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SPARK for German

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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 Brochure(PDF, 3 MB)

NEW - Meet Our SPARK Labs!

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.

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SPARK in numbers

  • 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, 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

  • What SPARK offers

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

    SPARK Logo

  • Why offer SPARK?

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

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  • 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!

    students in library © Colourbox © Colourbox

  • SPARK community

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

    SPARK map

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.

student © Colourbox © Colourbox

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

SPARK for German is a joint project of the Goethe-Institut and AATG

AATG SPARK GI Logo SPARK for German is supported by

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