the time. But what if we have days where we just can´t? Never fear - this session is for you! Come explore various strategies and activities for when you just need a break. Participants should expect to leave with at least one idea or activity to help push them through when they´re running on empty!
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
ALL
9-H 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM
How to Turn 1 Activity Into 5 — Do More With What You’ve Got
Robert Kimmins, Myrtle Beach High School
Ok, not five. But - this session will teach and demonstrate how to take one activity in a World Language classroom and generate one or more activities, using multiple interpretive modes of communication. Teachers will learn how to expand the parameters of a reading, writing, listening, or speaking activity to have their students use one or two other interpretive modes of communication. Examples will come from Level 1 & 2 Spanish classrooms.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
9-I 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
Building Cultural Fluency with Engaging Strategies in the Spanish Class
Marco Hernandez, Westwood High School
9-L 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM Room 4 - Judicial
Bring Life and Engagement to the Classroom through Games
Claudia Valdez & Encarna Turner, Wake Forest University
This presentation showcases a multitude of examples of the inclusion of games in L2 Spanish classes at all levels. We share activities and ideas that allow students to interact directly with the language in a ludic, engaging, and targeted way. We believe in the importance of incorporating fun, authentic, and relevant materials, as it exposes students to real-world language use and sustains linguistic production in the classroom.
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: SCOLT
Salon E
This session immerses attendees in practical methods developed in ELE classes, grounded in the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, diverse learning styles and gamification. Experience how a primary focus on speaking skills, paired with implicit grammar instruction, creates a vibrant and effective learning environment. With hands-on and practical examples, the attendees will be creating the different resources high schoolers have been working on in a Spanish 2 class, while meeting the standards and achieving SMART goals.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
9-J
1:20 PM - 2:20 PM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish, English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Once Upon a Prompt: Creative Story Asking in the World Language Classroom
Silvana Ibanez, Castle Heights Middle School
In this session, I will provide teachers with a variety of engaging and adaptable techniques for story asking that spark imagination, boost comprehension, and promote spontaneous language use in the classroom.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Articulation and Collaboration APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
9-K 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM Room 2 - Boxwood Trabajos de la clase & chill: Menos caos, más flow con Class Jobs
Tuty Vega, Beacon Hill Middle School
En esta sesión se compartirá cómo implementar trabajos de la clase puede transformar el manejo del salón, ayudar a crear comunidad, aumentar la independencia de los estudiantes y lograr que todo funcione mejor— ¡incluso cuando el profe no está!
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish
STRAND: Program and/or Educator Effectiveness
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
IN: Spanish
IN: Spanish
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish, ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
9-M 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM Room 6 - Sandalwood
Passport to Takeoff: Exploring the World from Your Classroom
Emily Burrus, Pisgah High School
Buckle up for a Magic School Bus-style journey with FLANC’s 2024 Teacher of the Year, Emily Burrus! Learn how to transform your existing materials into Virtual Field Experiences—or guide students to create their own—using a classroom passport as the framework. Discover how to make cultural exploration take flight (no customs required!) with a passport template and ready-to-use ideas that bring language, culture, and curiosity to life. Takeoff begins en français—but applicable for any language destination.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: French
BEST OF
10-A 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Ballroom 4
From Prompts to Progress: AI in Interpersonal Skills
Jessica Oberly, Beechwood Middle School; Jessica Kelly, River Bluff High School
During this session we will discuss SchoolAI’s Spaces which creates a safe environment for students to have interpersonal written conversations in the target language. We will also discuss the other features that are helpful. You will see examples of student work and teacher prompts. You will get to try the Spaces as if you were the student. At the end of the session you will create your own AI space to be able to use in your own classroom.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCFLTA
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
10-B 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
5
Beyond Language Learning: Integrating SEL in Character Development and Games
Carmen Reyes, The Langley School
Spark the power of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in language acquisition through fun games and character-building activities! Get students collaborating, writing creatively, and telling dynamic stories that boost language skills, confidence, and empathy-while fostering a classroom atmosphere of inclusive, meaningful communication!
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Languages Beyond the Classroom APPLICABLE LEVELS: ES, MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Online Options for Spanish, French, and ESOL Teachers in Need of Certification
Victoria Russell & Lina Peñuela-Rannazzisi, Valdosta State University
With teacher education programs closing across the country, find out how the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Valdosta State University can help you obtain certification with an MAT in Spanish, French, or ESOL fully online. We offer in-state tuition to all of the surrounding states and GA certification is widely recognized. We also offer online certificates in TESOL and Spanish for Professionals as well as study abroad programs in Spain and France for pre- and in-service teachers.
