PSMLA Survey Request: Cross-curricular Collaboration
PSMLA’s Advocacy Committee would like to hear from our members and how often, if at all, your WL department collaborates with other departments in your school district. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey (less than 5 minutes). We appreciate your input!
Take the survey now!
An Interview with 2026 ACTFL Teacher of the Year
We invite you to join us on Wednesday, January 21 at 4pm for an informal interview with PSMLA’s own, Nathan Campbell. Listen in as Nathan, the newly named 2026 ACTFL Teacher of the Year talks with NECTFL Conference Chair, Beckie Rankin to learn about his journey, tips, and ideas. Register here to join the conversation! Then come to the Northeast Conference in February to meet him and hear more of his story in person! Learn more here!
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.
Celebrate 50 Years of Innovation in Language Teaching!
Join us for the 50th Annual Methodology Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages at IUP! This milestone event features dynamic sessions, networking opportunities, and a keynote address by an accomplished IUP alum with 30 years of experience shaping the profession.
Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and honor five decades of excellence in language education.
Register today and be part of the celebration!
Innovation in World Language: Teacher Convening – Register Now!
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 8:30-3:30
Location: Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Description and Registration: Learn More and Register Here
*Note: Content will be different from last year’s workshop at the AIU
Questions? Contact rachel.mcveagh@aiu3.net
AATSP Rising Educator Award
The AATSP Exams (NSE), a program of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) will offer up to five scholarships valued to $250 for a new teacher to complete an online course with the University of Salamanca. Apply online!
If you’re a full-time Spanish or Portuguese teacher, registered to administer the NSE, NSC, NPE, or NSA in the 2025–26 school year, and in the early stages of your career (five years or fewer), this opportunity is for you! Please note that all courses are taught entirely in Spanish. Click here to view the list of offered courses.
Applications Due: March 1, 2026
Workshop at Mercyhurst University in Erie – Save the Date
Join fellow language educators on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a workshop on the state of world language education in PA. This workshop will also include idea sharing over lunch. Act 48 hours are available. To be added to the email list for future updates on this event, please email Dr. Alice Edwards at aedwards@mercyhurst.edu.
Classroom Microgrants for Language Educators
The ACTFL/Vista Microgrants Program for Language Educators is an initiative aimed at supporting and empowering those who are dedicated to promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity in the classroom. This program provides small grants to K-12 educators who are passionate about teaching languages and incorporating cultural elements into their lessons.
For more details please visit the ACTFL website.
Stay Connected with the AATSP Community!
Spanish and Portuguese teachers are invited to be part of an inspiring year ahead with the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). If you haven’t joined our vibrant professional community yet, now is the perfect time—AATSP membership offers exclusive benefits, including access to our student exams, scholarship opportunities, publications, and a network of passionate language educators.
We’re now accepting proposals for the 2026 AATSP Annual Conference, taking place July 8–11 in Orlando, Florida. Share your expertise, classroom innovations, and research with colleagues from across the country. Proposal submissions are due February 22, so be sure to submit yours soon. For more information, visit: www.aatsp.org/page/2026Conference
Planning to attend? Early Bird Registration is open through December 31, offering the best rate for educators who want to join us for four days of learning, collaboration, and celebration of Spanish and Portuguese language teaching.
AATSP members can now register their students for the National Spanish Exam (NSE), National Spanish Challenge (NSC), and National Portuguese Exam (NPE). Registration for all three assessments is open now through January 31, 2026. These exams are a valued benefit of AATSP membership—supporting language achievement, classroom engagement, and student recognition. To register, visit: www.nationalspanishexam.org/exams
We encourage you to explore our websites to learn more about our conference, exams, scholarships, and the many ways AATSP supports language educators at every stage of their careers. Discover the value of AATSP membership at: www.aatsp.org/page/MemberBenefits
If you teach Spanish or Portuguese, we hope you’ll join us—and if you’re already part of the AATSP family, thank you for helping us strengthen and celebrate our shared profession!
Employment Opportunities
French/Gifted Teacher (FT), Western PA
The Elizabeth Forward School District has an immediate need for a 1/2 French & 1/2 Gifted teacher. This is one (1) full-time contract position with all rights and privileges of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Elizabeth Forward School District and the Elizabeth Forward Education Association.
Candidates should be familiar with CANVAS and skilled with technology. Elizabeth Forward SD is 1:1 with student iPad use district-wide.
Qualified candidates possessing proper PDE teacher certification should send an email expressing interest with a resume attached to Mrs. Connie Brown, Confidential Secretary to the Human Resources Office, at hr@efsd.net. Please identify ‘French/Gifted teacher’ in the Subject Line.
Deadline: Until the position is filled.
German/Latin Teacher (FT), South Central PA
The South Western School District is looking to hire a Middle School German and Latin Teacher. This position will start as soon as possible. See attached position description for detailed performance responsibilities. South Western School District is located in Hanover Pennsylvania. As part of the South Central region of the state, the district of 4,400 students and 700 staff prides itself on empowering team members to take bold risks and participate in important decisions for student success.
The district’s motto “Once a Mustang Always a Mustang” helps to capture our philosophy of commitment and community. We believe in continuous growth for all stakeholders, striving to be innovative, responsible and ethical contributors to our community and beyond. Come join our highly effective and collaborative team!
Click HERE for more information.