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The NCDPI World Languages Team is excited about implementing the new North Carolina Standard Course of Study for World Languages in all K-12 classrooms. Please take a look at the upcoming professional development (PD) offerings, as well as opportunities, for World Language educators that are included in this month's World Languages Newsletter.
This edition features the following:
- Professional Development for World Languages
- Power of Proficiency Webinar Series
- SALC All Things Immersion Professional Learning Series
- CBHL Schools Webinar: Using AI to Build a Network Among Schools
- NC State's Multilingual Perspectives Series & CarABE Mini-Conference
- UNC Charlotte's Heritage Language Learning Symposium Online
- SCOLT Annual Conference
- Save the Dates for Future Professional Development
- World Language Standards Implementation Regional Workshops
- 10th International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education
- Opportunities for K-12 Educators
- NCDPI Implementing Standards-Based Instruction Webinar Series
- NC Governor's School Faculty & Staff Positions Available
- NCDPI 2026 Summer Conference Call for Proposals
- Opportunities for World Language Educators
- Classroom Microgrants for Language Educators
- CARLA Priority Teacher Professional Development Scholarship Applications
- FLANC Teacher of the Year Nominations (K-12 and Higher Education)
Do you know someone who doesn't get our emails?
Share this newsletter with them and encourage them to sign up for the World Language listservs for Dual Language/Immersion (DL/I) Educators, NC LinguaFolio, World Language Instructors, and/or the World Language Education Newsletter.
Professional Development for World Languages
Power of Proficiency Webinar Series
The 2025 - 2026 World Languages Webinar Series, the Power of Proficiency, is your opportunity to take a deep dive into the updated, proficiency-based Standard Course of Study (SCoS) for World Languages.
The third broadcast, Power of Proficiency in Interpersonal Communication, is on Wednesday, February 11, at 3:45 - 5:15 pm. Feel free to register using this form. The archived materials from the first two broadcasts, Overview of Proficiency in the State Standards and Power of Proficiency in Interpretive Communication, are now available for local use, including the recording and slides. These materials are posted in the Standards Implementation area under Professional Learning on the World Languages Resources Hub, along with two asynchronous options for those who weren't able to participate in the live webinars in the fall but still want to earn credit and make progress towards completing the badge.
Please click on the flyer in this article or go to go.ncdpi.gov/WLwebinars25-26 to register for upcoming webinars or to access asynchronous options for past webinars.
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SALC All Things Immersion Professional Learning Series
The Southern Atlantic Language Collaborative (SALC) is providing the 2025–2026 All Things Immersion professional learning series, with two targeted strands: one for administrators and program leaders, and one for dual language/immersion (DL/I) teachers.
The leadership strand, hosted by the Virginia Department of Education, is held at 10:00 am on the third Tuesday of each month. These monthly sessions are focused on leadership topics, updates, and implementation support. Each session will include a featured topic and time for open discussion, and here are the upcoming topics and dates, including several led by North Carolina DL/I educators:
- January 20: Supporting the Global Educator: Research-Based Professional Development for International Dual Language Teachers
- February 17: Leading for Literacy: Planning for Biliteracy Development in Both One-way and Two-way Dual Language Programs
- April 21: Leading for the Long Term: Navigating and Sustaining Immersion through Challenges and Change
The instructional strand is hosted by our SALC partner at the South Carolina Department of Education and will be held on the last Tuesday of each month at 4:30 pm. Here are the upcoming topics with their broadcast dates:
- January 27: Stronger Together: Working with Diverse Cultures
- February 24: Making Languages Come Alive: High-Engagement Strategies for K-5 DLI Classrooms
- March 31: Cultural Exchange in the DLI Middle School Classroom
- April 28: Strengthening Immersion Communities: A Framework for Family Outreach and Connections with AI Tools
To register, click on the appropriate link below:
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CBHL Schools Webinar
The Coalition of Community-Based Heritage Language (CBHL) Schools is offering a free webinar, Using AI to Build a Network Among CBHL Schools, on Monday, January 26, at 8:00 - 9:00 pm Eastern.
