Global Perspectives July 9, 2025 Webinar Agenda

All times are Central Time

9:00-9:15 a.m. Opening Remarks

Speaker: Conference Hosts/Organizers - Dr. Sara Ahnell, Assistant Professor of Foreign Language Education, and Dr. Andy Gillespie, Assistant Provost for International Programs, Auburn University

9:15-9:45 a.m. Keynote Address: The Future of Language Education

Speaker: Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth, JD, Spanish & STEAM Emerging Technologies Teacher, Edtech Consultant, and Education and AI Author, ISTE Certified Educator, EdTech Trendsetter Winner for 2024, EdTech Digest

Blog: www.Rdene915.com
X/Twitter: @Rdene915

9:45-10:45 a.m. Panel Discussion: Global Perspectives on the Future of Primary and Secondary School Language Education: Educating our Young Citizens

Speakers

Ms. Sophie Chou, Director of Education Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US, Washington, DC, and the Ministry of Education, Taipei, Taiwan

Ms. Zaineb Kubba, Trade Commissioner, Arts and Cultural Industries, Life Sciences, Science and Technology, Consulate General of Canada, Atlanta, GA (or colleague)

Ms. Teresina Vazquez, World Languages Specialist, State of Alabama, Department of Education Montgomery, Alabama

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Topic-Based Breakout Sessions

  • Teacher Professional Development - AI Integration in Language Classrooms: Practical strategies for incorporating AI tools in K-12 language teaching. Available tools and approximate costs.

    Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth
    Spanish & STEAM Emerging Technologies Teacher
    Edtech Consultant, and Education and AI Author

  • Advocacy in Action: How to effectively advocate for language programs within schools, districts, and at the state level.

    Dr. Kristin Davin, Professor and Program Director
    World Language Education
    Department of Middle, Secondary & K-12 Education
    UNC Charlotte, NC

  • Cultural Competence: Incorporating culture into language instruction and assessing cultural competency.

    Dr. Adeola Fayemi, Director, and
    Ms. Zadie Lakin, TESL/TEFL Graduate Assistant
    International Cultural Center
    Auburn University

  • Global Collaborations: Building international partnerships and exchange programs in K-12 language education.

    EF Study Abroad (Education First)
    Dr. David Bish, Director of Academic Affairs and Product Development for EF International Language Campuses)

12:00-1:00 p.m. Optional Informal Virtual Lunch Tables

Language instructor networking by language, state or region.

1:00-3:15 p.m. Interactive AI Workshop: AI in the K-12 Classroom: Practical Applications

Facilitator: Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth, JD, Spanish & STEAM Emerging Technologies Teacher, Edtech Consultant, and Education and AI Author, ISTE Certified Educator, EdTech Trendsetter Winner for 2024, EdTech Digest

3:30-4:30 p.m. Language-Specific Resources – Breakout Rooms

Speakers

French: Canadian Embassy, TBD

German: Dr. Susanne Rinner, Goethe-Institut Washington, Washington, DC, (or colleague)
www.goethe.de/washington

Spanish: Ms. Elsa Hoyo Jornet , Asesora Técnica / Education Advisor , Education Office, Consulate General of Spain, Miami, FL,
www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/miami/en/Paginas/

Mandarin: Ms. Sophie Chou, Director of Education Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US, Washington, DC,
www.taiwanembassy.org/us_en/index.html

Korean: Ms. Hyungmi An, Director, King Sejong Institute Foundation, US, Los Angeles, CA,
www.ksicusa.com/

Japanese: Mr. Mike Penny, Program Officer, The Japan Foundation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Los Angeles, CA,
www.jflalc.org/

4:30-5:00 p.m.: Closing Speaker

Speaker: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Global Public Affairs, TBD

5:00-5:30 p.m. Final Reflections and Networking

Speaker: Dr. Sara Ahnell, Conference Host/Organizer, Assistant Professor of Foreign Language Education, Auburn University, saw0011@auburn.edu