MAFLA 2024 Conference

Join us for MAFLA's all new annual Fall Conference from October 24-26 in Springfield! We have a wide variety of sessions and presenters on Friday the 25th with deep-dive workshops included with registration on Saturday morning. Can't get enough PD? Come on Thursday October 24 for pre-conference workshops on topics such as writing curriculum, designing quality assessments, teaching all learners, and strategies for heritage learners. This is a one of a kind professional development event you won't want to miss!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR INCREDIBLE SESSIONS!

The Conference App which puts all the event information at your fingertips is available.

On your computer:

Simply go to Eventmobi.com/mafla24.

Enter your email (the one you signed up with for the conference) and create a password if you are prompted.

If you have previously used our conference app, you will be prompted to put in your password that you used before.

Don't worry. If you have forgotten it, you can just follow the "Forgot Password" link. Remember to accept the Terms of Use and then click continue.

This should put you into the app where you can view all our sessions and set up your agenda.

Remember to bookmark the page.

On your phone or tablet:

Get the Eventmobi app from the App Store or Google Play. Download and run the app. Enter the Event Code mafla24 into the app and it will bring up the same information in a small screen friendly format.

Learn more about our APP here.

Thursday, October 24 - Pre-Conference Workshops

Morning Workshops:  9:00AM-3:00PM with lunch included

Choose from one of these 3 great options:

• Option 1: Create Focus And Make Your Curriculum Memorable with Laura Terrill
• Option 2: From Performance To Proficiency with Tim Eagan and Nicole Sherf
• Option 3: Teaching All Learners with Charlotte Gifford and Bárbara Barnett

Evening Workshop: 4:00PM-8:00PM with dinner included

• Teaching Heritage Learners with ACTFL’s Celia Chomón Zamora

Friday, October 25 - Featured Conference

• 7:00AM- Registration Opens
• 8:00AM-9:00AM- Leadership Breakfast Conversations with Beckie Bray Rankin and Celia Chomón Zamora ($)
• 9:00AM-10:00AM- Presentations
• 10:00AM-10:30AM- Exhibit Hall Break
• 10:30AM-11:30AM- Presentations
• Lunch and panel discussions available to all attendees:
  • 11:30AM-12:00PM- Panel Discussion- Advocating For Your World Language Program
  • 12:30PM-1:00PM- Panel Discussion- Social Justice In The World Language Classroom
• 1:00PM-2:00PM- Presentations
• 2:15PM-3:15PM- Presentations
• 3:15PM-3:45PM- Exhibit Hall Break
• 3:45PM-4:45PM- Presentations
• 5:00PM-6:30PM- Member Reception

Saturday October 26- Deep Dive Workshops (included in registration price)

• 8:00AM-9:00AM- Immersion Breakfast
• 9:15AM-12:15PM- Choice Of Deep Dive Workshop
  • So Many Words, So Little Time with Laura Terrill

Vocabulary is key to communication but how do we decide what words students really need to learn? Explore the connection between the essential question of a unit, the authentic resources that will be used and the vocabulary needed to meet learning targets. With a clear purpose for vocabulary, it becomes easier for learners to acquire vocabulary in a meaningful context. Experience a variety of strategies for working with vocabulary in each mode of communication. Debate the value of a vocabulary list and how to know if students have truly learned the vocabulary. Bring a resource you are currently using and identify key words and phrases students will need to meet learning targets for that resource.

• • Rekindling our Relationship with the Neglected Cs; Putting connections, comparisons, and communities at the core of language learning with Rebecca Aubrey

As language educators who are passionate about developing language proficiency and intercultural competency, we tend to play favorites with the Communications and Cultures standards in our unit planning. Let’s not neglect the other three Cs of the World Readiness Standards: Connections, Comparisons, and Communities! In this workshop, participants will learn to rekindle their relationship with all of the 5Cs by exploring the power of their interrelatedness and interdependency. This will include a variety of examples of how to leverage the Connections and Comparisons standards to develop units that will more actively engage students through real-world topics, and how we strengthen student agency with goal-setting and self-reflection through the Communities Standard. Participants will have an opportunity to walk through the planning process with this new rekindled relationship, from setting essential questions and can do statements, through assessment and learning activities.

