Why attend?
- Connect with a community of peers and mentors who share your passion for language and equity.
- Build skills in lesson planning, inclusive teaching practices, and pathways to certification.
- Explore careers in education through guest speakers and school district presentations.
- Amplify your voice and leadership in shaping the future of language education.
Who Can Attend?
Students: any current or recent undergraduate/graduate students in one or more of the following categories:
- Enrolled in (or a recent graduate of) a teacher preparation program in world language education.
- Enrolled in (or a recent graduate of) a teacher preparation program in any discipline and has a background or interest in studying a world language.
- Majoring or minoring in a world language (or considering such a major/minor) and interested in learning more about the teaching profession.
Educators: Educators of any world language and institution type (PK-12 and Higher Ed) are encouraged to apply.
Registration
- Free registration and meals are included.
- Housing is provided by ACTFL at Howard University for those who do not live in the local area.
- Stipends are available for travel costs*
*Stipends will be distributed upon receipt and review of applications.
Please see the agenda below to assist with obtaining support from your institution or employer. Please submit an application no later than Friday, May 15, 2026. For more information, please contact us.
Student/Pre-Service Educator Strand
| Day | Essential Questions | Topic(s) |
| Day 1: Monday, July 13, 2026 | Who are we (individually and collectively)? | - Relationship between Identity and the Role of the Educator
- Overview of World Language Education as a Profession and Field
|
| Day 2: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | What does successful language teaching look like? | - World-Readiness Standards
- Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentation, and Intercultural Communication
- Components of a Lesson
|
| Day 3: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | How can we become critical language educators for social justice? | - Promoting Antiracism, Equity and Social Justice through Language Learning
- Applying Humanistic Curricular Frameworks
|
| Day 4: Thursday, July 16, 2026 | - How can we apply and expand upon what we’ve learned?
- How will we ensure continued growth and networking?
| - Presentation of Lesson Projects
- Reflection and Evaluation
|
Professional Strand
We are excited to announce a new Professional Strand for practicing language education professionals (led by 2026 ACTFL President Krishauna Hines-Gaither).
Day | Essential Questions | Topic(s) |
Day 1: Monday, July 13, 2026 | - What are our personal and professional identities and what has shaped them?
- What are our future goals as language educators?
| - Relationship Between Personal and Professional Identities.
- Community Cultural Wealth
- Overview of the Changing Landscape of Education.
|
Day 2: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | - How can educators innovate by putting a new twist on old lessons?
- How can we expand our current leadership roles both within and beyond the classroom setting?
- How can educators build strategic partnerships?
| - What does successful language teaching look like when proficiency-driven?
- Mission-Centered Approaches to Language Teaching.
- Leading Together: The Role of Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
|
Day 3: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | - How can the classroom support and fulfill the nation’s premise of “liberty and justice for all?”
| - Promoting Antiracism, Equity and Social Justice through Language Teaching and Education.
|
Day 4: Thursday, July 16, 2026 | - Reflecting on Day 1: How can our personal and professional identities be a seat of cultural wealth?
- What steps can we take to achieve our professional goals?
- How will we ensure continued professional growth and networking that benefits us and our village?
| - Presentation of Professional Growth Plans.
- Reflection and Evaluation
|