Beyond France: Bringing Senegal & Tunisia Into Your Classroom
Katy Wheelock, Vive l’expérience
10-F 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Station Rotations: Runways to Language Proficiency
Janis Antonek, Guilford County Schools
Activity-based, station rotations are an effective way to develop students’ presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal language skills. Station rotations encourage active, collaborative, and differentiated learning in the target language as students move through a variety of high-interest and meaningful tasks. Teachers have the opportunity to facilitate the differentiated literacy station. Accountability booklets (the flight plan) help ensure students stay on task and document what they have accomplished. Check in to this session early and prepare for takeoff!
CORE PRACTICE: Planning with Backward Design Model
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Standards-Based Instructional Design
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
Surviving Mixed-Ability Classes
Monica Rodriguez-Bonces, Rock Hill Schools; Noemy Orozco & Luz Garfias, Northwestern HS; Diego Teatin, Sumter HS
Explore the rich cultures of Senegal and Tunisia and discover how immersive travel experiences become powerful classroom resources. Learn about UNESCO World Heritage sites, religious coexistence, literary figures like Senghor, and contemporary issues facing both nations. See how activities like school visits, artisan workshops, and conversations with local writers and educators inspire authentic lesson content. Leave with fresh perspectives on Francophone Africa and practical ideas to bring these cultures to life for your students. Authentic resources will be shared.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: Exhibitor
STRAND: Exhibitor
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
10-E 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: French
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: French, English
F
When Words Fail, Music Speaks: Integrating Music Into World Language Classes
Bethanie Drew, Broughton Global Magnet High School
Music has long played a role in WL classrooms, but rarely gets used to its full potential, especially when considering it as an authentic resource that can be used to model language. Participants in this session will be presented with activity templates that can be applied to any song and almost any level to increase listening skills, enhance cultural awareness, and maximize the incredible potential that each song offers. Participants will receive ready to go materials for Monday!
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: FLANC
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
World language teachers are always looking for strategies to engage students, especially in mixed-ability classrooms where learners differ not only in proficiency levels but also in their language learning experiences. In this 60-minute session, a group of teachers from different school districts will share their experience designing a Spanish program targeted to support intermediate-high to advanced students from diverse backgrounds who are placed together in the same classroom. The design process and units, including resources and tools will be shared.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Articulation and Collaboration
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish 10-C 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
Beyond the Cliché of Relationships: Fostering Authenticity in Language Classroom
Christopher Jahdai Jeffords, The Downtown School
Many teachers claim “relationships matter,” yet too often, this phrase stops at surface-level rapport. This session invites educators to move beyond performative connection toward authentic, equity-centered relationships that honor students’ identities and languages. Grounded in culturally sustaining teaching and critical pedagogy, participants will explore practical strategies for building trust, community, and belonging in language classrooms. Together, we’ll reimagine what it truly means to know, value, and see our students as full human beings.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Social Justice
APPLICABLE LEVELS: MS, HS, Post-Secondary
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English EXAMPLES IN: English, Spanish
FLANC TOP 10
Culture Speaks: Empowering Language Learning Through Cultural Responsiveness
Cecilia Camarero & Carolina Ceballos, Wake County Public School System-Ligon Middle School
Have you ever thought that your World Language classroom could be a space where students not only learn a language but also develop as global leaders? This session highlights the importance of integrating cultural relevance and the Sustainable Development Goals with academic content, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and other essential skills to support the NC Portrait of a Graduate. Walk away with ready-to-use project ideas that provide meaningful, authentic contexts, helping students learn the language, feel welcome, and grow as responsible, active global citizens. As teachers, we have the power to make this transformation happen in our classrooms.
CORE PRACTICE: Use Authentic Cultural Texts
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Culture and Interculturality
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Spanish
Spanish for Staff: Student-Led Language Projects with Social Impact
James Ruiz, Person Early College for Innovation and Leadership
Discover how bilingual and heritage students can use their language skills to create meaningful change within their school community. In this session, you’ll explore Spanish for Staff, a student-led project where learners designed bilingual materials to help counselors communicate with Spanish-speaking families. Learn how to adapt this model for authentic, socially relevant language learning.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: Spanish
STRAND: Languages Beyond the Classroom
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
TELL Your Admin
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Various
Evaluators What Effective Instruction Looks Like!
Jamie Patterson, Fulton County Schools
Have you been evaluated by an administrator who perhaps did not have a clear understanding of what effective world languages instruction looks like? Advocating for what we do includes building admin capacity to recognize best practices for effective instruction. TELL - Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning - is an AMAZING resource for supporting world languages teachers in this effort. Using two, easy one-pagers, teachers and administrators can be on the same page as to what the look-fors are. Win-Win!
CORE PRACTICE: Using Target Language 90%+
SPONSOR: SCOLT
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: All modern languages
STRAND: Program and/or Educator Effectiveness
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ES, MS, HS
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English
Share the knowledge! Use #SCOLT26 to tag the conference on social media!
