Starting a NYSSB Program at Your School (2024-25)
Presenters: Candace Black and Yunxiao Zhang
Date & time: Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, 3:30-4:30 p.m. via Zoom
1 hour of CTLE credit offered.
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 2023-24, almost 500 NYS high schools offered the Seal to their students (which amounts to about 40% of district high schools in the state). This session will review what the Seal of Biliteracy 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. A wealth of digital resources will be provided, and time will be allotted during the session for questions from participants. Come and learn about how you can honor your English Language Learners (ELLs), your World Language students, and your Heritage Language Speakers who are developing the 21st century skill of biliteracy.
Registration process: All participants are encouraged to pre-register for this event. 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 educational institution, 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.
Click here to download webinar flyer.
Click here to register.
For more information on the NYS Seal of Biliteracy, please visit our website or contact nyssb@nysed.gov.
Webinar Presenters:
Candace Black is a 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.
Yunxiao Zhang is an Educational Specialist in the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages at the New York State Education Department. She assists in promoting and managing the NYS Seal of Biliteracy program and the implementation of the revised NYS Learning Standards for World Languages. Yunxiao brings over a decade of experience as a college educator and administrator in China. With B.S. and M.E. degrees in Information Technology, she adeptly incorporates her expertise in data analysis within the realms of management. Upon moving to the US, Yunxiao earned her M.A.T. from Clarkson University and became certified as a Chinese language teacher, continuing her teaching career. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Policy and Leadership at SUNY Albany, concentrating on social-emotional learning and holistic education for English Language Learners and all students. Yunxiao is dedicated to fostering academic success and well-being for English Language Learners and Multilingual Learners, supporting them to thrive within culturally and linguistically diverse communities.