Amy Mardis

World Language Methods

Profesora Thomasina White
27 September 2016
Task 1:
PSMLA Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association
1. According to psmla.net, PSMLA is a non-profit professional organization
dedicated to the teaching and learning of languages and cultures from
kindergarten through university levels. 1 In addition, PSMLA seeks to help
students develop global competency and advocate for world language
instruction.
2. Right now, one can gain membership of PSMLA for three years by paying $95.
Membership in PSMLA grants reduced admission to the annual fall conference
and language workshops. Additionally, members receive job announcements,
can apply for scholarships, and can vote in PSMLA elections. Most importantly,
membership facilitates networking with a large community of fellow world
language educators.
3. PSMLA Fall 2016 Conference Erie, PA, October 13-15.
The conference hosts many sessions on a variety of topics, including pedagogy,
technology, assessment, activities, and more.
4. By attending workshops and events such as the annual fall conference, I
would have the benefit of being up to date on the latest research, trends, and
practices in language education.
American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese2
1. The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese promotes
the study and teaching of the Spanish and Portuguese languages and their
corresponding Hispanic, Luso-Brazilian, and other related literatures and cultures
at all levels of education.
2. Students can join AATSP for free by presenting proof of student enrollment
and/or transcripts. There are many benefits to joining AATSP, including hundreds
of professional sessions and workshops each year. These workshops help
students and educators increase their cultural, linguistic, and pedagogical
knowledge. In addition, there are scholarships and printable resources available
to educators.
3. On September 30 there is the 3rd annual Fall LanguageFest Conference in
Washington, DC.

1 "Home | Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association." Home |

Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2016.
2 "Welcome to the AATSP." AATSP. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2016.

4. Joining a community of Spanish educators would be an invaluable resource for

me. Not only would I benefit from classroom techniques and lesson ideas, but
having my Hispanic cultural knowledge reinforced would add depth and nuance
to my practice and remind me why I fell in love with the Spanish language in the
first place.