Visit the exhibit areas to see all that our sponsors and vendors have to offer!
Learning:
Mawuena Dabla, South Academy of International Languages
This interactive session is designed for world language educators ready to enhance student engagement, improve proficiency outcomes, and save time using practical AI tools. Attendees will explore real examples, generate mini-lessons, and discover how AI can support pronunciation, writing, reading, and cultural immersion. While tools take center stage, this session is backed by the latest recommendations from our school district, NC DPI, and language organizations like ACTFL—not as the focus, but as a strong foundation to support meaningful classroom innovation.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
STRAND: Innovative Technology / Digital Literacy
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: Various
Playing & Acting in the WL classroom
Tolosa-Casadont & Alaa Hedeeb, The University of Georgia
Recent research highlights the effectiveness of game & drama-based teaching and learning in enhancing language acquisition. Studies indicate that integrating games and drama into the language classroom can improve vocabulary retention, speaking skills, motivation, and attention. Edmiston (2014) suggests that using drama in the classroom can help with learner engagement and collaboration in the classroom by making the tasks more collaborative, relevant, as well as more socially and culturally responsive to learners’ lived experiences, prior knowledge, and needs.
CORE PRACTICE: Design Communicative Activities
SPONSOR: SCOLT
STRAND: Learning Resources / Tools
APPLICABLE LEVELS: ALL
APPLICABLE LANguAgES: ALL
PRESENTATION IN: English
EXAMPLES IN: English
SCOLT 2027 CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Proposal window: April 15 – October 12, 2026 Submit your session proposal at scolt.org Conference Dates: March 18-20, 2027 Southbank Hotel, Jacksonville, FL Theme: Making Waves with Languages
SCOLT presenters want to hear from you! Remember to evaluate the sessions you attend with this form: bit.ly/ SCOLT26SessionFeedback
SCOLT 2026 PRESENTER INDEX
PRESENTER NAME
Alfaro, Amy
Alfonso, Lucy
Almonacid, Zelandia
Altschuler, Ben
Anderton, Amy
Antonek, Janis
Averre, Francy
Badr, Farida
Bartels, Lisa
Bautista-Gomez, Katherine
Benramak, Najoua
Bevins, Katherine
Bex, Martina
Bivens, Emily
Black, Laura
Bray Rankin, Beckie
Browder, Hilary
Brown, Chiquita
Brown, Sergfio
Burrus, Emily
Camarero, Cecilia
Campbell, Nathan
Campbell, Christen
Ceballos, Carolina
Chambless, Krista
Chang, Millie
Cobb, Justin
Cobe, Mara
Colon Cruz, Gloribel
Cook, Molly
Dabla, Mawuena
De Leon - Viera, Julimar
Deifell, Elizabeth
Dintino, Hannah
Drew, Bethanie
Duboy, Milena
Duemmel, Susan
Elliott, Claudia
Estrada Ramirez, Maria Victoria
Ethington, Madelyn
Falk, Aimee
Fountain, Catherine
Garfias, Luz
George, Dawn
Gilchrist, Nerissa
Giles, Heather
Girón, Luis
Gomez, Maribel
Gonzalez, Elena
Goodpasture, Shane
Gordon, Pamela
Grant, Nicolette Greene, Deborah Groves, Suzanne
Guerra, Yeider Gunter, Ann Marie Harris, Lisa
Hawkins, Maris
Hazelwood, Charlie Hedeeb, Alaa Hendrick, Lynne
Henry, April Hernandez, Marco Hines-Gaither, Krishauna Hobgood, Bobby
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EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
ACTFL
Representative: Sherri Halloran
ACTFL is a membership community of passionate language education professionals dedicated to enriching cultural diversity across all levels of learning. They provide research, standards, assessments, professional development, and publications that address evolving challenges and empower educators. By sharing resources and innovative practices, ACTFL supports language educators and their students, advancing teaching and learning. Their collective impact extends beyond classrooms, positively shaping society influencing learners’ lives one person at a time.
membership@actfl.org
http://actfl.org
American Association of Teachers of French
Representative: Heather Tedder
The AATF is the largest organization in North America dedicated to serving the needs of French teachers and students at all levels of instruction. Our resources, advocacy, contests, awards, grants, scholarships, webinars, publications, and annual convention can support and grow French programs. The opportunities we offer through partner organizations make membership in the AATF a great value!
815-310-0490
American College of Education
Representative: Darryl Brown
American College of Education® (ACE) is an accredited, online college with programs in education, business, leadership, healthcare and nursing. Headquartered in Indianapolis, ACE offers over 60 doctoral, specialist, master’s and bachelor’s degree programs for adult students, along with graduate-level certificate programs. Additionally, ACE is a Certified B Corporation.
