Oscar 2024

This presentation is a reporting out of my MEAD Fellowship project work during the past year. I have been researching and curating information on teacher certification requirements in all of the states represented by NECTFL with the goal of creating a platform that allows non-traditional teachers to better navigate the certification process. Additionally, I have created a visual report that highlights potential areas for education and advocacy at the state level.

Technology makes it easier than ever to connect students to the world. But how can we better harness these connections to empower learners to think and act beyond their classroom walls? Learn how to use resources from organizations such as Happy World Foundation, Inc. for standards-based interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect, engage and empower students as valued global citizens. Additionally, examine practical tools, resources, and activities to develop lesson plans aligned with the World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages and NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements that tie in with the global in-classroom learning experiences, and how to foster these competencies in traditional, hybrid, and/or online teaching environments

Language Connects Foundation (LCF) was born out of a clear and urgent need to address some of the existential challenges facing the language education community today. With the goal of contributing to the development of a well-trained, diverse, and highly effective language educator workforce, LCF seeks funds from individual, corporate, and foundation sources to support language research, awards and scholarships, professional development for educators, and public information/education about the importance of language learning. In this session, learn about how this new, innovative initiative seeks to support language educators today and into the future.

How can we plan common learning experiences for students who learn at different rates? How can we develop proficiency, when they need different things? We provide strategies for meeting students where they’re at by leveraging thematic units to appropriately challenge each student through a common learning experience. This includes how to provide students with opportunities to self-differentiate during instruction, assessments, and learning activities, so that they are all talking about the same thing, but each working on their own proficiency growth. Let's meet them where they're at!