SPARK for German is the network for the Bildungskooperation Deutsch (Educational Cooperation in German) of the Goethe-Institut USA. SPARK is a joint project of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) and the Goethe-Institut. SPARK stands for Structured Program for the Acquistion of German in the U.S. -Resources and Know-how. The SPARK network supports German teachers and learners nation-wide in all 50 states in the US as well as in Kanada.
About SPARK
With over 160 partners in schools and universities, SPARK increases access to German. SPARK addresses new target audiencesand enablesearly accessto learning German. SPARK provides comprehensive professional development for future German teachers and creates space for exchange with decision-makers. Through its programming, thenetwork strengthens German programs, promotes the quality of German teaching, and fosterstransatlantic dialogue in classrooms and the community.
SPARK Labs from universities across the United States that have been part of the network for several years share their experiences working with the program. In these sessions, they offer practical insights into how SPARK is implemented in different academic contexts, what has worked well in their classrooms, and how they have adapted the program to meet the needs of their students.
The videos are part of our 2026 spring webinar series “Schlaue halbe Stunde,” a short and focused format designed to encourage exchange and provide concrete ideas for teaching practice. Each workshop highlights real examples, challenges, and takeaways from experienced instructors, making it easier to transfer these approaches into your own SPARK context.
Engage with German and the cultures of the German-speaking world
Foster collaboration between teachers and learners of German across K-16 and work with the community at large
Promote diversity and inclusion through high-quality after school programs, during elective periods, in German clubs and at community organizations to connect language learning and teaching with a range of contemporary issues
SPARK's goals
Spark interest in German and the cultures of the German-speaking world
Strengthen existing German programs and increase demand for new ones
Increase the pool of well-qualified German teachers in all 50 states
Build capacity to integrate German into the regular curriculum in immersion, elementary, middle, and high school programs
Passionate about learning languages? Eager to visit, live, and work in German-speaking
countries? Thinking about becoming a language teacher? Click here to see how SPARK benefits students!
Are you ready to join SPARK or partner with an existing SPARK Lab? Find out about the requirements for participating schools and colleges, your role as SPARK Lab director, and support and training that the SPARK initiative offers to all Labs. SPARK accepts applications on a rolling basis.
