A Weekend of Connection, Community, and Momentum: Idioma at NECTFL in Midtown Manhattan

There is something special about gathering with world language educators in person: the conversations are richer, the ideas spark faster, and the sense of community reminds us why we do this work in the first place. This year’s Northeast Conference (NECTFL) in Midtown Manhattan was exactly that kind of weekend for the Idioma team.

From reconnecting with longtime colleagues to celebrating new partnerships and meeting educators in person, the weekend was full of energy, inspiration, and meaningful conversations about the future of language education.

Alba Wagar signs copies of her novel, El Despertar de Gaby.

Celebrating Literacy with Alba Wagar

One of the highlights of the weekend was hosting a book signing with educator and author Alba Wagar, whose novel El Despertar de Gabby continues to inspire teachers looking for engaging, comprehensible reading for their students. Teachers stopped by to meet Alba, talk about literacy and storytelling in the language classroom, learn more about her course with Idioma, and pick up signed copies of the book. The conversations were thoughtful and energizing, reflecting a shared belief that reading and meaningful stories are powerful drivers of language acquisition. It was a joy to see educators excited about bringing authentic, engaging texts into their classrooms, and to celebrate the creativity and leadership of teachers like Alba who are expanding what literacy can look like in world language education. Thank you, Alba!

Meeting Our New Jersey Alternate Route Candidates in Person

Another meaningful moment of the weekend was the chance to finally meet several educators from Idioma’s New Jersey Alternate Route program face-to-face. These candidates have been working with us virtually while teaching full-time, so connecting in person felt especially rewarding. We were also proud to share an important milestone: four candidates completed the New Jersey Alternate Route program through Idioma in 2025, officially becoming certified world language teachers in New Jersey. Their success reflects the dedication of these educators and the importance of strong pathways into the profession.

Even more exciting, 53 teachers are currently moving through the New Jersey world language teacher pipeline through Idioma’s programs, a powerful reminder that meaningful teacher preparation and support can help address the urgent need for world language educators.

Learn more about how Idioma is supporting world language teachers in New Jersey by clicking here!

Supporting the Conversation on Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Idioma’s Mellissia Walles and Elisa Kirschhoffer with Alternate Route Program candidates.

Idioma was also honored to sponsor the NECTFL Advisory Board breakfast, which gave us the opportunity to connect with leaders and partners across the region. During the breakfast, we had meaningful conversations with NECTFL leadership about one of the most pressing issues in language education today: teacher recruitment and retention. Together, we discussed ways to support new teachers entering the field, strengthen professional learning opportunities, and build sustainable pathways into the profession. We also shared updates about Idioma’s growing partnerships with state organizations and educator networks, which are expanding access to graduate courses, licensure pathways, and practical professional development for teachers across the country.

These conversations reaffirmed something we deeply believe: collaboration across organizations is essential if we want to strengthen the future of language education.

A Social Hour for the Idioma Community

One of the most joyful moments of the weekend came after Friday’s conference sessions ended, when we hosted a casual social hour for the Idioma community. Teachers, partners, and friends gathered to unwind, reflect, and reconnect after a full day of professional learning. There was laughter, storytelling, and the kind of honest conversation that only happens when passionate educators come together. The evening was a reminder that professional learning is also about community, encouragement, and shared purpose.

Grateful for This Community

Weekends like NECTFL remind us why Idioma exists: to support world language educators with professional learning that is practical, collaborative, and rooted in the realities of today’s classrooms. To everyone who stopped by to say hello, attended the book signing, joined us at social hour, or shared ideas about the future of language education, thank you. Your dedication to students and to the profession continues to inspire us. We left Midtown Manhattan energized by the conversations, proud of the teachers moving through our programs, and excited about the partnerships and collaborations ahead.

And most of all, we were reminded once again: this community of language educators is something truly special.