REGISTRATION

PAYMENT FORM by 1/29/27

Session 1 and 2 options

ASL Roundtable

Presenter(s): Emily Pomrening and Rachel Loveless, Plainfield North High School
Calling all ASL teachers! This session is to meet and address topics of curriculum, instruction, and connection to the community. Bring your questions for the group and prepare to think and share solutions.

Austausch & Adventure: Building Bridges Through Student Exchange

Presenter(s): Shannon Murray, Lyons Township High School
Interested in starting a student exchange or making an existing program even stronger? Drawing on over 10 years of experience partnering with the same German school, this session will explore the ins and outs of planning, coordinating, and sustaining a successful exchange program. From establishing and maintaining a partner-school relationship to selecting and pairing students, navigating costs and family expectations, planning excursions and school-day experiences, and managing the logistics of hosting German students in the U.S. and traveling abroad with your own students, I'll share practical tips, lessons learned, and real-world strategies from my experience running our German Exchange program. We'll also explore how to prepare students and families, navigate challenges when partnerships or pairings don't go as planned, and foster meaningful connections that last long after the trip ends. Most importantly, we'll reflect on the lasting impact of student exchanges—not only on students, but also on host families, schools, and the wider community. Come discover how an exchange can become so much more than a trip: a transformative experience that builds confidence, deepens intercultural understanding, and creates lifelong connections. You'll leave with templates for organization, information and questionnaires that can help you select the right students for the experience! All languages are welcome!

Back to the Future: Low/No-Tech Activities

Presenter(s): Stephanie Peterson, Bremen High School
Are you sick of screens? Are you pining for the good old days before iPads and Chromebooks? In this session, we will explore and share activities that require little to no technology to implement. Please bring a low/no tech activity to share with the group!

Build Community with CI/ADI Routines!

Presenter(s): Lara DeVries, Chicago Christian High School
Looking for engaging routines to involve every student in language acquisition? Want to learn more about your students (and vice versa) while staying in the target language? Join this session to learn about several weekly routines that build up community WHILE learning and acquiring the target language, such as "Mystery person," "Wasteketball," "Who's your best friend?" and more! These routines also build in complex language structures starting in novice levels. Resources will be shared in Spanish, but these strategies can be applied to every language classroom.

Differentiation for our more proficient learners: how to make sure that the class' top performers are still being challenged

Presenter(s): Jess Romanelli, Glen Crest Middle School
Do you struggle to differentiate your lessons and assessments for your more proficient learners? Are they actually getting better at the language or are they coasting? I will share some tips and tricks I use in my classroom. For the last 10 minutes or so, I will open up the floor for everyone else to share their ideas.

Engaging Multilingual Learners in school and communities

Presenter(s): Samantha Kopka, Yorkville High School
This session explores ways in which to help our multilingual learners engage within the school and the community, and how encouraging this community helps translate into classroom work and engagement.

Latin Dance for Teachers and Students

Presenter(s): Amy Van der Kloot and Jessica Espinoza, Fenton High School
Please only sign up for this session if you are willing to get up and dance! No spectators, please! During this session, you will learn how to dance merengue, bachata, cumbia, salsa, and more! You will get some ideas for how to incorporate dance into your lessons and your life! Dancing is good for the soul, for both students and teachers. It's great SEL for students and it's good burnout prevention for teachers!

Locked In: No Cap! All Engagement!

Presenter(s): Sara Bass and Mallory Maier, Wheaton Warrenville South High School
Want to low-key rizz up your lessons? No cap! In this interactive session, we’ll use Gen Alpha slang as our target-language vocabulary to model engaging strategies that keep students on their toes and their brains switched on. From rizz to sus, skibidi to six-seven, we’ll turn viral vocabulary into a legit language-learning experience while exploring ways to build participation, boost comprehensible input, encourage communication, and keep students engaged throughout the entire lesson. You’ll experience these strategies as a learner and leave with ideas you can flex in your own world language classroom. The vibe? High engagement, meaningful learning, and absolutely no mid lessons.

Low-Prep Strategies to Boost Students' Proficiency

Presenter(s): Lauren Arkin, Hinsdale Central/Hinsdale South High School
Attendees will be provided with low-prep daily activities to boost/level up students' language proficiency. Strategies specific to the STAMP and AP tests will be shared. Examples will be given from a German teacher, but can be adjusted to any language.

My National Board Certified Teacher Journey

Presenter(s): Melissa Biles, West Aurora High School
A reflective and transformative experience even for an experienced teacher; sharing my journey and growth as an educator.

Neurodiversity Toolkit: Practical tips to support diverse learners in any classroom

Presenter(s): Dawnn Petersen, Jefferson/Washington Middle School - SD129
Supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism and other learning differences through IEPs or 504s doesn't have to feel inaccessible to teachers. In fact, many students who don't have IEPs or 504s benefit just as much from these exact strategies and ideas. This session will bring in some tips and tricks from a middle school Spanish teacher that can be applied to almost any target language, grade level, or proficiency level. Walk away with some realistic, low-prep ways to support diverse learners and boost confidence in your language classroom.

Reel World Language: Transforming Google Vids into Listening Input

Presenter(s): Vanesa Ramos and Leslie Conte-Russian, Naperville North High School
Learn how to use Google Vids to create authentic-like listening activities that incorporate unit vocabulary and grammar.

Round table discussion on Promoting German programs

Presenter(s): Anne Herrmann, Downers Grove North High School
A roundtable discussion for teachers to share ideas for how they promote German in their schools.

Roundtable discussion: Help students prepare for the Seal of Biliteracy Tests

Presenter(s): Beth Lee, Downers Grove North High School
Roundtable discussion to share and learn how to help students prepare for the Seal of Biliteracy Tests starting in the lower levels and continuing through the upper levels.

Roundtable: Navigating the New AP Exam

Presenter(s): Laura Ramey and James Selleck, Wheaton Warrenville South High School
Join us for a collaborative roundtable discussion on the new AP Exam format. Share strategies for preparing students and discuss challenges related to the new format/project. Come ready to share ideas, and to learn from one another!

Small Groups, Big Growth: Targeted Support in the World Language Classroom

Presenter(s): Elizabeth Jansey, Batavia High School
Discover how small group instruction and Tier 2 interventions can help World Language students strengthen foundational skills, address learning gaps, and build proficiency. Learn practical strategies for using formative assessment to identify student needs, provide targeted instruction, and help learners make meaningful progress.

Talk with a Purpose: Interpersonal Speaking Activities and IPAs That Give Students a Reason to Talk

Presenter(s): Holly Fournier and Tatiana Morales, Oswego High School
Getting teenagers to use the target language with each other is a challenge every world language teacher knows well. In this session, we’ll share interpersonal speaking activities we’ve used in our classrooms to get students talking, and keep them talking, in the language. Each activity gives students a real reason to speak by building in a task or having a reason to talk. We’ll also show how we design our Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs) with this same purpose-driven approach. Participants will try activities themselves and leave with ideas they can use on Monday. Strategies are adaptable to any language and level.

Starting with hello

Presenter(s): Nikki Luo and Angie Behm, Bolingbrook High School
Are you a department or team leader looking to build community? Need tips for planning engaging and meaningful professional development or ideas for streamlining collaboration and collegial observations? Participants will reflect on how to develop their leadership style and strengths, setting department norms, critical conversations, celebrations, relationships, and program recruitment/promotion and retention all grounded in the power of connection and community.

The new AP for World Languages (German)

Presenter(s): Elizabeth Hagen, Metea Valley High School
This will go over how to introduce your students to the AP and its components for next year providing a 5 day lesson plan with components and activities - adaptable to any language. Depending on groups, we can also discuss implementation of the group project.

The Rubric Exchange: Rethinking Language Rubrics, Percentages, and Proficiency

Presenter(s): Alexis DeCarlo and Anabel Martínez, West Aurora High School
Transform how your district measures language growth! Join us for a hands-on, multi-district workshop focused on elevating rubric design. During this interactive session, participants will analyze diverse local rubric models, engage in collaborative anchor grading, and discuss regional grading percentages and scales. Step out of your district comfort zone, learn how neighboring programs evaluate performance, and leave with proficiency-focused grading tools you can use immediately. To make this session a success, we need your help before the conference day! We are actively seeking rubric submissions from attending districts prior to the conference to drive our discussion and anchor grading activities. Additionally, bring your expertise, share your current practices, and help us build a stronger regional standard for world language assessment.

Using Reading to Build Cultural Understanding

Presenter(s): Sophie Lessard, Benet Academy
In this interactive session, participants will experience reading activities, explore how texts can build cultural understanding, and consider ways to adapt story-based instruction across languages and proficiency levels. Through practical examples and collaborative discussion, teachers will leave with strategies for making reading accessible, meaningful, and connected to the world beyond the classroom.

Vibe Coding for Language Learning

Presenter(s): Tye Fox and Tom Womack, Metea Valley High School
This session will focus on using AI to create interactive materials for students to practice their language skills.

