PSMLA News Updates & Reminders
PSMLA Executive Council Elections
On September 1, 2025, PSMLA members should have received a ballot via email from PSMLA <invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com>. Please participate in this year’s election of candidates for the executive council and the slate of officers. Voting is done by clicking the link in the email. Members have until 11:59 pm on September 14, 2025 to submit their ballot.You must be a current member and have a valid email address on the PSMLA website in order to vote. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder and contact webmaster@psmla.org.
PLF Survey request!
The editors of the Pennsylvania Language Forum seek your input in a brief survey related to teacher growth and professional joy. There are four brief questions and results are anonymous and may be featured in our Fall issue!
Register for PSMLA Fall Conference and Pre-Conference Workshop
Attend PSMLA’s Fall Conference, Thursday, October 16, and Friday, October 17, in Bethlehem. Additionally, join us for a Pre-Conference Workshop on Wednesday, October 15.
The conference features over 40 sessions, panels, and roundtables on relevant topics including classroom management, AI, integrating culture, incorporating authentic resources, proficiency, and advocacy. Join fellow language educators from across PA to learn, celebrate successes, and explore new ideas together.
Join us for a unique and enriching pre-conference experience that blends local history, cultural immersion, and professional learning. The PSMLA Pre-Conference Workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 15, in Historic Bethlehem. Registration includes a guided walking tour,catered lunch at the Luckenbach Mill, and a Language Proficiency Workshop by Language Testing International. PSMLA members benefit from 5 Act 48 hours and discounted registration.
Not a member? You can join or renew at the time of registration.
Need lodging? Rooms at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem are available with our discount code, through September 14 or until our room block is full.
Details and registration can be found on psmla.org.
Upcoming Webinar: “New School Year, New Inspiration!”
Please join us for our first webinar in the fall series! “New School Year, New Inspiration” will occur on Wednesday, September 3, from 6:30-7:30 via Zoom. The event is free for members and $15 for non-members, with Act 48 hours available to members. Hope to see you there! Visit psmla.org to register.
Language Matters Mini 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 any project that develops or enhances their World Language program. See our website for more information and the application form. Submissions are due September 15, 2025. Please contact awards@psmla.org for more information.
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
Action Advocacy Day (AAD)
JNCL-NCLIS is hosting Action Advocacy Day on Monday, September 29, 2025. This is a virtual event where you can advocate for language programs at the state level to gather support for federal funding initiatives. The cost is $150.
Please use this registration link to have your voice heard.
Input Needed from World Language Educators
JNCL-NCLIS is reaching out to ask you to complete a brief survey that will help to better understand the programs, priorities, and challenges you face in your district. Your responses will directly inform the tools, data, and resources they develop to support our work — from messaging guides to legislative briefs and community engagement templates.
Take this short survey today:
Help Inform Us on Language Learning in K-12 Schools
Advocacy Action Alerts
Protect FY26 Title III ESSA Funding
Join JNCL-NCLIS and NABE in Protecting FY26 Title III ESSA Funding. Now, we need your help in protecting Title III funding in FY26. Act Now!
WLARA Funding Needs Your Support
Over the past five years, the Department of Defense has provided approximately $79 million for the World Language Advancement and Readiness Grants (WLARA) program, which supports multi-year grants for innovative world language programs at military-connected schools and DODEA schools. To date, 31 public school districts, spread across 18 states, have received WLARA grants. Now WLARA’s funds are in jeopardy. While the House-approved FY26 Department of Defense funding bill would provide $15 million for WLARA, the Senate Appropriations’ Committee’s version includes no funding for it. If the Senate version wins out, the WLARA program will come to an end. Act Now!
Employment Opportunities
Spanish Teacher (FT), Central PA
Dauphin County Technical School (DCTS) is seeking a passionate, student-centered High School Spanish Teacher to join our academic team. The ideal candidate will bring energy, cultural competency, and a strong command of world language instructional strategies to engage diverse learners in a career and technical education environment.
This is an exciting opportunity to help students develop real-world language skills and cultural understanding while aligning with DCTS’s vision of high expectations, workforce readiness, and strong values through our Five Keys to Success: Work Ethic, Leadership, Teamwork, Respect, and Pride.
French/Gifted Teacher (FT), Southeastern PA
Spanish Teacher (PT)
Great Valley School District is seeking an innovative, passionate, and dedicated professionals to join our team. We are looking for candidates with a strong commitment to cultural understanding, inclusive teaching practices, and collaborative professional growth.
Great Valley Middle School: half-time Spanish Teacher
Great Valley High School: full-time French/Gifted Teacher
Listings close September 13, 2025.
To learn more or to apply for either position, please visit the district website.