APS Rising Educator Summit 2026

Under the premise that when our Spanish students create, culture comes alive, this interactive workshop for SLA teachers presents dynamic and effective strategies, tested in SLA2, that place the student at the center of learning. By comparing two musical genres created or transformed by Hispanic communities in the United States, the workshop proposes an approach in which students research, analyze, and present content collaboratively. The session demonstrates how music can serve as a tool to explore identity, culture, and the experience of the Hispanic diaspora, while promoting critical thinking, oral communication, and cultural connection. Participants will gain practical and adaptable resources to design meaningful learning experiences that integrate cultural analysis and student production in their classrooms.