2025 Encuentro de profesorado de español de Alberta: Full Schedule

Join us for a dynamic, full-day professional development experience designed to equip Spanish language teachers with innovative strategies to enhance student learning.

To make the most of your experience, please read the title and description of each session carefully before selecting. Some sessions will be conducted in Spanish, while others will be in English.

9:00am MDT

Registration and Check-in

Saturday May 3, 2025 9:00am - 9:20am MDT

Welcome to the Encuentro de profesorado de español de Alberta! Start your day by checking in and picking up your event materials. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants, get familiar with the schedule on SCHED, and ensure you’re ready to make the most of this professional development day. We look forward to seeing you!

Saturday May 3, 2025 9:00am - 9:20am MDT

K-12

9:20am MDT

Welcome and Keynote

Saturday May 3, 2025 9:20am - 10:30am MDT

Gymnasium

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Felipe Pieras-Guasp es Assistant Instructional Professor en la Universidad de Chicago, donde imparte cursos de español a diferentes niveles y coordina iniciativas de formación docente. Obtuvo su Ph.D. en Español en Penn State University, y su investigación se ha desarrollado en el campo de la sociolingüística, con un enfoque en las actitudes lingüísticas, el contacto de lenguas y la planificación lingüística. Su trabajo académico también abarca la enseñanza del español como lengua extranjera y de herencia, con especial interés en estrategias de aprendizaje activo e inclusivo. Además, ha participado en la organización de seminarios y talleres sobre innovación pedagógica y diferenciación en la enseñanza del español en contextos multiculturales.

Enseñanza del español en aulas diversas: estrategias para una educación inclusiva
El aula de español es un espacio dinámico donde conviven estudiantes con distintos niveles de competencia lingüística, antecedentes culturales y necesidades de aprendizaje. En esta presentación, exploraremos estrategias de enseñanza diferenciada para atender tanto a aprendices de L2 como a hablantes de herencia en un mismo entorno. A través de ejemplos prácticos y actividades concretas, los participantes descubrirán formas de adaptar su enseñanza para fomentar la inclusión, el desarrollo lingüístico y la participación activa de todo el alumnado, asegurando una educación más personalizada y centrada en el estudiante.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Felipe Pieras-Guasp is an Assistant Instructional Professor at the University of Chicago, where he teaches Spanish courses at various levels and coordinates faculty development initiatives. He earned his Ph.D. in Spanish from Penn State University, and his research focuses on sociolinguistics, with an emphasis on language attitudes, language contact, and language planning. His academic work also includes the teaching of Spanish as a Foreign and Heritage Language, with a particular interest in active and inclusive learning strategies. Additionally, he has been involved in organizing seminars and workshops on pedagogical innovation and differentiation in Spanish teaching within multicultural contexts.

Teaching Spanish in Diverse Classrooms: Strategies for Inclusive Education
The Spanish classroom is a dynamic space where students with varying language proficiency levels, cultural backgrounds, and learning needs coexist. In this presentation, we will explore differentiated teaching strategies to address both L2 learners and heritage speakers within the same environment. Through practical examples and concrete activities, participants will discover ways to adapt their teaching to promote inclusion, linguistic development, and active participation from all students, ensuring a more personalized and student-centered education.

Speakers

Felipe Pieras-Guasp

Assistant Instructional Professor en la Universidad de Chicago

Saturday May 3, 2025 9:20am - 10:30am MDT
Gymnasium

K-12

10:45am MDT

COMPLEX LANGUAGE CLASSROOMS: WHEN DIFFERENTIATION ISN’T A STRONG ENOUGH WORD

Saturday May 3, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am MDT

Room 8

**This session is offered in English.**

With increasing class sizes and no restrictions on class access, classrooms often feature a diverse mix of heritage speakers and students with little to no prior experience. In this session, we will explore a range of strategies aimed at engaging all learners, ensuring that new students are supported without disengaging more advanced learners. A live document will be shared for teachers to contribute ideas, fostering collaboration and allowing us to build a supportive community that continuously enhances our teaching practices.