• • Beyond the Job Description:  Actualizing the Department Leader Purpose with Greta Lundgaard

As a bridge between administration and faculty, department leaders have one of the toughest jobs on campus.  A department leader is the professional in charge of guiding, monitoring and leading an entire WL department.  They are responsible for motivating their colleagues as well as communicating the vision and goals of the district and the campus and guiding the team towards those targets.  Department leaders who focus on developing and coaching colleagues as well as organizing and driving consistent progress are able to foster and establish a culture of collaboration and build professional and leadership capacity. This workshop focuses on strategies, tools, and protocols that contribute to department cohesion, success, and growth.

• • Working Group-We Did The Seal, Now What? Using Seal Of Biliteracy Data In Programs and Classrooms

As the Seal of Biliteracy gains traction across the state, the question becomes- what do we do with all of this data? Join us for a one of a kind working group that talks about the Seal of Biliteracy and how departments can use the data to inform their instruction. In this working group, we will start by exploring the different test options and the kinds of questions and prompts being asked. Teachers will also have a chance to analyze data trends and come up with suggested pathways to help use the data in meaningful ways to inform departmental decisions.

• • Working Group- AI in the World Language Classroom

Are you experimenting with AI in your classroom? Have you been interested in learning more about AI and want to find a place to start? Join us for our one of a kind working group on Artificial Intelligence for the World Language classroom. In this working group we will start by exploring some of the many tools that teachers have found helpful for their classes. Teachers will share some of their successes and challenges and work together to create new innovative ideas that can be shared with colleagues and students. 

• 12:30PM-2:00PM- Business & Awards Luncheon ($)

($)- indicates an additional cost for the event

Can’t get enough MAFLA or PD? Join us a day early for our Pre-Conference Workshops

Check out these great workshops presented by nationally recognized experts in the field.

Workshops #1-3 are Thursday October 24th from 9AM to 3PM (lunch included)

Workshop #4 is Thursday October 24th from 4PM to 8PM (dinner included)

For more information and a link to registration, click HERE

POs are accepted but cannot be used for the Early Bird Pricing. 
POs must reflect the Regular Pricing and/or Late Pricing if appropriate. 
PLEASE FOLLOW PO Instructions in the tab below

IMPORTANT!

Cancellations: Any registrant who needs to cancel their registration while registration is still open is able to do so with a 15% fee.
After October 18, the amount of the refund is at the discretion of the Program Director.

POs are accepted but cannot be used for the Early Bird Pricing. 
POs must reflect the Regular Pricing and/or Late Pricing if appropriate. 
PLEASE FOLLOW PO Instructions in the link below

Instructions for paying by PO are available HERE. 

MAFLA Conference 2024 FAQ

Can you explain the schedule?

We have a new schedule in 2024! Check it out here. As is our tradition, we will have 4- and 6-hour workshops Thursday that each come with a meal. Friday will be our typical session lineup with an optional panel discussion (instead of the keynote) during a longer lunch break. Both Friday and Saturday have breakfast options. Saturday is our biggest change as we are only offering working groups and workshops, not sessions, before our Awards Luncheon and Business Meeting. Any day you are registered, you have access to the expo hall and certain times are built into the schedule (with raffles) to explore our vendors and sponsors.

What is the difference between a workshop and a session?

A workshop is a longer opportunity for an in-depth look at a particular topic with an invited speaker of national renown. We chose the workshop presenters in coordination with our theme. Thursday workshops have a fee additional to the conference registration whereas Saturday’s workshops are included. A session is a shorter snapshot of a topic; the presenter submitted a session and was chosen by our conference committee. These are teachers and professors who have volunteered to share their experience and research with you for an hour.  All 60-minute sessions on Friday are included in your registration and you do not need to pre-select which ones to attend. Working groups are a new feature, which offers you time to work in small groups on a guided topic with experts in the room. Another new idea this year is the panel discussion; we will have 2 during our lunch break.

What is the fee structure?

First, decide if you’ll participate in workshops Thursday. This is a separate registration from the rest of the weekend. Next, decide if you’ll attend sessions on Friday and Saturday workshops/working groups or if you’ll just be here Saturday. Each of those options comes with different meals; full weekend registration includes Friday lunch and Saturday-only registration includes breakfast. Depending on what other meals you’d like to add to your Full Conference Registration (ex Friday’s Leadership Breakfast or Saturday’s Awards Luncheon), you can select those before checking out. For 2024, check this pricing document. You can attend the business meeting without registering for the luncheon as that is our annual member meeting where we vote on the slate.

