Seal of Biliteracy Webinar; PSMLA Annual Conference (CfP); PLF (CfS); Spring Workshop; PEP Applications; Jobs (World Language; Spanish)
PSMLA News Updates & Reminders
PA Seal of Biliteracy Webinar: Jan.22, 2025 3:45-4:30PM -REGISTER TODAY!
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.
PSMLA Fall 2025 Conference – Call for Session Proposals
The PSMLA Fall 2025 Conference will be held in-person October 15-17, 2025 in historic downtown Bethlehem, Pa. In addition to concurrent sessions on Thursday and Friday, a pre-conference workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 15.
The conference theme is "Be the Star: Guiding Your Students on the Path to Proficiency." PSMLA invites world language educators to submit conference session proposals on topics related to pedagogy, language education research, social and cultural topics, the conference theme, or other topics of interest to world language teachers. Sessions presented in target languages are encouraged. Exhibitors are welcome to submit sessions relevant to the aforementioned focus areas, but not marketing proposals. All sessions are expected to be 45 minutes in length.
The deadline for the submission of proposals is April 4, 2025.
Complete this form with your proposal.
Please direct any questions concerning PSMLA proposals to Sarah Thatcher sarah@psmla.org or Mary Wells mary@psmla.org.
Join the PSMLA 2025 Conference Committee
The 2025 PSMLA Conference committee needs your help! If you are interested in working with the committee to plan the annual conference, which will take place October 15-17, 2025 in historic downtown Bethlehem, please contact sarah@psmla.org or mary@psmla.org. 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.
Registration Open – 8th Annual PSMLA Workshop at Messiah University
Trying to connect students’ wellbeing and your curriculum? Feeling burned out with all your personal and professional responsibilities? Join fellow PSMLA member and language teacher Amy Necci for "Reaching the Whole Student and Educator in the World Language Classroom." This will take place at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg on Saturday, March 22. PSMLA members receive a discount and are eligible for Act 48 hours. Visit the PSMLA workshop page for full details and to register.
PSMLA Exemplary Program (PEP) Applications
Due: February 15, 2025
We want to remind all schools that the deadline to submit a PEP application is only 1 month away. Learn more, on the PSMLA website.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, needed clarifications, or concerns.
Mina Levenson and Isabel Espino de Valdivia, PEP Co-chairs
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
2025 IUP Spring Methodology Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages --NOW OPEN!
Registration is now open for the 2025 IUP SPRING METHODOLOGY CONFERENCE ON THE TEACHING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES held on the IUP Campus on April 25, 2025!
This year's Keynote Speaker is Leslie Grahn - read more about her work here: Keynote Speaker: Leslie Grahn
This year’s process is again using IUP’s Marketplace, and is an all electronic process. Just follow the link and instructions as shown on the Registration page (or from the drop down menu).
We look forward to seeing you at the conference in April!
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
Program Leader – Summer 2025, Language and Culture Programs, Italian and Japanese Language, CIEE Global Navigator High School Study Abroad
Teachers of Italian and Mandarin are invited to apply for temporary summer program leader positions abroad for the duration of 4 or 8 weeks between June and August, 2025. Program leaders facilitate language learning and cultural understanding alongside study center teachers, complete training, and receive equivalent of 70 PD hours. Compensation includes weekly stipend, accommodation, travel expenses, visa, and insurance. If you believe that studying abroad brings people closer together and want to help US high school students safely experience the world as their mentor and leader, apply now at www.ciee.org/programleaders or request more information at ProgramLeaders@ciee.org
Spanish Teacher (FT), Central PA
High School Spanish Teacher position at Cedar Cliff High School (West Shore SD, Cumberland County) is currently available. Spanish PK-12 certification is required. Persons wishing to apply for the position listed above should submit the required application materials by visiting the District web site at www.wssd.k12.pa.us. Click on the “Employment” tab and follow the instructions for submitting your materials online. Application materials will be accepted until the position has been filled.
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.
World Language Teacher (FT), Northwestern, PA
A Full Time World Language position is available in the Senior High School in the Harbor Creek School District at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. Looking for applicants with an active PA certification in French K-12 or any language other than Spanish. For more information visit the District website www.hcsd.iu5.org, District Info--Departments--Human Resources.