803-602-4305
Avant Assessment
darryl.brown@ace.edu http://www.ace.edu
Representatives: Delandris Jones, Nick Gossett, Liza Trejo
Avant is the world’s leading language proficiency test provider. Year after year, institutions choose Avant because of our accurate, consistent scoring, great customer service, and more. Avant offers proficiency assessment in more than 140+ languages with the addition of the SuperLanguage Tests. All languages are approved for the Global Seal of Biliteracy and college credit as recommended by the American Council on Education.
888-731-7887
aatf@frenchteachers.org http://frenchteachers.org
American Association of Teachers of German
Representative: Michael Shaughnessy
The AATG promotes the study of the German-speaking world in all its linguistic, cultural and ethnic diversity, and endeavors to prepare students as transnational, transcultural learners and active, multilingual participants in a globalized world.
mike@aatg.org
delandris.jones@avantlanguage.com
http://www.avantassessment.com
Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Representative: Zinta Williams
We are a world-leading provider of resources and services to teachers and learners around the globe. The Cambridge Latin Course is renowned for making Latin accessible and enjoyable. The course, developed over the past 50 years by the Cambridge School Classics Project and recently launched in a 6th edition, takes students from beginners to proficient readers of Latin.
212-337-5000
www.aatg.org
American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese
Representative: Claudia Kechkian
AATSP promotes the study and teaching of the Spanish & Portuguese languages and their corresponding Hispanic, Luso-Brazilian and other related literatures and cultures at all levels of education. Founded in 1917, AATSP is the oldest, largest and most comprehensive language specific professional association in the US.
Representatives: Brian Paradis, Sarah Kerst-Coleman
Carnegie Learning is building lifelong learners by delivering groundbreaking solutions to education’s toughest challenges. With the highest-quality offerings for K-12 world languages, we are creating powerful results for teachers and students alike. Offering the perfect balance of print and digital resources for Spanish, Spanish for Spanish Speakers, French, German, Chinese, and Italian, helping your students develop their listening and speaking skills, practice in real-world situations, building confidence through personalized resources.
Gold Standard Language Assessments that delivers ACTFL scores.
Only from ACTFL. Only through LTI.
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your
languagetesting.com/aappl-central
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Latin Course, 6th Edition Units 1, 2 and 3
Now with a more nuanced picture of Roman civilization and history, and more explicit focus on higher order thinking skills. Units 1 and 2 are ready to teach and an Early Preview of Unit 3 is available now.
• With the reading method at its heart, the series is underpinned by language acquisition research to encourage learners to read Latin from the rst page.
• Now featuring a cast of both familiar faces and new characters with revamped storylines
• The cultural background sections use best practice in history pedagogy to develop students’ skills of historical investigation.
• New “talking heads” bring to life the thoughts of a range of characters, encouraging students to re ect on di erent experiences.
• Improved digital resources consolidate knowledge, engage students, and help them build con dence.
Sign up for your digital samples
Scan the QR code to request your gratis trial of Units 1 and 2, and an Early Preview of Unit 3. Any questions, contact Caecilius@cambridge.org
Chinese Language Assoc. of Secondary - Elementary Schools (CLASS)
Representative: Yan Wang, Na Li
CLASS is a national organization that provides leadership, advocacy, and support for PreK-12 Chinese language and culture educators to advance quality teaching and learning for 21st-century world-readiness. Our vision is to create an inclusive community that celebrates diverse perspectives, advances intercultural communication, and provides best practices to develop global leaders for world peace and justice.
classk12pd@gmail.com
https://classk12.org
Dept. of World Languages and Cultures at Georgia Southern University
Representatives: Angela Pinilla-Herrera, Mike McGrath, Marcela Ruiz-Funes
Teachers create connections through the power of language. Georgia Southern Online Master’s degrees in Spanish offer endless opportunities and career success.
Edinumen USA is your first stop for high-quality Spanish textbooks, instructional resources, and authentic literature. Whether you teach Kindergarten or graduate school, Edinumen USA can help you create the program of your dreams!
For over 55 years, EF has been working to keep minds and the world wide open. We design tours to help educators teach, and so students can learn more— about tolerance, other perspectives, and themselves. We’re passionate about helping teachers change their students’ lives through travel. When students go beyond the classroom it brings education to life, unlocks new potential, and opens a world of possibilities.
828-214-1008
claire.giblin@ef.com http://www.eftours.com
FLANC - Fostering Language Acquisition in North Carolina
Representatives: Helga Fasciano, LaToya Skinner
It is the mission of FLANC to promote opportunities for all students from kindergarten through post graduate studies to develop a high level of competence in at least one language in addition their own; to provide leadership, support and service to those committed to language learning; and to coordinate the efforts of all those involved in education to make language learning in programs of excellence a reality for all.
336-346-0179 info@flanc.org http://www.flanc.org
Goethe-Institut
Representatives: Susanne Rinner, Nils Martin
As a cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, the GoetheInstitut promotes cultural exchange, education and societal discourse in an international context, and supports the teaching and learning of the German language. Together with our partners, we focus on global opportunities and challenges, bringing different perspectives into a dialogue based on trust.
Habibi-Imports is an on-going labor of love that supports local artist communities abroad while making available for purchase unique handcrafted jewelry and accessories. Jewelry from Morocco, India, Thailand, Mexico, South Africa, Peru, and many other countries, are featured at this year’s conference.
229-356-7991
aaronson@valdosta.edu
http://www.habibiimports.com
Klett World Languages
Representative: Laura Pearson
Klett World Languages is a thriving, proficiency-based publisher dedicated to advancing multilingualism and the future of World Language education in the U.S. We provide high-quality Spanish, French, German, and Italian programs designed for today’s classrooms. Grounded in standards and proven pedagogy, our resources foster authentic communication and inspire students to become global citizens. Join us in shaping a future where language education flourishes.
708-689-0409
marketing@klettwl.com http://www.klettwl.com
Language Testing International
Since 1992, Language Testing International (LTI) has delivered ACTFLaccredited language proficiency assessments in 120+ languages across 60+ countries. As the exclusive ACTFL licensee, we uphold rigorous standards using certified ACTFL testers and raters. ACTFL, founded in 1967, is a leader in proficiency-based teaching and testing. ACTFL’s speaking, reading, writing, and listening assessments are widely recognized by corporations, academic institutions, and government agencies for providing valid, defensible language credentials.
Please see Sched or the digital program for exhibitor booth numbers.
SUPPORTING YOUR DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES WITH DRC’S LAS LINKS
From monitoring mid-year progress toward meeting individual student and program goals to informing instructional supports and evaluating district-wide trends, LAS Links allows teachers and district leaders to have a complete picture of their Dual Language (DL) program efficacy.
Collaborative Teacher Input FOR
Academic Achievement Assessments Language Proficiency
Family and Caregiver Input
Language Learner
Progress Monitoring with LAS links
Formative/ Classroom
Content Area Assessments State Summative Language Assessment
EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
LAS Links
Representatives: Deborah Greene, Brian Shedd, Nina Trigger
LAS Links® Language Assessment is a research-based language proficiency assessment that measures students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in both English and Spanish. Designed to evaluate language development across content areas, LAS Links provides educators with actionable data to inform instruction, progress monitor growth, and support students’ biliteracy trajectories from early learning through high school.
980-529-0370
Dgreene@datarecognitioncorp.com
http://www.Laslinks.com
Lingco
Representatives: Bety Gegundez, Ken Stewart, Samantha Radovich
Lingco is on a mission to deliver the next generation of language learning to the classroom. With a digital-first, adaptive program designed for today’s students and educators, we offer flexible, customizable, and ever-growing content, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to district goals and individual classroom needs.
hello@lingco.io
Little Sponges
Representative: Natalya Seals
http://www.lingco.io
Little Sponges is a research-based language learning program for PK–elementary students that supports dual language, bilingual, ESL/ELL, and world language instruction. Through engaging videos, reading games, vocabulary tools, and assessments, students build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Aligned to ACTFL and other proficiency frameworks, Little Sponges helps teachers deliver effective instruction while tracking progress and reducing lesson planning time.
natalya@little-sponges.com
Mandarin Matrix
http://little-sponges.com
Representatives: Amy Anderton, David Tait
Mandarin Matrix is a comprehensive digital Mandarin curriculum for PreK to 16, aligned with ACTFL proficiency levels, supporting AP and IB pathways, and serving DLI and World Language programs. The platform includes structured lessons, 25,000 plus downloadable worksheets, integrated assessments with Global Seal of Biliteracy alignment, and AI supported feedback. Teachers can assign simplified or traditional characters, control pinyin, and provide English or Spanish language supports.
Mango Languages is the award-winning, adaptive platform designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world conversation. With over 70 languages and culturally authentic content, we empower K12 educators to spark student engagement through a linguist-led methodology that builds intuitive language patterns. Our platform provides the tools students need to develop conversational confidence and cultural empathy, helping them connect with the global community from day one.
lauren.ruffolo@ mangolanguages.com
http://mangolanguages.com
North Carolina State University, Dept. of World Languages and Cultures
Representatives: Alexandra Marano, Carolyn Wright
At NC State, we believe multiliteracy transforms futures. Our department offers majors, minors, and certificates in 14+ languages. We want to help students turn cultural curiosity into career readiness. Chat with us to hear how easy it is for students to double-major, minor, add a new language, and keep the proficiency you’ve nurtured in them! When you and your students think world languages, think NC State.