Wacky Weekly Warm-Ups for World Language

Presenter(s): Brianna Kay and Katie Pelayo, Hadley Junior High
We will be presenting about our wonderful and wacky World Langauge Warm-Ups that we use with middle school students for each day of the week. These warm-ups are meant to boost student engagement, build class culture, and practice new vocabulary in the target language. Examples in Spanish include Lupa lunes, Trabalenguas Tuesday, Mediación miércoles, Juego jueves, and Video viernes. Examples in French include Loto lundi, Mot mardi, Mindfulness mercredi, Jeu jeudi, and video vendredi.

Session 3 and 4 options

TBD: Adapting materials to better support heritage learners, heritage language teaching and strategies

Presenter(s): Lucia Benedetti-Sich, Glenbard South High School
Work in progrees. TBD

Authentic Assessment and Feedback: Leveraging AI in the World Language Classroom

Presenter(s): Lisa Dinon and Michelle Pitts, Naperville Naperville North High School
Transform world language assessment by moving more towards authentic, proficiency-based communication. This interactive session will demonstrate how to leverage AI tools to create formative and summative assessments. It will also explore AI tools that will help provide immediate, actionable feedback for students. Participants will explore how Diffit generates level-adapted authentic texts and reading scaffolds, Snorkl captures and provides instant feedback on oral proficiency and speaking tasks, and MagicSchool builds performance-based rubrics and personalized feedback for student writing.

Beyond “Ask and Answer”: Building Better Student-to-Student Conversations

Presenter(s): Kelley Rodriguez, Elizabeth Knoch and Mario Ramirez, York Community High School
We will share our experience with leveling up our interpersonal tasks for students. We will share the importance of discussable prompts, a new type of interpersonal rubric and what it looks like to scaffold and prepare students along the way for success. The resources shared will be at the novice high, intermediate low level but could be modified for other levels as well.

Beyond Classroom Walls: Implementing Virtual Exchanges with Reach the World

Presenter(s): Sarah Lombard and Courtney Mikulcik, Hinsdale South High School
Looking for meaningful, real-world connections for your language students? Join us to explore how Reach the World virtual exchanges bring global cultures directly to your classroom. You'll leave with actionable ideas, resources, and templates to start setting up immersive virtual exchanges for any proficiency level.

Classroom-Tested: Middle School Spanish Teacher Approved!

Presenter(s): Dustin Greenberg, Pennoyer School
Join your fellow 6th–8th grade Spanish teachers for an interactive conversation about what’s working well in the middle school WL classroom! Collaborate with peers to swap high-engagement communicative activities, classroom management hacks, and low-prep cultural lessons.Together we’ll build a shared Google Drive folder, so please come ready to contribute at least one go-to resource or strategy. By the end of the session, everyone will leave with a collaborative bank of practical tools ready for immediate classroom use!

Consistency Meets Culture: Incorporating Theme Days In The WL Classroom!

Presenter(s): Emily Brown and Natalia Copeland, Lake Park High School
Description: Ditch the daily grind and transform your week into a cultural journey! Learn how to design high-engagement theme days tailored for every proficiency level. We’ll explore structural frameworks, how to plan theme day calendars, and creative extensions that bridge the gap between routine and fluency. Walk away with ready-to-use thematic ideas to lower the affective filter.

Department Chair Discussion

Presenter(s): Ignacio Gamboa, Naperville Central High School
Roundtable for Department Chairs

German Teacher Roundtable: Celebrating Success

Presenter(s): Jonathan Justice, Naperville North High School
A chance for German teachers to get together and celebrate the achievements and successes of our programs in the form of a roundtable discussion. We will use this time to bring positive energy to each other, exchange ideas, and celebrate the unique perspective on language and culture that we bring to the classroom.

Evidence Based Grading, Part 2: Focusing in on Student Self-Assessment

Presenter(s): Dave Davis, Naperville Central High School
This session is the follow up from last year's session. This year will streamline last year's presentation in order to spend more time on updated student self-assessment and provide more time at the end of session for teacher comments and questions.

Fostering Oral Proficiency in the ML Classroom: Interactive Speaking Strategies Powered by Snorkl

Presenter(s): Jennifer Buck-Castaneda and Lejla Mahmudi, Glenbard North High School
Looking for innovative ways to increase student talk time and deliver real-time feedback on oral fluency? Join us for an interactive professional development session where we explore Snorkl, an intuitive AI tool designed to transform language practice in the classroom. In this hands-on workshop, ML/EL educators will learn how to leverage Snorkl’s voice and canvas features to design engaging speaking activities, encourage reluctant speakers, and streamline formative verbal assessments. Walk away with practical, ready-to-use strategies that empower your English learners to speak with confidence!