Speakers

Chenoa Roberts

Saturday May 3, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am MDT
Room 8

K-12, Spanish Language Arts

10:45am MDT

EL SPANGLISH COMO IDENTIDAD CULTURAL Y HERRAMIENTA PARA LA ADQUISICIÓN DE UNA SEGUNDA LENGUA

Saturday May 3, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am MDT

Room 9

**This session is offered in Spanish.**

La conciencia y utilidad del Spanglish puede beneficiar el aprendizaje del español como segunda lengua e, incluso, la mejora del español como primera lengua reduciendo la barrera lingüística y mejorando la fluidez. Por un lado, refleja una realidad cada vez más frecuente que se refleja en el día a día de los propios alumnos y alumnas. Por otro lado, permite una transición gradual y plena hacia la enseñanza del español. Durante la charla, se ofrecen propuestas prácticas sobre cómo trabajar el Spanglish para el aprendizaje y mantenimiento del mismo.

Speakers

Laura Ferrero Visanzay

Saturday May 3, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am MDT
Room 9

K-12, Spanish Language Arts

10:45am MDT

FIRST VS. SECOND LANGUAGE PROCESSING: WHAT NEUROSCIENCE REVEALS FOR THE CLASSROOM

Saturday May 3, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am MDT

Room 5

**This session is offered in English.**

As you ever wonder: how does the brain process language? and if the brain distinguishes first language (L1) differently from a second language (L2)? What challenges and advantages do bilingual and language-learning students face? This session explores the neuroscience behind language acquisition, comparing the brain mechanisms involved in L1 and L2 processing and their implications for teaching.

Speakers

Getze Uscanga

Saturday May 3, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am MDT
Room 5

K-12, Spanish Language Arts

11:45am MDT

EL SONIDO DE ESPAÑA: EL USO DE LA MÚSICA PARA LA TRANSMISIÓN DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLAS

Saturday May 3, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm MDT

Room 9

**This session is offered in Spanish.**

La música es un elemento presente en nuestra vida diaria y una palabra sinónima de cultura, vocabulario, gramática, actualidad y tradición. En esta ponencia se presenta a la música como un medio de comprensión de la cultura española y su contexto mientras se trabajan contenidos enfocados al desarrollo de la lengua castellana del alumnado. Europa, comunidades autónomas o festividades, la música está presente en todas ellas y más allá.

Speakers

Alberto Pérez Pascual

I am an English Studies graduate with a masters in Secondary Education Teaching (Foreign Language Acquisition speciality). Being an undergraduate, I started my career in teaching as an assistant professor for the Spanish department at Cardiff University. Currently, I am potentiating... Read More →

Saturday May 3, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm MDT
Room 9

K-12, Spanish Language Arts

11:45am MDT

NEUROLINGUISTIC APPROACH FOR SUCCESSFUL ORAL COMMUNICATION

Saturday May 3, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm MDT

Room 5

**This session is offered in Spanish.**

The Neurolinguistic Approach is a new way to consider teaching and learning language, created by Canadian pedagogues Claude Germain and Joan Netten. The goal is to create in the classroom the necessary conditions to help students to communicate in the L+ with spontaneity.

Speakers

Abdel Rassi Mendez

Edmonton Catholic Schools

Angela Amaya

Saturday May 3, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm MDT
Room 5

K-12, Spanish Language Arts

11:45am MDT

PLAN YOUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL TRIP LIMITED

Saturday May 3, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm MDT

Room 6

**This session is offered in English.**

Are you eager to plan your first international trip but unsure where to start? This session will provide you with the essential tools to organize a successful and enriching cultural experience for your students. We’ll cover key aspects such as selecting a Spanish-speaking destination, handling field trip forms, promoting the trip, and navigating basic logistics. Join me for a practical and engaging session that will leave you confident and prepared to embark on this exciting adventure!