919-515-2475
alexandra_marano@ncsu.edu
https://wlc.chass.ncsu.edu/
North Carolina Virtual Public School
Representatives: Ellen Hart, Danielle Richardson, Laura Summers North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) is the state’s official virtual school, serving middle and high school students statewide. NCVPS partners with districts and schools to provide rigorous online courses, including Advanced Placement, world languages, credit recovery, and innovative instructional models. Through flexible, student-centered learning and highly qualified teachers, NCVPS expands access, supports local capacity, and promotes academic success and equity for learners across diverse communities statewide in North Carolina.
ellen.hart@ncpublicschools.gov
Puentes LLC
http://www.ncvps.org
Representatives: Jennifer Degenhardt, Krista Hendrickson Puentes LLC is a small, independent seller of comprehensible novels and other educational materials for world language teachers. With over 100 short novels in their catalog in five languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish; and four reading levels), Puentes prides itself on providing compelling additions to any world language classroom - ones that will keep students engaged and using the target language.
Rock Hill Schools is a community inspiring students to learn, grow, connect, and thrive. All students are provided with challenging work that engages them in the learning process. We are located just 20 miles south of Charlotte, N.C. in one of the fastest growing areas of South Carolina.
HumanResources@rhmail.org
http://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us
SEALLT - Southeast Association for Language Learning Technology
Stacy Powell
The Comprehensible Classroom
Representatives: Elicia Cárdenas, Sarah O’Donnell, Martina Bex
Driven by the core belief that all students are capable of acquiring language, The Comprehensible Classroom has been at the forefront of the movement toward teaching for acquisition since 2010. TCC publishes curriculum and instructional tools grounded in a solid understanding of language acquisition and the belief that connection is at the heart of the human experience. TCC offers training on the implementation of Comprehension-based, Proficiency-oriented, methods of teaching language.
info@comprehensibleclassroom. com comprehensibleclassroom. com/
The Pulsera Project
SEALLT (Southeast Association for Language Learning Technology) is a professional organization aimed at providing leadership in development, integration, evaluation and management of instructional technology for the teaching and learning of language, literature and culture.
http://www.seallt.org
Speakology
AI
Ben Altschuler
Speakology AI is an interactive language learning platform powered by AI. Students engage in real conversations with virtual avatars to build confidence, fluency, and real-world speaking skills. Teachers access curriculum tools, track progress, and assign standards-aligned tasks. Speakology supports multiple languages and is designed for classroom and independent use.
ben@speakology.ai http://www.speakology.ai
Stevens Learning Systems, Inc.
Jamie Hincemon
Stevens Learning Systems is committed to meeting the needs of both students and teachers by providing instructional language lab technology that creates a day-to-day interactive classroom environment. The Renaissance 2.0 Language Lab System instantly connects students with multiple partners for interpersonal communication and with small collaborative groups for presentational communication. Simultaneously, the classroom teacher can monitor, coach and assess students as they progress from performance to proficiency.
http://www.SLSILabs.com
Representative: Jillian Bonner
The Pulsera Project is a fair trade nonprofit organization that educates, empowers, and connects Central American artists with students in more than 4,000 U.S. schools through the sale of colorful handwoven bracelets, or “pulseras” in Spanish. We brighten U.S. schools with art and compelling cultural education while employing Guatemalan & Nicaraguan artisans and investing proceeds to create lasting change in their communities.
484-319-7040
pulseraproject@gmail.com
http://www.pulseraproject.org
This is School
Representative: George Van den Bergh
Bring your World Languages curriculum to life with This is School—the all-in-one platform loved by 10,000+ US teachers. With authentic video content, auto-graded practice, and ACTFL-aligned tasks, we support proficiency, engagement, and differentiation. Whether you’re aiming for Seal of Biliteracy or just more joy in your classroom, we’ve got you covered. Stop by our booth to see what makes us different!
info@thisisschool.com
http://www.thisisschool.com
TPRS BOOKS
Representative: Craig Sheehy
TPRS Books provides teacher training and classroom resources grounded in Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS). The company supports language educators with professional development, workshops, and practical materials designed to increase student engagement, accelerate communicative proficiency, and make acquisition-focused instruction both effective and joyful in real classrooms.
info@tprsbooks.com
http://tprsbooks.com
SUPPORT FOR EVERY PART OF YOUR WORLD LANGUAGE CLASSROOM
One ecosystem. Three ways to strengthen instruction.
Teach with Confidence using Voces Digital
Explore complete online curricula and instructional frameworks for Spanish, French, German, Italian, and ESL /EFL . Discover built in stories, interactive activities, recorded speaking tasks, authentic cultural materials, videos, and immersive 360° panoramas with auto graded activities and seamless LMS integration that streamline teaching and support proficiency growth
Grow Readers Who Love to Read with Flangoo
Unlock a vibrant digital library of level appropriate readers students can access anytime Use Flangoo to support your core curriculum, simplif y prep, power FVR, and bring stories to life through whole‑class reading
Bring Learning to Life with Teacher ’s Discovery
Discover hands on classroom resources that reinforce instruction and celebrate progress: wall décor, posters, t shirts, rewards, craft kits, bookmarks, walking exhibits, and physical readers that connect learning to the real world
Scan to Explore!
Scan the QR code to experience the full ecosystem! Try Voces Digital free for 30 days, discover Flangoo’s digital reading library, and explore Teachers’ Discovery resources.
FOUNDED BY
LANGUAGE TEACHERS FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS
At Xperitas, we work with teachers to provide their students with outstanding language and cultural immersion experiences We believe that when students have an authentic experience outside of the classroom, using their language skills in a different culture, they make a deeper cultural connection Our programs are designed to inspire students to make personal connections with communities worldwide- with or without our celebrated Family Stay Experience®- and gain greater cultural awareness.
50+ years of accessible immersion experiences
OVER 50 YEARS WHY TEACHERS CHOOSE XPERITAS: THE FAMILY STAY EXPERIENCE®
One of our most celebrated experiences from both teachers and students alike • Educational Focus
Travel and Education, CORP
Representative: Tatiana Ripoll Páez
Travel & Education is an organization based in Spain and supported by the local regional government as an official study abroad provider for the region of Castilla y León. T&E can offer the highest quality academic options with unsurpassed attention to our students, partnering institutions and faculty.
267-981-8119
tripoll@travelandeducation.org
http://salamanca.me
Valdosta State University, Dept. of Modern & Classical Languages
Representatives: Victoria Russell, Lina Peñuela-Rannazzisi
Voces is a collection of World Language titles housed in an easily accessible, web-based platform. Each title in the Voces library contains online resources to inspire teachers and students and get ahead in the modern, World Language classroom. Developed with the input and collaboration of teachers, for teachers, Voces Digital defines the next era of the World Language classroom.
888-848-0256
info@vocesdigital.com
http://www.vocesdigital.com
Wayside Publishing
70 words sent through the website application:
The Deptartment of Modern and Classical Languages at Valdosta State University offers a fully online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with initial certification in French, Spanish, and ESOL. All of the surrounding states receive in-state tuition. We also offer online certificates in TESOL and Spanish for Professionals as well as summer study abroad programs for pre- and in-service teachers in Cádiz, Spain, and Strasbourg, France.
70 words sent through the website application:
Representatives: Eduardo Rodriguez, Connie Decastro-Herz, Carolyn Taylor
229-333-7357
varussell@valdosta.edu
https://www.valdosta.edu/mcl/
70 words sent through the website application:
Vista Higher Learning
Representative: Charlotte Peyton
Vista Higher Learning develops transformative language and literacy solutions that meet the needs of every language learner—those acquiring a new language, enhancing a second, or perfecting their native language. We empower educators with innovative, research-based programs that provide all students pathways to success.
cpeyton@ vistahigherlearning.com
https://vistahigherlearning.com/
Representative: Katy Wheelock
Discover Francophone Africa with Vive l’expérience! We design immersive journeys to Senegal and Tunisia for French educators, student groups, and university study abroad programs. Chat with local students, share meals with families, and learn from writers, artists, and story-tellers. Our programs blend guided explorations, creative workshops, and hands-on activities — from UNESCO World Heritage sites to contemporary classrooms. Transform how you teach — and how your students learn. Voyageons ensemble!
703-409-6559
Please see Sched or the digital program for exhibitor booth numbers.
Students need strategies that develop meaningful communication skills. Wayside empowers teachers with the tools to create engaging classrooms where curiosity and confidence thrive. Culturally rich lessons unfold with immersive real-world scenarios, gamified practice, and scaffolded proficiency-driven activities. With our teaching solutions, educators can prepare students to become global citizens ready to succeed in an interconnected world.