What food is included? What if I have dietary restrictions?

Coffee and tea are available in the exhibit hall at specific times. Thursday workshop registration includes a meal. “Full Friday/Saturday” registration includes lunch Friday in the atrium and hors-d’oeuvres at the Member Gathering that evening; you can add the Leadership or Immersion Breakfast on the second floor for an additional cost. Saturday registration includes breakfast. Anyone who wishes to attend the Awards Luncheon Saturday needs to purchase a ticket.  If your registration includes a meal, you will be able to select if you are gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan. If you have other food concerns, you can contact the Membership Chair.

What is the app? Why should I use it?

EventMobi, available through your app store, makes conference participation easier. We think the top best parts of the app are gamification, agenda builder, handouts, and messenger. Did you know you can win great prizes by meeting people? Or that you can build an agenda ahead of time with multiple sessions at the same time so you can take advantage of as much as possible? Also, if you meet someone and start collaborating, use the app to get in touch and exchange information. Presenters are also requested to put their presentation and any handouts in the app instead of printing them out. It is ideal to bring your own device to access all these great opportunities.

How do I book the hotel?

MAFLA has booked a limited number of rooms at the Sheraton Monarch Place. Book here now to reserve at our discounted rate. The number of rooms booked directly correlates to how much session space we have gratis, a savings we pass along in conference pricing.

How do I get to the Conference?

For directions see the Hotel Information tab in this menu. 

What if I need a private space?

We are happy to announce the availability of our dedicated "Moms" hotel room designed to provide a comfortable and private space for pumping breast milk during your stay with us.  Ask the front desk for the “Moms” hotel room.

Where do I park?

There is limited, costly, easy access parking at the hotel; we have no control as this is contracted through a private vendor. The off-site 91 North Parking Garage is located at 1870 E Columbus Avenue. Keep your ticket (from the hotel garage) or coin (from the 91 N and 91 Slots) and present them for validation or payment at the Coat Room located on the 3rd floor of the hotel or at the front desk in the hotel lobby. Please note that neither MAFLA nor the Sheraton Monarch Place Hotel are liable for any damages to your vehicle, stolen property, or lost personal effects.

Where do I go when I arrive? 

Main Registration (pre-registered, check-in) will be on the second floor near the central stairwell. From the lobby, take the stairway at the end of the lobby to the second floor or take the elevator. You will see Registration across the atrium. Click on the Maps Tab in the app menu for more information. Upon checking in, you will receive your badge and your tickets for all of the extras you signed up for. Once you’ve registered, the sessions and workshops are on that floor and the two above. 

What do I do if I did not register online or I want to add an extra on-site? 

Go directly to Member Services, located on the second floor. MAFLA volunteers are there to help you join or renew your membership and to register onsite. We accept credit cards, checks, or cash onsite at Member Services. 

Is WIFI available?

Yes, all attendees have access to WIFI and the information will be available in the App.

I’m presenting: what should I bring?

Presenters need to bring a dongle to connect the projector/tv to their computer. Be aware that the projector end is an HDMI, so make sure you bring the correct dongle to attach to the HDMI. 

Who is in charge?

Each year, the entire MAFLA Board supports the Conference Chair and Coordinator. MAFLA is an all-volunteer board; everything that surrounds the planning of this conference is taken on by current and retired world language teachers like yourself! We have an incredible amount of people who volunteer to facilitate sessions and present; if you’d like to help out next year, let us know.

INFORMATION FOR EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS

What: MAFLA 2024 Fall Conference

Where: Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel in Springfield, MA

When: October 24-26, 2024.

Why: The MaFLA Conference offers many opportunities to promote and highlight your Company’s products and services, including . . .

• Exhibit Hall Booths
• Advertisement in our Conference App
• Sponsorship of Conference Events
• Raffles

MaFLA maintains an active membership of over 700 educators and administrators from all over New England and typically welcomes 300-500 conference attendees. This is a great way to promote your products and services to a targeted audience of foreign language teachers.

You can find much more information in our PROSPECTUS

You can register or sign up to sponsor here

SORRY BUT THE HOTEL ROOMS ARE SOLD OUT!

The Sheraton Monarch Place is offering MAFLA Conference attendees a special rate to stay at the hotel.

This special rate will be available until Friday, September 27 .

Follow THIS link for special event pricing at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel.

Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel
One Monarch Place, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, 01144