This presentation explores how AI -- especially its research and reasoning functions -- can strengthen networking and outreach efforts among community-based heritage language schools in the US. Participants will see how AI's reasoning models can synthesize critical data that wouldn't have been possible without the new AI tools now available to us. While they may change depending on the future developments in AI, the topics covered include (i) building a school network -- mapping new heritage language schools, (ii) identifying program strengths and areas of improvement with AI, (iii) using AI to create outreach/advertisement materials. Benefits, as well as ethical and privacy concerns in employing AI tools for our work, will also be discussed.
Please register using this form or access it by clicking on the flyer in this article.
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NC State's Multilingual Perspectives Series
Come to NC State for this year's annual Multilingual Perspectives Speaker Series, Elevating Our Students' Superpowers, with Dr. Miguel Cardona, Educator and Former US Secretary of Education. Organized by Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Education, Dr. Maria Coady, the Multilingual Perspectives Speaker Series aims to examine and extend topics related to the education of Multilingual Learners (MLs) in schools, including MLs in dual language/immersion (DL/I) programs.
When: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 4 - 7 pm | Talk begins at 5 pm
Where: Park Alumni Center at NC State University
(2450 Alumni Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606)
Cost: This event is free to attend. Registration is required.
Please complete this form to register for this event. Early registration is encouraged due to limited space.
Additional info: Hors d'ouevres, drinks, and music will be available at this evening event. There is ample free parking in front of the Park Alumni Center. The event dress code is business casual.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Maria Coady at mcoady@ncsu.edu.
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CarABE Mini-Conference
The Carolina Association for Bilingual Education (CarABE), an affiliate of NABE, is hosting this year’s conference on Saturday, February 7, from 9 am - 3 pm at Dillard Drive Elementary School in Raleigh.
The theme is, The Power of You: Celebrating Bilingual Carolinas, and sessions will be focused on leadership and advocacy in DL/I, high-impact instructional practices and methods, science of reading for biliteracy development, social context of DL/I, family engagement and partnerships, or assessments and achievement for DL/I instruction.
Please go to the CarABE Upcoming Events page for additional details.
UNC Charlotte's Heritage Language Learning Symposium Online
UNC Charlotte’s Department of Languages, Cultures and Translation is pleased to present the 2026 Heritage Language Learning Symposium on February 19 - 20, 2026.
 The symposium offers participants expert presentations on current research in heritage language learning and practical tools to teach heritage speakers. This year's symposium will feature five prominent scholars engaged in the field of Heritage Language Education. The presenters will share their research and practical experience with UNC Charlotte faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, K-12 educators, and attendees from other institutions.
The 2026 Heritage Language Learning Symposium will focus on promoting a broad understanding of literacy practices and training for heritage speakers by bringing together experts in the fields of bilingual education in Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.The symposium will hold research presentations and workshops where attendees will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from the invited experts.
All activities will be via Zoom. There is no cost to attend the symposium, but attendees must register in advance. The deadline for registration is February 15, 2026.
Please contact the following Symposium organizers if you have any questions:
SCOLT Annual Conference
Join the Southern Conference on Language Teaching (SCOLT) in Raleigh on March 19 - 21 for SCOLT 2026! There will be an impressive array of sessions, workshops, and presenters, including sessions and workshops for dual language/immersion (DL/I).
Don't miss this opportunity for in-person professional development, as well as fun with colleagues from near and far! Hear from and meet the ACTFL Teacher of the Year, SCOLT region state Teachers of the Year, and “Best of” presenters like FLANC's Lisa Bartels (Wake County Public School System) with Creating a Culture of Differentiation: Examining Instructional Delivery through the Lens of Products, Practices, and Perspectives.
There are also pre-conference workshops available, including Chinese and Spanish DL/I program site visits in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Chatham County Schools, and Wake County Public School System.
See information about the conference, workshops descriptions, and the hotel reservation link on the SCOLT 2026 webpage. Early-bird registration ends March 1, and after that date attendees will need to register on-site at the conference.
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Looking for additional PD options?
Please see FLANC's K-20 Professional Development page for details about conferences, courses, events, webinars, etc. available from various organizations that serve many World Languages and/or types of programs. FLANC's PD page is continuously updated and, as you scroll through the list, you will find offerings available in the coming weeks and months.
