The NCDPI Office of Teaching and Learning is hosting Empowering Educators and Elevating Outcomes, two simultaneous and interconnected conferences: The Standards Academy and Growing Success for Multilingual Learners (MLs). These events aim to empower educators and enhance educational outcomes by fostering collaboration among participants from Public School Units (PSUs). Both conferences are free, allowing attendees to move between sessions seamlessly.

The Standards Academy: The Office of Teaching and Learning receives many requests from the field for standards-based professional development. Participants will be guided through all content area standards, from unpacking to instructional practices. These sessions aim to give new and veteran educators a deeper understanding of the Standard Course of Study. In addition, sessions will be provided pertaining to Exceptional Children, honors-level coursework, Digital Teaching and Learning, and CTE.

Growing Success for Multilingual Learners (MLs): This conference is specifically designed for educators committed to fostering enriching learning environments for MLs. It offers tailored sessions for content and ML teachers, administrators, curriculum specialists, and Title III professionals. Join experts from across the state and the Department of Public Instruction to explore strategies for integrating North Carolina English Language Development (ELD) standards into content courses and learn best practices to enhance language proficiency. The conference emphasizes creating meaningful engagement by linking language learning with practical applications, ensuring that ML students thrive academically.

This event provides a unique opportunity for educators to collaborate, exchange best practices, and elevate student outcomes!  Don't miss the opportunity to send a school team!

Review the conference brochure for more information, and register today!

• June 24 - 26 West: Buncombe County
• July 22 - 24 East: Chatham County
• July 25 Virtual Day (Growing Success for MLs only)

FLANC Teacher of the Year Awards

Nominations due Tuesday, April 15

The Foreign Language Association of North Carolina (FLANC) invites nominations for the K-12 Teacher of the Year and the Higher Education Teacher of the Year. There are many fantastic World Language teachers across the state of North Carolina who dedicate their lives to the success of their students and stand out as a leader among their peers.

The nomination form for the FLANC Teacher of the Year awards will be open until April 15, and any current FLANC member can submit. Additional information is posted on the FLANC Scholarships & Awards page, and questions can be directed to the FLANC Awards Chair at awards@flanc.org.

The Language Connects Foundation (LCF)/Vista Microgrants Program for Language Educators is an initiative to support and empower those who are passionate about teaching languages and incorporating cultural elements into their lessons.

This program is open to all K-12 language educators regardless of setting. Eligible individuals may apply for grants of $300 to fund a variety of projects, such as:

• Organizing cultural events or activities for their learners, including those in collaboration with relevant community organizations; and
• Creating projects that provide opportunities to develop cultural competence.

There will be 100 microgrants of $300 each awarded during the 2024 - 2025 school year and the third funding cycle has an application deadline of April 30, with awards announced on Monday, May 5.

Please see the LCF Classroom Microgrants for Language Educators webpage for details, including examples of successful applications, eligibility requirements, and the online application.

NCCAT Honored Educator Scholarships

Applications due Wednesday, April 30

NCCAT's Luz M. Frye Honored Educator Scholarship (HES) was named for Luz Frye who taught Spanish in Wake County for 30 years. Now retired, her professional career included active membership in the Foreign Language Association of North Carolina (FLANC), the Southern Conference on Language Teaching (SCOLT), and the NC Society of Hispanic Professionals. She was named the 2001 FLANC Teacher of the Year, and this HES is available statewide for a World Language or ESL teacher.

The 10 statewide and 12 county Honored Educator Scholarships (HES) use the same NCCAT application form for the 2025 - 2026 period and provide an opportunity for selected teachers to attend an NCCAT seminar of their choice. The HES covers all costs associated with participation in a NCCAT seminar, including program materials, instruction, food, lodging, transportation, and substitute teacher. The honored educator also receives $250 for use in the classroom.

Please submit HES applications by April 30, 2025. For questions on applying, contact Tess Perdue, NCCAT Development Assistant, at tess.perdue@nccat.org. 

GLE Student Spotlight Submissions Requested

Celebrate Biliteracy in Your PSU!

The NCDPI Global Languages Endorsement (GLE) Team is seeking Student Spotlight submissions from districts and charter schools, or Public School Units (PSUs)! Student Spotlights are published quarterly via NCDPI listservs and social media channels to celebrate students who have satisfied the requirements of the Global Languages Endorsement (GLE), North Carolina’s Seal of Biliteracy! View recent Spotlights that have highlighted student biliteracy in Transylvania County Schools and Henderson County Schools.

Want to celebrate and elevate student language achievements in your PSU? Consider submitting a Student Spotlight via the link, the button below, or the QR code above! The submission form is open and accepting responses.