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World Languages

World Languages

NYSSB Webinars for Educators

The Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages in collaboration with the NYS Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (NYSASCD) is offering two webinars on the NYS Seal of Biliteracy for administrators and other educators.  Both workshops will be offered via Zoom from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and are provided free of charge. 

Starting a Seal of Biliteracy Program at Your School—May 10th, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (Zoom)

Webinar description:   Have you been thinking about exploring the idea of starting a NYS Seal of Biliteracy program at your school?  This program has experienced tremendous growth since it was first offered in 2015-16.  In the current school year, more than 450 NYS high schools offer the Seal to their students.  This session will review what the Seal is, who can earn this distinction, what benefits it brings to students, educators, and schools, as well as what it takes to start a Seal of Biliteracy program for the first time.  A wealth of digital resources, as well as local BOCES contacts, will be provided to support schools interested in starting a Seal program for the upcoming year.  Time will be allotted at the end of the session for questions from participants.  Come and learn about how you can honor your students who have developed the 21st century skill of biliteracy.

Click here to register for this webinar.

Expanding Your Seal of Biliteracy Program—May 24th, 4:30-5:30 p.m.  (Zoom)

Webinar description:   Have you offered the NYS Seal of Biliteracy for one or more years and are now looking for ways to grow your program?  This session will present strategies for expanding an existing program, including:

  • raising awareness about the Seal among faculty, counselors, staff, and the school community;
  • recruiting and motivating students;
  • supporting English Language Learners to pursue the Seal;
  • monitoring student progress toward the Seal;
  • creating a pipeline for the Seal that spans middle and high school; and
  • streamlining the Culminating Project and presentation process.

Digital resources, a local BOCES contact, and ample time for participant questions will be provided.

Click here to register for this webinar.

Registration process:  All participants are encouraged to pre-register for our events.  Pre-registration will close approximately 24 hours prior to the event; there will be no same-day registrations.  Once the registrant's email address has been verified as being from a New York State school, college, or university, an email confirming their registration will be sent.  Twenty-four hours prior to the event, all registered individuals will receive login instructions with the link to join the webinar.  Only pre-registered attendees will be eligible for a certificate documenting attendance and/or CTLE hours. 

For more information on the NYS Seal of Biliteracy, please visit our website or contact Candace Black (candace.black@nysed.gov or nyssb@nysed.gov).

Webinar Presenter:  Candace Black is the World Languages Associate in the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages at the New York State Education Department.  She is currently leading the implementation of the revised NYS World Languages Standards and oversees the NYS Seal of Biliteracy program.  Candace graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in French from SUNY Potsdam and earned both her M.B.A., and M.A.T. from the University of Rochester. A National Board-Certified Teacher, Candace taught French for 21 years and served as an IB Diploma Coordinator. In 2021, she was the recipient of the President’s Award for both NYSAFLT and NYSAWLA and was elected as a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques by the French government.   In all her roles, most especially her current one, Candace is deeply committed to the professional learning and support of World Language teachers and the promotion of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy.