PSMLA Annual Conference – Registration Opens August 1
The PSMLA Conference will be in State College on November 6-7. As we prepare to open registration on August 1, take a look at some of the exciting sessions that will be featured:
- Where Support Meets Success: Chat Mats, Choice, & Connection
- Making Languages Our Business: Preparing Students for Workforce Readiness
- Novice-Level IPAs: A Simplified Guide to Assessment.
- Essential and Irreplaceable: Building a Culture of Program Advocacy
Check out our conference webpage for registration rates, hotel reservations, and FAQs.
**PSMLA Peer Mentoring Program — Applications Due July 31!**
Are you a new world language teacher looking for support, or an experienced educator ready to lead? PSMLA’s Peer Mentoring Program pairs novice teachers (under 3 years) with veteran mentors (8+ years) for a year of goal-setting, coaching, and collaboration. Both mentors and mentees enjoy complimentary registration to PSMLA’s Annual Fall Conference, formal recognition, and a chance to connect with PA’s world language leadership community.
Apply by July 31 to be matched for the upcoming school year! Learn more here.
PSMLA Conference Scholarship for Early Career Teachers
The Nancy Zimmerman Scholarship for Beginning Teachers will fund registration at the annual conference for one PSMLA member in their first five years of teaching. Visit the PSMLA website for more details.
Deadline: August 15, 2026
PSMLA Xperitas Language Matters Grant
PSMLA is pleased to partner with Xperitas to offer the “Language Matters” mini grant. Members are invited to apply for a $250 grant for a project that develops or enhances their World Language program. See our website for more information and the application form. Submissions are due September 15.
PA Seal of Biliteracy Bill Becomes Law!
House Bill #1877 became official law on June 30, 2026 when Governor Shapiro signed the bill which supports enhancing PA’s workforce by recognizing the skills of biliteracy. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, any student graduating from high school who demonstrates a minimum of intermediate-high proficiency in English and at least one other world language may earn the PA Seal of Biliteracy.
If you would like more information about the process of offering the PA Seal of Biliteracy, visit the Advocacy tab on the PSMLA webpage and click on “PA Seal of Biliteracy.”
Western PA Collaboration Day
On Monday, August 10, 2026 join fellow world language educators for an engaging and collaborative workshop supporting teachers in Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Lawrence and surrounding counties.
The workshop will focus on back-to-school no brainer strategies to start your year off right! We will provide practical strategies, collaborative activities, and fresh ideas to enhance communication and language learning in today’s classrooms. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues and hear from PSMLA President, Mike Bogdan, on the state of World Language Education in Pennsylvania.
Regardless of the world language you teach, this workshop will offer valuable insights for educators at all levels and languages. Come ready to learn, collaborate, and leave energized with new tools to support your students’ success. We look forward to learning with you!
Email traci@psmla.org if you have any questions!
PA Seal of Biliteracy Reporting Form
It’s time to report your students’ success! Please help us keep track. If you have students who qualified for the PA Seal of Biliteracy (a minimum of intermediate-high proficiency in English and a second language), please complete this reporting form so PSMLA can track the data for the state. The form is open until August so that you can also report the information for students who qualify for the Seal by taking an AP World Language Exam. If you have already reported, thank you!
Pennsylvania Language Forum — Become a published author!
PSMLA´s premier language journal, the Pennsylvania Language Forum (PLF) is accepting submissions for our fall issue!
Do you have an exciting lesson plan, strategy, or research to share? The PLF editors want your submissions. The deadline for our fall issue is August 15.
Additionally, we invite researchers to submit to our Peer Review team for consideration, it’s a great opportunity to publish your research article. Check out the journal details on how to submit.
Read the journal today!
Trip to Belize and Guatemala in 2027
If you are interested in traveling to Belize for 9 days (with an optional 3-day extension to Guatemala) from June 12-23, 2027, there is an adult trip being organized through Go Ahead Tours. Please email cherie@psmla.org if you would like more information.
Celebrating Hispanic Roots Writing Contest
Middle and high school students are invited to participate in a writing contest in which they uncover and share the stories of Hispanic presence, culture, and leadership in their own communities. Prizes include an education trip to Spain for the student and teacher. Submissions are now due August 15. Visit the Vista Higher Learning website for full details.
Advocacy Announcements
The PA Language Roadmap is now available!
The Pennsylvania (PA) Language Roadmap is a strategic framework to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness through world language education. It examines the current landscape of language education and workforce needs and outlines actionable strategies across three key areas: Leadership & Advocacy, Language Programs, and Educator Sustainability.
Explore the Roadmap today, and learn how multilingualism can help shape Pennsylvania’s future!
French Teacher (FT), Southeastern PA
The Perkiomen Valley School District is seeking a dynamic, student-centered educator to serve as a Middle School French Teacher beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. Deadline to apply is August 4, 2026. To apply, please visit the district website.
French Teacher (FT), Greater Philadelphia Area
Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls in grades 9-12 outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks a dynamic and student-centered educator versed in current trends, research, and emerging ideas in education to teach French beginning in August 2026. Please click here for the complete job description.
French Teacher (FT), Pittsburgh, PA
There is a full-time French position available at Pittsburgh Public Schools District. Applications can be submitted online here. Please visit the district website (www.pghschools.org) for more information.
Spanish Teacher (FT), Central PA
There is a full-time contracted Spanish position available at the Dauphin County Technical School starting in August. Please visit the district website for full description.
French teacher (PT), University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
PSMLA Resources
PSMLA’s World Language Professional Development Calendar
Stay up to date with professional development opportunities around the state from various organizations, by adding the PSMLA-curated PA WL Professional Development Calendar. You can find the calendar on PSMLA’s website or you can subscribe to it by clicking HERE.
Have an event that you would like to add to this calendar? Share it with us at jen@psmla.org with details.
PSMLA WL Resource Hub
Check out this new informational resource to learn about opportunities for you and your students. There are scholarships, awards, grants, travel opportunities and more! Also, find out what other WL teachers are doing to strengthen their programs, make cross-curricular connections with other subjects and connect their students with collegiate and community events.
Aspiring & Early WL Educator Teachers
Are you within your first 5 years of teaching world languages or do you have students who aspire to become a WL teacher? Visit our new resource page that includes information about grants, scholarships, awards, travel abroad opportunities and more! There are resources for high school, undergraduate and graduate students, new WL teachers and also for people interested in getting their WL certificate if they already possess a bachelor’s degree in another subject area.