Save the Dates for Future Professional Development
World Language Standards Implementation Regional Workshops
The NCDPI World Languages team will be offering a series of free professional development workshops across the state in February and March. Each regional workshop will introduce the newest support tools for the 2024 K-12 Standard Course of Study (SCoS) for World Languages, and include an opportunity to plan and network with other educators on implementation topics for classrooms, programs, schools, and districts.
In the morning, participants will explore the most recently released support tools for the SCoS for World Languages, like the Navigators and Parent/Caregiver Guide, that are available for all programs and/or customized for the classical, heritage, and/or modern languages that they teach. They will also spend time on the updated World Language policy information with the Global Language Endorsement (GLE), North Carolina’s Seal of Biliteracy and the option to offer Levels I and II as standard or honors courses.
In the afternoon, participants will work together in small group sessions on various topics so that they can plan and/or network with colleagues in the region. The sessions or “carousel” of topics in each region will be based on the registration form requests and/or local needs such as:
The wrap-up will feature an overview of the upcoming professional development available for the SCoS for World Languages as we continue implementation.
Please see the map below to mark your calendar for the date and/or location that you would prefer.
Note: Registration will allow participants to indicate whether they are signing up for the 6-hour option with both sessions or one of the 3-hour sessions (morning or afternoon) depending on their needs.
Additional details, including registration forms, will be posted soon on the Standards Implementation page under Professional Learning in the World Languages Resources Hub.
 10th International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education
Save the Date for the 10th International Conference on Immersion & Dual Language Education—a signature gathering for educators and researchers committed to advancing multilingual learning.
📅 March 16–19, 2027
📍 JW Marriott Reston Station, Reston, Virginia
Join educators, researchers, and advocates from across the globe to explore the future of immersion and dual language education. Engage in rich discussions, share research and classroom strategies, and build lasting connections at this milestone event.
Sponsored by: DLM Alliance
Presented by: Southern Atlantic Language Collaborative (SALC)
Hosted by: Virginia Dual Language Educators Network (VADLEN)
Stay tuned—registration and session proposals will be announced in early 2026. Let’s continue growing together!
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Opportunities for K-12 Educators
NCDPI Implementing Standards-Based Instruction Webinar Series
The NCDPI Implementing Standards-Based Instruction Webinar Series will provide participants knowledge to confidently implement instruction aligned to content area North Carolina Standard Courses of Study.
Click on the flyer in this article to register for each session to attend!
Foundations of Standards-Based Instruction
February 10, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
This session will provide participants with an understanding of the review, revision, and implementation phases for standards in North Carolina. Participants will be guided through the creation of a learning inventory that ensures aligned standards-based instruction in all classrooms.
Differentiating Standards-Based Instruction
March 10, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00
This session will guide participants through the basic components of differentiation and how to implement standards-based instructional strategies that support the needs of all learners.
Aligning Standards-Based Instruction
April 14, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00
This session will guide participants in creating standards-aligned performance tasks through an understanding of how standards are addressed, taught, and assessed.
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NC Governor's School Faculty & Staff Positions Available
 Are you looking for a unique opportunity for this summer?
Teaching Positions open for the 2026 session of NC Governor’s School!
Come and work with talented and intellectually engaged high school students in a thriving learning community this summer – without grades!
NCDPI is specifically seeking creative, engaging teachers. This is an opportunity to play a role in shaping a life-changing summer for these amazing students. Teachers are needed for both Governor’s School campuses, hosted by Greensboro College and Meredith College. GS is currently seeking instructors for Area II/Philosophy, Instrumental Music, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, Spanish, and Visual Arts, along with openings for office positions and coordinators for Communications and Technology.
We also have openings for our GS Fellows program, a five-week paid internship. Being a GS Fellow offers an opportunity to gain leadership experience through working with students in residential life, assisting in classrooms, and leading campus events.
For more information and to apply, visit the employment page of our Governor’s School Website.
Governor’s School will take place June 21 - July 18, 2026, with employees arriving on Monday, June 15 to begin orientation. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews in the coming weeks.
If you have questions regarding any openings, reach out to the NCDPI Governor's School team at ncgovschool@dpi.nc.gov. We look forward to hearing from you!
