2025-2026 Events for Utah DLI German Teachers

July 11-14, 2026: AATG Conference in Boston

November 20-22, 2026: ACTFL Conference in San Antonio, TX

February 4-6, 2027: SWCOLT Conference in Oklahoma City

From Sternschnuppen to Sprachdiplom: Building the Path to German Language Success Early

Utah's two German immersion elementary schools, Summit Academy Independence in Bluffdale and West Elementary in Tooele,  are taking an exciting, forward-thinking approach to language development by integrating the Internationale Vergleichsarbeiten (IVA) and the Sternschnuppenrallye from the Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA) into their instructional programs. These internationally recognized tools are designed to benchmark language proficiency and build key skills in listening, reading, and language awareness — all aligned with the progression toward the Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) I and II. By introducing students early to the format and expectations of these assessments, teachers are not only demystifying high-stakes language exams, but also helping students develop confidence and familiarity with authentic German tasks.

What makes this work especially powerful is how seamlessly it fits into everyday classroom learning. The Sternschnuppenrallye brings a playful, engaging element to language practice, motivating younger learners through interactive challenges, while the IVA provides meaningful data that teachers can use to guide instruction and support individual growth. Together, these approaches ensure that students are not simply learning German—they are building the academic language skills, test-taking strategies, and intercultural competence they will need to succeed on the DSD pathway. This early investment is already paying off, as students demonstrate increased confidence, stronger comprehension skills, and a clear sense of purpose in their language learning journey.

Articles Worth Reading

Elementary: In this engaging Edutopia article, teachers are reminded that building focus and self-control in young learners doesn’t require more seat time—it can happen through play. Backed by research on “response inhibition,” the piece highlights simple, movement-based games like Simon Says, Red Light–Green Light, and Freeze Dance that help children practice stopping, listening, and following directions. By layering in increasingly complex rules and cues, these activities strengthen attention, working memory, and impulse control—turning everyday classroom games into powerful tools for developing the executive function skills students need for academic success.

Elementary: In this practical article, teachers are reminded that powerful classroom culture doesn’t require elaborate systems—just consistent, low-lift routines that build connection and predictability. The piece highlights simple opening and closing structures, like daily circle questions and end-of-day reflections, that foster belonging while saving teachers planning time. By pairing these routines with easy-to-use participation protocols that ensure every student has a voice, educators can create classrooms where students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn—proving that small, intentional habits can have a big impact.

Elementary: In this thought-provoking article, teachers are encouraged to shift from delivering answers to cultivating curiosity as the driver of authentic engagement. By intentionally designing lessons around student questions—through strategies like Driving Question Boards and inquiry-based tasks—educators can tap into students’ natural desire to “wonder” and make learning more meaningful. The article highlights how validating all questions, encouraging predictions, and embracing uncertainty not only deepen problem-solving and critical thinking, but also transform classrooms into spaces where curiosity is visible, shared, and central to the learning process.

Secondary: In this Edutopia article, teachers are reminded that the most effective classroom management doesn’t start with consequences — it starts with prevention. The piece outlines a practical six-step framework that helps educators anticipate and defuse disruptions before they escalate, focusing on clear expectations, consistent routines, and thoughtful decisions about when to intervene and when to let minor behaviors go. Grounded in the idea that strong relationships and intentional planning reduce misbehavior, the article offers actionable strategies that shift classroom management from reactive to proactive — freeing teachers to spend more time on what matters most: meaningful learning.

Secondary: In the article “Attention Is Not a Trait—It’s a Teachable Skill,” educators are encouraged to rethink attention not as something students either have or lack, but as a skill that can be intentionally built over time. The piece highlights practical, classroom-ready strategies that give students repeated practice with focus—helping them gradually increase stamina, improve reading and writing, and build confidence. By shifting from frustration to skill-building, teachers can design learning experiences that actively strengthen attention, empowering students to take ownership of their focus in a world full of distractions. 

Lernmaterialien

Lernmaterialien vom PASCH-Netzwerk

Alle PASCH Materialien im Überblick gibt es hier. Man kann es nach Themenbereich oder Sprachniveau filtern. Eine wunderbare Ressource, wenn man auf der Jagd nach authentischem Material ist.

DAAD Updates

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has a website with lots of information for U.S. students that are interested in studying in Germany. The website is in English and German: https://www.study-in-germany.de. Please share with interested students!

Grants and Scholarships

AATG Grants and Scholarships

AATG has multiple grants and scholarships opportunities. Please click here to see them all.

Contact Information