MFLA is proud to announce that applications are now open for three major professional scholarships supporting world language educators and leaders across the state. These opportunities provide funding for study abroad, leadership development, and innovative professional projects that advance language education in Maryland and throughout the Northeast region.

Celeste Carr Study Abroad Scholarship – Applications Due January 30, 2026

The Celeste Carr Study Abroad Scholarship offers $1,000 to support a Maryland world language teacher in completing a study-abroad program that enriches classroom instruction and strengthens cultural competence. Priority is given to educators who have not previously studied abroad.
Applicants must be active MFLA members and submit:

• A CV
• Two recommendations (including one from a supervisor)
• Program details and documentation
• A list of previous travel/study abroad experience
• A 250-word essay describing the expected impact on their teaching

The scholarship is awarded in two $500 installments, with recipients presenting their experience at the MFLA Fall Conference.

Kim Shinozaki Leadership Award – Applications Due January 30, 2026

Named in honor of longtime educator and advocate Kim Shinozaki, this scholarship recognizes current or aspiring leaders in world language education. The award provides $750 to support participation in a professional learning experience that strengthens leadership practice at the school, district, or state level.
Eligible applicants must:

• Be MFLA members
• Hold a leadership role in Maryland
• Have five years of documented successful teaching
• Demonstrate instructional leadership in the field

Submissions include a CV, leadership essay, and a recommendation letter.

NECTFL Mead Innovation Fellowship – Applications Due November 20, 2025

MFLA is also accepting applications for the NECTFL Mead Innovation Fellowship, which supports educators developing an innovative project that contributes to the profession and advances high-quality language instruction.
MFLA will select one state nominee to advance to the regional level. Fellows receive:

• Two years of NECTFL conference registration
• Up to $575 annually for travel/hotel from NECTFL
• Up to $1,000 total in additional support from MFLA
• Mentorship from experts in the project area

Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal, action plan, résumé, and recommendation letter. Mead Fellows present their work at both MFLA and NECTFL conferences.

How to Apply
All application forms are linked in the corresponding documents now available on the MFLA website and shared with members.
​
Educators are encouraged to apply early and take advantage of these opportunities to grow professionally, expand their global perspectives, and share their learning with the wider Maryland language-teaching community.

This session will explore how the Maryland Foreign Language Association (MFLA) supports world language educators in meeting MSDE licensure renewal requirements. Participants will learn about professional development opportunities aligned with state standards, including workshops and conferences that count for PDP points. The session will highlight how MFLA fosters instructional growth, connects educators across Maryland, and provides targeted support to local educators—empowering teachers to invest in their professional journey with confidence.
​
Register here

MFLA is excited to announce that applications are now open for the following scholarships and awards due April 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM:

📚 Ann Beusch Scholarship
This $500 scholarship is available to high school seniors and college students pursuing a career in world language education. Eligible applicants must be recommended by a current MFLA member.
➡️ Apply here

🏆 Maryland Language Teacher of the Year
Are you an outstanding world language educator? This prestigious award recognizes excellence in language teaching and advocacy. The winner will represent Maryland at the regional NECTFL competition, with the potential to advance to the national ACTFL Teacher of the Year competition.
➡️ Apply here

🎨 Spring 2025 MFLA Visual Arts Contest
Theme: “Why is learning another language important?”
Open to students of all levels, this contest invites creative visual interpretations of language learning’s value. Winners receive cash prizes, and the overall winner’s artwork will be featured on the MFLA Fall Conference program cover!
➡️ Apply here

For more details, visit MFLA’s Website or contact [email protected]. Don’t miss these incredible opportunities! 🚀

Dear Maryland Educators,

Happy New Year! We are excited to announce the 2024 MFLA Spring Conference, to be held on Saturday, March 15th, at Worcester Technical High School in Worcester County, MD, just a short drive from the beautiful Ocean City, Maryland! You heard that right; we are returning to Maryland’s Eastern Shore!

We invite you to submit a proposal to present a session or workshop that will inspire and empower your fellow educators. We welcome a broad range of topics that support language learning and teaching, including but not limited to:

• Innovative teaching strategies
• Technology integration in language classrooms
• Cultural competency and inclusion
• Assessment practices
• Professional development and teacher collaboration
• World language advocacy
• Global citizenship and language education

Deadline for Proposals: January 19th at 11:59pm
​
We encourage submissions from all levels of experience and invite ideas that reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of world language education. Whether you're a seasoned educator or an emerging voice in the field, we want to hear from you!

Join us in Worcester County, just minutes from the beautiful shores of Ocean City, for a day of professional growth, networking, and inspiration. We look forward to seeing you there and learning together!

Thank you for your dedication to shaping the future of world language education!
Warm regards,
The MFLA Conference Committee

Teachers, are you thinking about creating something new and different for your classes? Looking for funding? MFLA wants to offer you up to $1,000 in financial support. Check out the application for the ESCOLA TEACHER INCENTIVE GRANT on the Awards and Scholarships Page!

We are excited to welcome you to the MFLA Fall Conference 2024! As part of our commitment to making your experience as enriching as possible, we are pleased to share the program grid along with session descriptions so you can begin planning which sessions best suit your interests and professional goals.

By reviewing the grid in advance, you can make more informed decisions about which sessions align with your learning objectives. Whether you're looking for innovative classroom strategies, insights into new technology, or ideas on fostering inclusive and compassionate language learning environments, there’s something for everyone.

What to Know:

• You’ll find the full program grid and session descriptions attached to this email.
• A printed program will be provided upon your arrival at the conference.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to explore the program in detail so you can make the most of your time with us. We can’t wait to see you there and learn together! 

A reminder- We are at Montgomery College Rockville Campus - 51 Mannakee St. Rockville, Maryland 20850. Registration and breakfast are in the Science Center by the big dinosaur beginning at 7:45am. General Session and Keynote with Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller at 8:30! See you then!  

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

We're thrilled to share a sneak peek of the incredible talent joining us for our upcoming event! Our presenters bring expertise, passion, and innovation, offering a diverse range of topics that will inspire and empower you. Check out this tentative list of presenters and their presentation titles—each one designed to give you practical insights and transformative strategies.

MFLA is proud to announce Ellie Allen as the 2024 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Allen, a dedicated French teacher at Williamsport High School since 2017, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to language education and her unwavering commitment to student success.

Ellie consistently puts students first, creating an engaging and supportive classroom environment that fosters both academic achievement and cultural understanding. Her innovative teaching methods inspire her students to excel in French and deepen their appreciation for world languages.

We are thrilled to honor Ms. Allen for her dedication to her students and her passion for teaching. Her work exemplifies the highest standards of language instruction in Maryland.

MFLA-Maryland is pleased to announce our Autumn Book Study! This autumn, join us for a refreshing exploration of "Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom" by Florencia G. Henshaw and Maris D. Hawkins. This book study is designed for teachers of all experience levels, offering practical insights and a chance to connect with fellow educators.

Interested in more information? Visit our Book Study page