Keeping it "Novel": How to use readers across all levels of the curriculum

Presenter(s): Julie Bausch and Megan Greenfield, Lake Park High School
We will talk about which readers we use in our classes and share out activities that can be done, with an emphasis on German and examples given in Spanish, French, and German. This is similar to a presentatin that was given in 2024, but this presentation will have more examples in other languages.

Laugh, Learn, and Have Some Fun

Presenter(s): Caroline Cavanaugh, Eisenhower Junior High - Darien
Activities ranging from no prop to absolute prep

Mental Health for Teachers

Presenter(s): Veronica Baracaldo and Samantha Cermak, Naperville North High School
Teaching is rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding. This session will explore the unique stressors language teachers face and offer practical strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion. Through reflection, discussion, and a short guided meditation, participants will have an opportunity to pause, recharge, and prioritize their own well-being.

More Than Words" : Exploring Cultural Identity, Representation, and Belonging in the World Language Classroom

Presenter(s): Selime Baftiri-Ballazhi, Tinley Park High School
Attendees will share ways that they engage students by recognizing the stories, identities, and cultural perspectives that make language learning a human experience. The presenter will share engaging activities that have proven to be successful in various diverse classrooms.

Ready, Set, SEAL!

Presenter(s): Angie Schultz and Anabel Martinez, West Aurora High School
Ready, Set, Seal! Get ready to help your students show off their language skills and earn their Seal of Biliteracy! Equip students with the strategies, skills, and confidence they need to succeed on the STAMP or AAPPL exam. With these test-taking tips, students will be ready to demonstrate their proficiency and take the final step toward earning their Seal of Biliteracy. Prepare. Practice. Prove your proficiency. Get Sealed!

Roundtable: AP / Dual Credit

Presenter(s): Katie Strand-Carroll, Willowbrook High School
Roundtable to discuss upper-level enrollment. Benefits and disadvantages of offering dual credit and/or AP. Participants to discuss trends in enrollment, potential dual-enrollment partners and teacher perspective.

Tacos, Peppers, and Growth Mindset: Demystifying Language Proficiency

Presenter(s): Paula Cano, Oak Park and River Forest High School
High expectations, perfectionism, and anxiety often prevent language learners from taking risks. How do we move students away from "perfection culture" and toward authentic language acquisition? In this session, discover how using proficiency-based performance—and a creative taco and pepper framework—can transform student mindset, reduce speaking anxiety, and help parents understand the learning journey. You’ll walk away with a strategy to cultivate a culture of belonging and guide your students along their path to proficiency.

The "No English" Competition (And Communicative Games/Activities)

Presenter(s): Anthony Zary, St. Charles East High School
Come learn about a classroom competition and management system that encourages students to stay in the target language and hold their peers accountable. The presentation will go over the competition/system as well as several activities and games I use that get students communicating.

The AI Upgrade: Next-Level Strategies for Language Teachers

Presenter(s): Rebecca Morales, York High School
Ready to take your AI skills to the next level? Building on last year's session, this interactive workshop introduces new AI tools and creative strategies to enhance teaching and learning in EL and world language classrooms. Discover practical ways to differentiate instruction, create engaging activities, support language development, and save valuable planning time. Participants will explore innovative tools and leave with fresh ideas they can immediately put to use in their classrooms.

The Elephant in the Room: Grammar In the CI Based Classroom

Presenter(s): Emily Smith and Laura Bennett, Lake Park High School
After implementing a CI based curriculum a decade ago, we have seen much success with our students' language acquisition, but grammar has been the silent elephant in the room. Recently we implemented a grammar-based theme day, choosing our weekly topic in alignment with our current targeted structures and content focus. This has allowed us to draw awareness and give a name to what students have already been seeing and doing and has helped students recognize patterns when they see it in context. As a result, students are expressing that they feel like they are making more progress and gaining more confidence in their language skills, and we are seeing greater progress in their language accuracy and proficiency level. In this session, we will discuss how we have implemented this while still maintaining high input and CI based instruction.

Unmuted: Cultivating Speaking Agency and Stamina

Presenter(s): Jay Lawrence, Hinsdale Central High School
Empower your novice and intermediate-low/mid students to own their speaking growth. This session provides practical tools to increase student agency and conversation stamina, equipping learners to hold and sustain 3-to-5-minute interpersonal conversations. Teachers will leave with concrete classroom routines and assessment strategies to raise the bar for spoken Spanish.

Using Calendar to Encourage Discussion

Presenter(s): Gina Reese-Wesseln, Neuqua Valley High School
In this session you will be part of a demonstration using a calendar to generate target language during the first days of the school year. We will model and practice using this resource for introductory level learners and discuss how this can be used all the way through to the most advanced levels of study.

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