NDE World Languages Newsletter

• Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Updates
• 2025 Nebraska World Language Week
• 2025 Spring NDE World Language Guest Speaker Series
• Conferences and Professional Development Opportunities
• NALCAP Program: Bringing Spain to Nebraska Classrooms
• Streamline Feedback with Snorkl
• OPS World Language Leader Wins Golden Invitation Award
• Teacher Story: Shauna Held, 2024 NILA Teacher of the Year

Thanks to Kelly Garcia from ESU5 for reviewing this newsletter!

The Nebraska Department of Education recently issued a news release announcing the November 2024 Seal of Biliteracy recipients, which can be accessed at Nebraska Students Awarded November Seal of Biliteracy. The Nebraska Department of Education and the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Advisory Committee proudly announce that 168 Seals of Biliteracy were awarded to Nebraska high school students in November 2024. This recognition celebrates students' proficiency in English and at least one other language, demonstrating excellence in communication, cultural understanding, and global connections. For this round, students earned recognition in Spanish, French, Chinese, and German, showcasing their linguistic talents and dedication to multilingualism. Congratulations to all the students for their hard work and exceptional achievements in earning this prestigious award. Special thanks to Nebraska's World Language teachers for their unwavering support and dedication to helping students reach these milestones. Additionally, heartfelt appreciation goes to the NDE TL&A office associates Stacey Weber and Stacy Harvey for their invaluable assistance in facilitating this process. Their contributions ensure the success and smooth operation of the Seal of Biliteracy program.

Here are the updates for the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy program:

• Minnesota Seal Assessment for Indigenous and Heritage Languages: Starting in January 2025, Nebraska students will have access to the Minnesota Seal assessment for indigenous and heritage languages, providing a new pathway to earn the Seal of Biliteracy and reflecting a commitment to supporting linguistic diversity. For more details, including training resources, visit Nebraska Seals Assessment.

• New Platinum Level: Beginning with the November 2025 round, the program will introduce a Platinum level to recognize students who achieve Advanced Low proficiency, further celebrating exceptional linguistic accomplishments.

• District-led Application Reviews: The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) World Language Program will mentor school districts through two rounds of application reviews and establish Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with districts to enable them to independently review applications for their students. Omaha Public Schools (OPS) will launch their own review process in November 2025 as the first district to implement this change.

• Survey System Transition: To streamline operations, the NDE will transition the Seal of Biliteracy survey to a new system starting with the November 2025 round, improving the user experience for applicants and reviewers.

These updates reflect the NDE's ongoing commitment to empowering multilingual learners and supporting school districts in recognizing their students' achievements.

We invite all Nebraska World Language teachers to showcase the best examples of student learning evidence for each class through the Student Language Spotlight. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize students who exemplify leadership in language learning, commitment to language study, appreciation for cultural diversity, and communicative competence. Submissions are due by February 1, 2025, and you can nominate your students by visiting the nomination link.

The 2025 Nebraska World Language Week will take place from February 17-23, 2025, with the theme Language Uniting Minds. Each day will feature a specific focus:

• Monday, February 17 – Spanish Day: A live, full-day event from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. featuring a session from Spain and various interactive activities.
• Tuesday, February 18 – French Day: Asynchronous activities.
• Wednesday, February 19 – German Day: Asynchronous activities.
• Thursday, February 20 – Chinese Day: Asynchronous activities.
• Friday, February 21 – World Cultures Day: Asynchronous activities.

We are also excited to announce the following guest speaker webinars:

• Feb 8 – Aprendizaje Integrado de Contenido y Lengua Extranjera (AICLE) para alumnado de herencia – Sergio Pérez
• Feb 12 – Arts-based Approaches – Dr. Theresa Catalano
• Feb 18 – AI Essentials – Dr. Nick Ziegler
• Feb 26 – Asset-based Assessments – Tom Welch

More details will be posted as the dates get closer. Teachers interested in facilitating cultural sessions, online games, or activities are encouraged to reach out to Nick Ziegler at nziegler@esu5.org and/or Chrystal Liu at chrystal.liu@nebraska.gov. Don’t miss this chance to highlight your students’ achievements and engage with the vibrant world language community!

Join us for the webinar Uniting Minds and Celebrating Success: Participating in the 2025 World Language Week with Dr. Chrystal Liu and Nick Ziegler! This engaging session will focus on maximizing student participation during Nebraska World Language Week, themed “Language Uniting Minds.” Explore exciting activities for Spanish Day, French Day, German Day, Chinese Day, and World Cultures Day. We will highlight the Distinguished World Language Scholar Award and the new Student Language Spotlight, which showcases exceptional student work, with winners announced during the week. This webinar will provide valuable insights into fostering student engagement and promoting appreciation for world languages and cultures. Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire your students! Registration links: https://tinyurl.com/2024ndeFallGuest10 or https://bit.ly/2024ndeFallGuest10.

