Michigan World Language Association upcoming events

2026 Summer Book Club (25 Jun 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Hello MIWLA Members,

Please join us this summer for the MIWLA book club. We will be reading Give Them What They Want: A Guide to Increasing Enrollment in World Language Class by Bryan Kandel. In this book, Bryan Kandel offers a fresh perspective: instead of persuading students to continue with languages, teachers can create classes students genuinely want to be part of. By building strong classroom culture, fostering community, encouraging authentic communication, and designing dynamic learning experiences, language teachers can generate enthusiasm and momentum that help programs thrive.

Join us as we explore practical ways to make World Language classrooms more engaging, meaningful, and irresistible to students.

The summer book club is free to MIWLA members. Register here for the Zoom discussions

Thursday, June 25th at 6:30 pm EST
Thursday, July 16th at 6:30 pm EST

We hope you can add Give Them What They Want: A Guide to Increasing Enrollment in World Language Class to your summer reading list and join us for our book club. You can purchase a copy of this book here

Best,

Julie Evershed (jevershed@miwla.org)

Access the book club ZOOM session HERE

2026 MIWLA/DPSCD Summer Institute (31 Jul 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:45:00 GMT

MIWLA/DPSCD Summer Institute

Please join us for another great MiWLA event!

WHEN: Friday, July 31, 2026, 8:45 a.m. to 4:00

WHERE: Detroit School of Arts, 123 Selden, Detroit, MI 48201

A Partnership between MIWLA & the Detroit Public Schools Community District

Once again, the Michigan World Language Association & the Detroit Public Schools Community District are partnering to offer professional development from our talented community of educators. During the Summer Institute, you can learn from our Best of MIWLA presenters from around the state. In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn from our talented colleagues from the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Our sessions will be presented by teachers from multiple languages. Our topics will include teaching for equity, using proficiency rubrics, student self-assessment and choice, interpersonal activities at the novice level, teaching withCI practices, and more!

Join us for this fantastic professional development opportunity! FREE to MiWLA members, and $45 for non-members (which includes a membership). Participants can earn up to 4 SCECHS.

Questions? Email Frances Lazette at flazette@miwla.org or Sean Gordon at sean.gordon@detroitk12.org.

Thank you to Wayside Publishing, our official sponsor of the MiWLA DPSCD Summer Institute, for providing coffee and pastries for us to enjoy while we learn!

2026 MIWLA UNConference (03 Oct 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

New for 2026! Join MIWLA for our fall professional learning experience: Unpack, Unwind, UnConference—where you guide the conversation. October 3,2026, 10:00AM - 2:45PM. Location: University of Michigan Language Resource Center.

Design your own day from the moment you arrive. Choose from a curated menu of high-interest world language topics and join facilitated, participant-driven discussions—no prep, no pressure. Move freely between sessions held throughout the University of Michigan Language Resource Center, exploring strands such as games, technology, ADI, dynamic classroom activities, and more. Many of your favorite MIWLA and regional presenters will be on hand to support and enrich each conversation.

Engage in meaningful dialogue about instructional strategies, emerging technologies, and shared challenges in language education. Bring your ideas—and your favorite mug—and connect with colleagues in a relaxed, collaborative setting as we shape the future of our field together.

SCECHs are being sought for those who wish to participate. Enjoy complimentary breakfast pastries, lunch, and coffee as part of this low-stress, energizing Saturday experience. Enjoy door prizes, MIWLA Teacher of the Year presentation and after glow event in Ann Arbor! Bring a colleague, mentee, or student teacher—this event is open to all world language professionals!

2026 UNConference Sponsorship (03 Oct 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Your sponsorship includes a table and a complimentary UNConference registration. Your representative is welcome to bring materials to display and items to sell to attendees.

2026 UNConference Exhibitors (03 Oct 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Date and Time of the UNConference:

Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00AM to 2:45PM

Location of the UNConference: University of Michigan, Language Resource Center, 1500 N Quad, 105 State St., Ann Arbor, MI

EXHIBIT AREA:

All exhibitor registrations will be done online. The online registration process is done via a secure server. Registration closes on September 1, 2025.

We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and check payments. If paying by check, once you have registered you will print a copy of your invoice and mail it with your check (made payable to the Michigan World Language Association) to:

Michigan World Language Association

ATTN: Catherine Savone, Executive Treasurer

2850 Augusta Drive, Commerce Township, MI 48382

EXHIBITOR SET-UP: available at 9:00AM

EXHIBITOR TEAR DOWN: after 2:45PM

If you have questions, please contact us at exhibits@miwla.org