PLF (CfS); Spring Workshop; PEP Applications; Jobs (Spanish)
PSMLA News Updates & Reminders
PA Seal of Biliteracy Webinar: Jan.22, 2025 3:45-4:30PM
Join Cherie Garrett, the PSMLA Advocacy Committee Chair, to learn about the Seal of Biliteracy and to get your questions answered. The first 25 minutes will entail learning about the Seal of Biliteracy and how to offer it at your school. The last 20 minutes will be for Q&A about both the PA Seal of Biliteracy and the Global Seal of Biliteracy. To learn more and to register, please visit our website. Register no later than Jan.21st at noon.
Pennsylvania Language Forum -- Call for Submissions
Do you have great lesson plans, teaching strategies, or classroom activities to share with your colleagues? Have you recently presented at ACTFL or another conference? Or perhaps you are looking to publish research related to language education? The editors of the Pennsylvania Language Forum, Pennsylvania´s premiere language journal, is accepting submissions for the spring 2025 issue. Visit the PSMLA website to view previous issues and to learn more about becoming a published author!
The deadline for the spring edition is February 15, 2025.
Save the Date - PSMLA Spring Workshop
Visit our webpage for details about the March 22 workshop at Messiah University: "Reaching the Whole Student and Educator in the World Language Classroom." Registration will open in January. We hope to see you and your colleagues there as we focus on supporting the wellbeing of students and teachers with a specific focus on incorporating these strategies in language courses.
Apply to be a PEP School!
The calendar year is winding down and schools are preparing for the upcoming, very well-deserved Thanksgiving holiday and Winter Break. The submission date for this year’s PEP applications is also drawing near: Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Check out all of the details on our website.
During these final 3 months, please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding the application.
May this holiday season be one of peace and tranquility for all.
Be well.
Mina Mina.Levenson@gmail.com
Isabel isabel@psmla.org
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.
General World Language Announcements
Language Justice Summit: Call for Proposals
The World Languages Department at McLean School is excited to announce our 2nd annual Language Justice Summit, taking place on Saturday, April 5. We are now accepting proposals and would love for you to consider submitting one to be part of this impactful event.
Since language intersects with all content areas, we encourage educators from all disciplines to submit proposals. The deadline for proposals is Friday, January 17.
CALPER Language Survey (Penn State University)
We are inviting you to take part in a survey about the attitudes and practices of teachers of less commonly taught languages about technology and its uses in the classroom. All teachers, including graduate students, who teach a language other than English, French, German, or Spanish are invited to complete this survey. The survey will take between ten and twenty minutes to complete. The survey is anonymous.
Click here to take the survey. Calling All 9-12 Teachers with English Language Learners (ELLs)!
We want YOU to participate in an important research study that will help shape the future of ELL education! Your unique insights and experiences as an ELL teacher are essential to understanding the challenges and successes in today’s classrooms.
What’s In It for You?
- 15-minute survey to share your experiences
- Optional 45-minute virtual focus group to connect with other ELL teachers
- Be entered to win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards just for participating!
Why Participate?
While there are no direct benefits to you by participating in this study, your contributions will help improve teaching strategies and policies for ELL students. Plus, you’ll have the chance to reflect on your current practices and gain new ideas from fellow educators.
Eligibility:
- You must be a current 9th-12th grade teacher in Pennsylvania.
- You must currently teach English Language Learners in your classes.
Interested?
Sign up by completing the consent form and survey. You’ll also have the option to join a focus group interview after completing the survey if you are interested in further participation.
Classroom Microgrants for Language Educators
The LCF/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 language connections website.
Two funding cycles remain for this school year:
November 13 to February 5, with awards announced on Monday, February 10
February 6 to April 30, with awards announced on Monday, May 5
Employment Opportunities
Spanish Teacher (FT), Central PA
Mifflinburg Area School District is looking to fill a Spanish teacher position at the high school.The position starts immediately. Applicants can find more information and apply online or email tboop@mifflinburg.org with a letter of intent and resume.