Speakers

Oralia Hernandez

Saturday May 3, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm MDT
Room 6

K-12, Spanish Culture

12:30pm MDT

Lunch provided LIMITED

Saturday May 3, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT

Gymnasium

Come join us for a provided lunch.

Saturday May 3, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Gymnasium

K-12

1:30pm MDT

INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL EN EL AULA: MAGIA, TRAMPAS Y APRENDIZAJES

Saturday May 3, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT

Room 3

**This session is offered in Spanish.**

La inteligencia artificial ha llegado a nuestras aulas con el poder de un hechizo: nos asombra, nos facilita tareas y nos llena de posibilidades… pero, ¿qué pasa cuando la magia tiene truco? En esta sesión, reflexionaremos sobre el impacto de la IA en la enseñanza del español.

Speakers

Luz Janeth Ospina

Saturday May 3, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT
Room 3

K-12, Spanish Language Arts

1:30pm MDT

SEÑOR ASHBY’S LOCURA DE MARZO LIMITED

Saturday May 3, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT

Room 6

**This session is offered in English.**

This session will explain what Locura de Marzo is all about, and the ways this competition can be used to engage learners with Spanish language and culture. In this session, teachers will gain valuable teaching strategies and tools to incorporate in their Spanish classes.

Speakers

Laura García Pérez

Karen Arias

Saturday May 3, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT
Room 6

K-12, Spanish Language Arts

2:30pm MDT

ALIC: CONNECTING AND SUPPORTING ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE TEACHERS LIMITED

Saturday May 3, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm MDT

Room 3

**This session is offered in English.**

Are you an additional language teacher in Alberta? Come to this session to learn about the Additional Languages and Intercultural Council (ALIC) of the ATA. Topics will include current ALIC initiatives that support access to professional development, recently developed resources to support language teaching and learning, and information about how to connect with other language teachers in Alberta.

Speakers

Megan Sénéchal

Consultant, Institute for Innovation in Second Language Education (IISLE), Edmonton Public Schools

Saturday May 3, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm MDT
Room 3

K-12, Supports

2:30pm MDT

LA CAJA MÁGICA LIMITED

Saturday May 3, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm MDT

Room 6

**This session is offered in Spanish.**

In this presentation, I will share “The Magic Box,” a dynamic tool to motivate and provide more opportunities for students to maximize speaking and listening skills and writing practice. Drawing on the Neurolinguistic Approach Principles, The Magi Box encourages students to engage with the language as much as possible by providing frequent opportunities to actively use vocabulary and sentence structures they learn throughout the year. The Magic Box contains cards with Spanish vocabulary words, questions and answers that students learn through oral activities and then use for writing activities.

Speakers

Liliana Fuentes

Saturday May 3, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm MDT
Room 6

K-12, Spanish Language Arts

2:30pm MDT

LISTENING STRATEGIES AND TASKS IN THE SPANISH LANGUAGE CLASS LIMITED

Saturday May 3, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm MDT

Room 5

**This session is offered in Spanish.**

Listening is perhaps the skill that poses most challenges to second language (L2) learners. At the same time, it is arguably the skill that receives the least attention in the L2 classroom. In this session, we will begin with an overview of the importance of input for language learning. Then, we will present a model for listening instruction that aligns with communicative approaches to language pedagogy by combining principles of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) and learning strategy instruction. With the use of examples, we will discuss practical ideas to develop active listening skills and promote learner autonomy.

Speakers

Xavier Gutierrez

Jesús Toapanta

Saturday May 3, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm MDT
Room 5

K-12, Spanish Language Arts

3:15pm MDT

Networking Cafe LIMITED

Saturday May 3, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Gymnasium

Wrap up the day with meaningful conversations at our Networking Café! This informal gathering is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Spanish language educators, share insights from the sessions, and exchange ideas and resources in a relaxed setting. Grab a coffee, reflect on the day, and build valuable professional connections before heading home.

Saturday May 3, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Gymnasium

K-12

2025 Encuentro de profesorado de español de Alberta