World Languages

Alicia Dallman Shoemaker, Past President Spanish Educator at Elkhorn Public Schools President, Malaika Foundation adallmanshoemaker@epsne.org Alicia speaks… French, Spanish, Japanese. How do you maintain your proficiency in the language? Practicing with friends and family in person or via technology is by far my preferred method of maintaining and enhancing proficiency levels. As often as possible, I also creatively seek opportunities and slices of time to practice the various modes. If you were involved in the standards revision, please share what you feel is a strength within the new standards. The fourth and fifth standards bring an entirely new dimension to...Read More › - Meet Your NILA Board: Past President Alicia Dallman Shoemaker

The Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy is a collaboration of the Nebraska International Language Association and the Nebraska Department of Education. The Seal is awarded to students who have demonstrated at least an Intermediate Mid proficiency in English and one other language through one of the established methods. Students can apply directly through an online process. The Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition of a student’s multilingual abilities in postsecondary education and the workforce. Colleges and universities may consider the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy in the college placement process. Employers may consider the Seal as superior evidence of a candidate’s...Read More › - NILA and NDE Announce Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy

The World Language Distinguished Scholar Award recognizes Nebraska high school students for their leadership in language learning, commitment to language study, appreciation for cultural diversity, and communicative competence. The Distinguished Scholar Award encourages students to continue their path to proficiency through language study and is awarded to students at any level of language learning. Public and private high schools in Nebraska may nominate one student per level, per language. The four levels are Level I/II, Level III/IV, Level V/AP/IB, Heritage/Native Speakers. Nominations must be made by a world language teacher or guidance counselor using the online form by 11:59 pm...Read More › - World Language Distinguished Scholar Process Open

Nebraska will celebrate World Language Week 2020 April 5-11. World Language Week celebrates the teaching and learning of world languages in the state of Nebraska. Nebraska has a long heritage of multilingualism from Swedish Oakland to German from Russia in Lincoln and Czech in Wilbur. Twentieth century immigration enriched Nebraska with more languages such as Spanish, Karen, Arabic, Bosnian, and Vietnamese. Nebraska also relies on languages to promote enterprise and build global relationships. Nebraska has long known that language has the power to make one college, career, and civic ready. Teachers are encouraged to share out their plans for World...Read More › - Nebraska Plans World Language Week 2020

The University of Nebraska Omaha Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures and Masters of Arts in Language Teaching Program invites world language educators from the region to attend the 2020 Colloquium on Language Teaching Saturday February 8 at Mammel Hall on the Scott Campus. The event is free. For more information, contact Marie Lee at mglee@unomaha.edu.

The Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CSCTFL) is coming to Minneapolis, March 12-14, 2020, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the Nicolett Mall, in the heart of the city’s lively walking district. This year’s conference offers more than 250 workshops and sessions by nationally recognized and regionally respected presenters. The keynote speaker, Dr. Katy Arnett, will focus on inclusion both in her formal address and in two additional workshops. Learn new ways to make room for everyone at the world language table! New this year, there will be an informal learning center in the exhibit hall...Read More › - Central States Invites Nebraskans to Attend Conference

Four host families for three girls and one teacher from France are needed February 8 -28. Michelle Schermer, Coordinator of Hosting Programs for Language & Friendship Inc., is looking for Nebraska host families. This exchange group is from a school near Lyon that concentrates on English study. Students are expected to attend school with their hosts while in Nebraska. Host schools will have to give permission for exchange students to be on campus. There are no planned group activities. For more information, contact Schermer at 952-215-3867 or michelle@languageandfriendship.com.

The Education Office of the Embassy of Spain has partnered with renowned universities across Spain to offer three masters and nine courses at very affordable prices during the summer of 2020. These activities are specifically designed for US and Canadian educators and administrators seeking to update their language skills, teaching methodologies or even to get to know Spain and its wonderfully diverse culture. In most cases, prices include registration fees and full board accommodation. Courses include Spanish Language and Culture, Varieties of Spanish as a Heritage Language, and the Teaching and Learning of Spanish Language and Culture. Programs are offered...Read More › - UNL Spanish Institutes Shares Opportunities in Spain

The Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) at the University of Minnesota has provided high-quality professional development for language teachers for over two decades. Launched in 1996, this internationally known program reflects CARLA's commitment to link research and theory with practical applications for the classroom. Each institute is highly interactive and includes discussion, hands-on activities, and networking. CARLA summer institute participants—more than 6,300 to date—have come from every state and from countries all over the world. They have included foreign/world language, ESL/EFL, heritage language, and immersion educators at all levels of instruction, as well as program administrators, curriculum...Read More › - CARLA Announces Summer Institutes for Language Teachers

The following teaching positions were posted as of January 15, 2020 on the Teach in Nebraska website. • French Teacher 9-12: Mount Michael Benedictine School, Elkhorn • German Teacher 9-12: Papillion La Vista High School, Papillion La Vista Community Schools, Papillion • Spanish Teacher 7-12, Elgin Public Schools, Elgin • Spanish Teacher 7-12, Guardian Angels Central Catholic School, West Point • Spanish Teacher 7-12: Maxwell Public Schools, Maxwell • Spanish Teacher 7-12: St. Mary’s Catholic School, O’Neill • Spanish Teacher 9-12, Cedar Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School, Hartington • Spanish Teacher 9-12, Fremont Public Schools, Fremont • Spanish Teacher 9-12, Grand...Read More › - World Language Positions in Nebraska