World language teachers are encouraged to share their innovative ideas and best practices by submitting a proposal for the 2025 ACTFL Annual Convention. This prestigious event, held from Friday, November 21, through Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA, will feature educational sessions covering a wide spectrum of topics across the language profession. The proposal submission deadline is Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. If you’d like an extra set of eyes to review your proposal, feel free to contact Chrystal Liu at chrystal.liu@nebraska.gov. To submit your proposal, visit ACTFL Proposal Submission Portal, and for more information on submission guidelines and rubrics, check out the 2025 ACTFL Submission Guidelines. Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire and learn from your peers at one of the most influential language education events of the year!

World language teachers are encouraged to register for the 2025 Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CSCTFL), held jointly with the Foreign Language Association of Missouri (FLAM) and the Kansas World Language Association (KSWLA). This exciting event will take place from March 13-15, 2025, at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center in Kansas City, MO. The conference theme, Global Goals, Global Languages, will inspire sessions and discussions that connect world language education to global initiatives, fostering innovation and collaboration. Nebraska will proudly showcase its contributions to the field with 15 sessions at the 2024 Central States Conference in Minneapolis, MN, in March 2024, further demonstrating the excellence and dedication of Nebraska’s world language educators. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with colleagues, explore new ideas, and share your expertise at this dynamic professional development event. Register today at 2025 Central States Conference Registration, and join us in Kansas City for a celebration of world language teaching and learning!

World language teachers are encouraged to sign up for the ACTFL Proficiency Training on February 13th, provided through a collaboration between NDE World Language Education and ACTFL. This professional development opportunity is limited to just 25 spots, offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with a registration deadline of January 1st. The training is designed to deepen your understanding of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and equip you with practical strategies to guide students toward higher levels of language proficiency. Teachers are responsible for arranging substitute coverage for that day. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your teaching skills, align your instruction with best practices, and empower your students to succeed. Secure your spot today at ACTFL Proficiency Training Registration!

The North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) is an educational and cultural exchange initiative run by the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain. Each year, it offers college students and recent graduates from the United States the opportunity to live in Spain while assisting English teachers in K-12 schools. Participants, known as language assistants, support classroom instruction, foster bilingual education, and share their culture with Spanish students.

The program typically runs from October to May, with assistants dedicating 12-16 hours per week to classroom activities. In return, they receive a monthly stipend, health insurance, and ample free time to explore Spain’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Eligibility Requirements:

● Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

● Age: Must be between 18 and 60 years old.

● Education: Completion of at least two years of higher education by the application deadline.

● Language Proficiency: A basic level of Spanish is recommended to facilitate daily life and integration, though not mandatory.

● Background Check: Ability to pass a background check.

The application process, which opens in early spring, is straightforward. Candidates apply through an online platform, submit required documentation, and rank their location preferences within Spain. While teaching experience and Spanish proficiency are not mandatory, enthusiasm for cultural exchange and education are key.

For more details about the program and application updates, check the program website and follow the Education Office of Spain on X (@SpainEdOffice) and Instagram (@nalcapspain) or Linkedin (@nalcap).

Originally designed for math and science, Snorkl is a tool that can also be effectively applied in world language classrooms. The platform allows students to record spoken responses or submit written work to teacher-created prompts, providing opportunities to practice and demonstrate language proficiency. Teachers can upload rubrics tailored to their goals, and Snorkl uses these to generate feedback for students. This functionality supports both speaking and writing tasks, helping teachers manage feedback efficiently.

To use Snorkl, teachers can create an account, design prompts aligned with their instructional goals, and upload rubrics to ensure feedback meets their expectations. Once tasks are assigned, students respond by submitting either spoken recordings or written work. Snorkl generates feedback automatically based on the rubric, which teachers can review and share with students. This streamlined process simplifies assessment while maintaining high-quality feedback, reducing workload and increasing efficiency.

Examples of Snorkl Use in World Language Classrooms

1. Speaking Practice: Students respond to prompts such as describing their favorite holiday in the target language. Snorkl evaluates pronunciation, fluency, and vocabulary based on a teacher-provided rubric.
2. Written Responses: Students write a short reflection comparing a cultural tradition in the target language to one in their own culture. Snorkl provides feedback on grammar, organization, and vocabulary usage.

Snorkl supports world language learning in Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Arabic, and more, offering teachers a practical tool to enhance student engagement and proficiency development while streamlining the assessment process.