888-302-2519
Professeurs de francais! Looking for a summer immersion program? Thinking about incorporating new ideas into your classroom? Join us in Nantes, France July 13 -23, 2026 for of unlimited immersion into the French language and culture. Morning lectures, afternoon excursions fill your days; evening cultural activities round them out. Lots of laughter too. Based Nantes, visits also to places in Bretagne and le pays de la
Professeurs de francais! Looking for a summer immersion program? Thinking about incorporating new ideas into your classroom? Join us in Nantes, France July 13 -23, 2026 for of unlimited immersion into the French language and culture. Morning lectures, afternoon excursions fill your days; evening cultural activities round them out. Lots of laughter too. Nantes, visits also to places in Bretagne and le pays de la
Professeurs de francais! Looking for a summer immersion program? Thinking about incorporating new ideas into your classroom? Join us in Nantes, France July 13 -23, 2026 for of unlimited immersion into the French language and culture. Morning lectures, afternoon excursions fill your days; evening cultural activities round them out. Lots of laughter too. Nantes, visits also to places in Bretagne and le pays de la
Franc e
Franc e
EXCLUSIVEMENT POUR PROFESSEURS DE FRANÇAIS STAGE D’IMM ERSION 202 6
EXCLUSIVEMENT POUR PROFESSEURS DE FRANÇAIS STAGE D’IMM ERSION 202 6 NANTES 13-23 JUILLET 2026
NANTES
13-23 JUILLET 2026
▪ 11 jours en région nantaise: cours sur place + excursions aux alentours (Angers, Vannes, Clisson, St-Nazaire, Quimper, Pont-Aven)
▪ Séminaires passionnants sur des sujets culturels & historique
▪ 11 jours en région nantaise: cours sur place + excursions aux alentours (Angers, Vannes, Clisson, St-Nazaire, Quimper, Pont-Aven)
▪ Excursions culturelles & historiques
▪ Séminaires passionnants sur des sujets culturels & historique
EXCLUSIVEMENT POUR PROFESSEURS DE FRANÇAIS STAGE D’IMM ERSION 202 6
Professeurs de francais! Looking for a summer immersion program? Thinking about incorporating new ideas into your classroom? Join us in Nantes, France July 13-23, 2026 for 11 days of unlimited immersion into the French language and culture. Morning lectures, afternoon excursions fill your days; evening cultural activities round them out. Lots of laughter too. Based in Nantes, visits also to places in Bretagne and le pays de la Loire.
▪ Excursions culturelles & historiques
▪ Hébergement & cours dans un hôtel 4-étoiles au cœur de Nantes
▪ Travail pédagogique, des échanges collégiales , beaucoup de rires
▪ Hébergement & cours dans un hôtel 4-étoiles au cœur de Nantes
▪ Recommendations sur demande ; 28 ans de stages !
▪ Travail pédagogique, des échanges collégiales , beaucoup de rires
▪ Recommendations sur demande ; 28 ans de stages !
...the leading provider of language lab technology that supports teachers in their role as instructional coach in the classroom.
Stevens Learning Systems is committed to meeting the needs of both students and teachers by providing instructional language lab technology that creates a day-to-day interactive classroom environment. The Renaissance 2 0 Language Lab System instantly connects students with multiple partners for interpersonal communication and with small collaborative groups for presentational communication. Simultaneously, the classroom teacher can monitor, coach and assess students as they progress from performance to proficiency.
In addition to AP testing, our system allows teachers to administer and rate performance-based assessment through simultaneous recording of students with click-screen grading and customized rubrics.
We are dedicated to providing highly-responsive support and excellent service to our clients.
www.slsilabs.com
THANK YOU 2026 SPONSORS
gold level s P onsors
s I lver level s P onsors
SCOLT, FLANC, SCFLTA, and SEALLT would like to salute this year’s sponsors. We could not put on an event of this scale without you!
EF Educational Tours
Lingco Language Labs
Stevens Learning Systems
ACTFL
Klett World Languages
LAS Links (DRC)
Mandarin Matrix
Vista Higher Learning
Wayside Publishing
B ron Z e level s P onsors
Avant Assessment
Language Testing International Xperitas
For more information, visit
CONFERENCE MAP
Host your Hilton Ra largest hotel Wake
Host your next event at the Hilton Raleigh No rth Hills, largest hotel meeting facility Wake County.
Host your next event at the Hilton Raleigh No rth Hills, the largest hotel meeting facility in Wake County. Host your Hilton Ra largest hotel Wake
Host your next event at the Hilton Raleigh No rth Hills, the largest hotel meeting facility Wake County.
Conferen C e r oo M s
We can’t wait to see you at SCOLT 2026
We’re delighted to be in Raleigh, North Carolina as a Gold Sponsor of SCOLT 2026!
Come say ‘Hello!’ at the Lingco booth to see what goodies we have in store for you and don’t miss our talk “Tailor-Made Teaching: Customizing Language Instruction for Every Learner” with Ken Stewart.
RALEIGH
NORTH CAROLINA - Spanish
GEORGIA - Spanish
FLORIDA - French
ONE VISION, FOUR LANGUAGES: THE REPORTERS SERIES
Proficiency-based, research-driven, teacher-informed programs that build communication, intercultural competence, and pathways to AP® and biliteracy
