SPARK for German

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. With over 140 partners in schools and universities, SPARK increases access to German. SPARK addresses new target audiences and enables early access to learning German. SPARK provides comprehensive professional development for future German teachers and creates space for exchange with decision-makers. Through its programming, the network strengthens German programs, promotes the quality of German teaching, and fosters transatlantic dialogue in classrooms and the community.

SPARK Brochure 2023

SPARK's Mission

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 that 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

What SPARK offers

Are you interested in strengthening your program? Find out what resources and support SPARK offers.

Why offer SPARK?

Find out why your school or school district should offer German.

SPARK for students

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!

SPARK community

Interested in connecting with existing SPARK Labs and starting your own program? Get to know the SPARK community here!

Join SPARK!

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.
Joining SPARK

SPARK Events

Sign up for our free SPARK Spring Workshop Series 2024! Learn more by clicking on the individual SPARK event in the event calendar.

Show Events

Contact

Do you have questions? Contact the SPARK Team:

SPARK for German
c/o Goethe-Institut Washington
1377 R Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009
Spark-Washington@goethe.de
Tel. 202-847-4700