Hannah Julia Paredes Kilnoski, the Dual Language and World Language Teaching and Learning Consultant at OPS, has been honored with the prestigious Golden Invitation Award from FEDELE (Federación de Escuelas de Español como Lengua Extranjera en España) in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain Education Office. This distinguished scholarship supports the promotion of the Spanish language worldwide through a one-week intensive learning experience in Spain. The award, granted through a rigorous nomination and selection process, will be presented at the Embassy of Spain Luncheon during the 2025 ACTFL Conference.

¡Saludos a todos! Matthea Harvey once said, “Teaching is a great way to keep learning.” That

rings so true for me! Growing up, I loved being at school and learning new things everyday.

Learning was something I embraced and I reveled in what I discovered and was taught. So it

wasn’t a surprise when I felt the pull to become a teacher. It would give me a way to share with

others the things that I loved and encourage them to grow as people as well. It was my high

school German teacher, Frau Hellbusch, that really ignited my passion for language learning.

Learning German opened the door to another world for me, far beyond my hometown of

Columbus, NE. When I started taking Spanish my senior year of high school, I had already

decided that I was going to be a language teacher.

My experiences through UNK solidified my decision. I hold three degrees, all from the University

of Nebraska at Kearney: a Bachelor of Arts in Education (‘04) (endorsed in Spanish and ESL), a

Masters of Arts in Education for Curriculum & Instruction (‘10) and a Masters of Arts in

Education for Spanish Education (‘16). I studied abroad in Mexico and Costa Rica. These

experiences instilled in me a deep love for and desire to learn about other cultures and

languages. I encourage this desire for worldly experiences in my classes by sponsoring travel

abroad trips for my students. So far we have traveled to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Ireland.

The majority of my teaching career has been at Shelton Public Schools. Over the years I have

taught Spanish 1, 2, 3 & 4, Junior High Exploratory Languages, Introduction to Spanish, Dual

Credit Spanish and ELL. It is an amazing thing to develop a program from start to finish and see

how students progress over time not only linguistically but in their understanding of and

appreciation for cultures outside their own. Their world view changes when they experience the

value of being multicultural/multilingual. To that end, I am a strong advocate for the Seal of

Biliteracy. My Spanish 3 and 4 students take the AAPPL test in the spring. Seniors who qualify

for it are recognized at an assembly and get to wear graduation cords. It is a wonderful way for

our community to see students’ achievements in language and provides a place for the

conversation surrounding the need for multilingualism and multiculturalism to begin.

As a lifelong learner, I believe that professional involvement is an essential component to being

a successful teacher. Through our professional involvement, we learn about ourselves as

educators, allowing us to improve ourselves and our profession as a whole. I am fortunate to

have been involved extensively in World Language education in Nebraska. I have served as

President for the Nebraska International Languages Association and the Nebraska Chapter of

the Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. I have also had the pleasure of being

involved in various capacities for Nebraska World Languages including the 2019 Standards

Revision Team, OER Language Hub, and Advisory Council. Locally I am a regular presenter

and contributor at the ESU 10 World Language Cadre workshops. Most recently, I was selected

as the 2024 NILA Outstanding Educator.

As we reflect on 2024, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to all World Language teachers across Nebraska. Your dedication, creativity, and commitment inspire students to explore the world through language and culture, fostering connections that transcend borders.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Nebraska World Language Committees whose efforts have been instrumental in advancing World Language education across the state. These include (but are not limited to):

• NDE World Language Advisory Panel
• Public Awareness Committee
• Seal of Biliteracy Advisory Board
• Social Media Advisory Board
• World Language Week Advisory Committee
• Mission, Vision, and Purpose Statements Committee

Your collaboration, vision, and hard work are the backbone of our success, and we are profoundly grateful for all that you do.

Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season. May your holidays bring rest, happiness, and renewal. Together, let’s continue to make 2025 another outstanding year for World Language education in Nebraska!

NDE World Language Education will continue to offer customized professional development opportunities to meet the unique needs of Nebraska Educational Service Units (ESUs) and school districts. Our comprehensive offerings for the 2024-2025 academic year encompass a variety of enriching themes. Please check the document for details or contact Chrystal Liu at chrystal.liu@nebraska.gov for questions.

Please check this document for the 2024-2025 annual events for Nebraska World Language Education. If you or your organization have events to share, please email Chrystal Liu (chrystal.liu@nebraska.gov) to add your events in the shared calendar.

Email: chrystal.liu@nebraska.gov
Website: https://www.education.ne.gov/worldlanguage/
Location: 500 S 84th St 2nd Floor, Lincoln, NE 68510
Phone: 402-430-8147

Facebook: https://secure.smore.com/n/g35ek
X: @NDE_WorldLang

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