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PSMLA Annual Business Meeting; Spring Workshop; PEP Applications

PSMLA News Updates & Reminders

PSMLA Annual Business Meeting 
Current PSMLA members are invited to attend our 2024 Virtual Business Meeting & Celebration, December 4 at 7pm. The event will include a review of current 2024 events and activities, a preview of 2025 and recognition of the 2024 award winners.   We will also welcome the new members of PSMLA Executive Council. Please join us and RSVP today to attend! 

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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. 

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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 

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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. 

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General World Language Announcements

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.
- ​Yo​u 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. 

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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 

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Employment Opportunities 

Spanish Teacher (FT), South Central PA
There is a full-time contracted Spanish position available at the Hempfield School District in Lancaster County, PA. Please visit the district website for more information.