NCDPI 2026 Summer Conference Call for Proposals
NCDPI's 2026 Growing Success for Multilingual Learners Summer Conference theme is Leading Together for MLs: Collaboration, Commitment, and Community. The NCDPI Multilingual Learner (ML)/Title III Team is seeking proposals from educators who are enthusiastic about sharing effective, research-based instructional and administrative practices that support multilingual learners across North Carolina.
The call for proposals is open to all K – 20 educators, regardless of content area. We welcome submissions from classroom teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, specialists, and community partners. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the following strands:
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Achieving Educational Excellence: Connections to the North Carolina Strategic Plan
- Advocacy for MLs within the School System
- Assessment and Data
- Dual Language/Immersion
- Family and Community Engagement
- Harnessing AI to Support Language Acquisition
- Improving Language and Literacy Instruction for MLs
- Instructional Collaboration
- ML Leadership
- Newcomers and Specialized Populations
Anyone interested in presenting at the conference, please submit the call for proposals form by March 1, 2026, which can also be accessed by clicking on the Save the Date flyer in this article.
Questions can be sent to susan.walz@dpi.nc.gov. We truly appreciate your willingness to share your expertise with colleagues across the state and look forward to your participation!
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Opportunities for World Language Educators
Classroom Microgrants for Language Educators
Applications for current funding cycle due February 4
ACTFL has partnered with Vista on the Classroom Microgrants for Language Educators Program, which is awarding 100 microgrants in the 2025 - 2026 school year. Applications for the second funding cycle are due Wednesday, February 4, with awards announced on Monday, February 9.
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, including:
- Organizing cultural events or activities for their learners, including those in collaboration with relevant community organizations; and
- Creating projects that support various perspectives and provide opportunities to develop cultural competence.
Information about the application requirements and process, examples of successful applications, and the form to submit are posted on ACTFL's Classroom Microgrants page.
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CARLA Priority Teacher Professional Development Scholarships
Applications due March 13
The Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) at the University of Minnesota offers several scholarship programs to support attendance at the CARLA Summer Institutes.
The Priority Teacher Professional Development Scholarship program is designed to promote access to affordable professional development for world language educators who are currently teaching a Less Commonly Taught Language in the United States and/or are currently teaching at a Community College, Historically Black College/University, or postsecondary Minority Serving Institution in the United States.
Details about the application process, including the online scholarship application form, are posted on CARLA's Scholarship Opportunities page. Applications are due by Friday, March 13 and applicants will be notified about their status on April 10.
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FLANC Teacher of the Year Nominations
K-12 and Higher Education due March 15
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Fostering Language Acquisition in North Carolina (FLANC) invites you to nominate a special teacher for the K - 12 Teacher of the Year and the Higher Education Teacher of the Year awards. A good candidate would be someone who goes above and beyond their normal duties for students and stands out as a leader among peers. These two awards serve to acknowledge the fantastic work that these teachers dedicate to their students and to the profession on a daily basis.
FLANC's Teacher of the Year nominations form will be open until March 15, 2026. Questions can be directed to the FLANC Awards Chair, at awards@flanc.org, and additional details are available on FLANC's Scholarships & Awards page.
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Wanting to find more opportunities for World Language educators?
Please see FLANC's K-20 Opportunities for Students and Educators page for details about awards, calls for proposals, grants, scholarships, etc. from various groups that support World Language educators, students, programs, and organizations. FLANC's Opportunities page is continuously updated in chronological order by due date, and you can scroll through the list to see what's available.
Connect with NCDPI World Languages
Dr. Ann Marie Gunter, K-12 World Languages Consultant
Find a date and time to meet using the online scheduler: go.ncdpi.gov/ConnectWL
Options are available throughout January and into February
Go to the World Languages Resources Hub: go.ncdpi.gov/WLresources
Follow us on Facebook as NCDPI World Languages
Find us on Instagram @NCDPI_WORLDLANG
#WLnews4NC #NCWLstandards #DLIinNC #NCSoBLGLE
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Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, NCDPI is not in any way associated with the owner or operator of any of the 3rd Party Websites or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such 3rd Party Websites. NCDPI does not endorse and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings relating to the content of any 3rd Party Website.
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