About the 2026 Back 2 School Conference
Over the past several years, world language teachers have embraced engaging activities, meaningful content, and acquisition-based strategies. Yet a fundamental question remains:
What makes language learned today still available months or years later?
This year’s conference invites educators to move beyond engagement and focus on designing learning experiences that lead to lasting language acquisition, deeper cultural understanding, and meaningful communication.
For the first time, we are opening a public Call for Proposals.
Three guest presenter sessions will be selected through this process.
Selected presenters will lead a 60-minute session designed for K–12 world language educators.
Deadline for Proposals: April 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
Proposal Requirements
1. Alignment with the Conference Theme
Proposals must clearly connect to the conference theme:
Beyond Engagement: Designing Language Learning That Lasts
Sessions should go beyond sharing engaging activities and instead address questions such as:
- How can we design learning experiences that lead to long-term language acquisition?
- What instructional practices promote depth, transfer, and retention of learning?
- How can culture, communication, and critical thinking be integrated in sustainable ways?
2. Classroom Relevance
Presentations should offer practical and applicable strategies that teachers can realistically implement in their classrooms.
Strong proposals will include:
- real classroom examples
- replicable activities or instructional models
- resources or frameworks that can be adapted across contexts
Sessions should demonstrate how ideas can be implemented in real teaching environments.
3. Focus on Language Acquisition
Proposals should reflect instructional practices aligned with current principles of second language acquisition, such as:
- comprehensible input
- meaningful communication
- contextualized learning
- development of intercultural competence
- intentional use of grammar within communication
4. Clear Session Focus
Each proposal must include:
- a clear and engaging title
- a brief description of the session
- 3–4 learning objectives for participants
- a short explanation of what attendees will gain from the session
5. Contribution to Professional Growth
Sessions should support participants in:
- reflecting on their instructional practices
- exploring new pedagogical perspectives
- strengthening the impact of their teaching on student learning
6. Inclusive and Representative Perspectives
We encourage proposals that:
- reflect the diversity of the Spanish- and French-speaking worlds
- highlight authentic cultural perspectives
- support inclusive, student-centered classrooms
7. Session Length and Format
Selected sessions will be approximately 45–60 minutes in length.
8. Target Audience
Proposals should be relevant to K–12 world language educators, including teachers working in:
- middle school and high school programs
- novice through advanced language levels
- AP or other advanced language courses
9. Professional Presentation
Selected presenters are expected to:
- prepare a clear and well-structured presentation
- respect the assigned session time
- contribute positively to the collaborative spirit of the conference
Proposal Selection Criteria
To ensure transparency and maintain the quality of the conference program, proposals will be reviewed using the following criteria:
1. Alignment with the Conference Theme
The extent to which the proposal clearly connects to the theme Beyond Engagement: Designing Language Learning That Lasts.
2. Practical Value for Teachers
The degree to which the session provides concrete ideas, strategies, or tools that participants can apply in their classrooms.
3. Pedagogical Soundness
The proposal demonstrates an understanding of effective world language teaching practices and language acquisition principles.
4. Clarity and Organization
The proposal is clearly written, focused, and well structured, with defined objectives and outcomes.
5. Relevance to the World Language Community
The session addresses topics that are meaningful and beneficial for K–12 world language educators.
6. Contribution to the Diversity of Perspectives
Preference may be given to proposals that bring diverse experiences, innovative approaches, or new voices to the conference.
Suggested Proposal Strands or Thematic Areas
To help presenters align their proposals with the goals of the conference, submissions may focus on one of the following thematic strands:
Designing Learning That Lasts
Strategies for planning language instruction that promotes long-term acquisition, retention, and transfer of language skills.
Comprehensible Input and Language Acquisition
Classroom practices that support input-rich environments, meaningful communication, and sustained language development.
Culture, Interculturality, and Global Perspectives
Approaches that integrate cultural understanding and intercultural competence into everyday language instruction.
Assessment for Learning
Strategies for assessing language proficiency in ways that support learning, reflection, and student growth.
Motivating and Empowering Language Learners
Practices that foster student engagement, autonomy, confidence, and identity as language learners.
Innovative Classroom Practices
Creative instructional approaches that strengthen communication, collaboration, and meaningful language use.
Teaching Advanced Courses (AP and Beyond)
Instructional strategies that support advanced proficiency, academic language, and preparation for advanced language study.
Technology and AI in Language Learning
Thoughtful use of digital tools and artificial intelligence to enhance language learning experiences.
Supporting Diverse Learners
Strategies for working with heritage learners, mixed-proficiency classes, and diverse learning needs in the language classroom.
Register today!
Join hundreds of world language educators and get immediate access to high-impact, flexible professional development.
Only $50 for 20+ hours of professional development!
Special Pricing for Schools & Districts:
Contact us at [email protected] for group rates.
All sessions available starting August 1
Registration until September 30
You’ll have 3 full months of access from the day the content becomes available—or from your registration date if you sign up after August 1
STRAND 6: Planning Through the ACTFL Modes of Communication
Joshua Cabral
Session title: Planning for Meaningful Language Use Across the Modes
Sara Elizabeth Cottrell
Session title: One Text, Three Modes
Janice Holter Kittok
Session title: Get Two for the Price of One: Integrate Language and Content
