{"id":204409,"date":"2017-10-30T20:01:57","date_gmt":"2017-10-30T20:01:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/coccia-institute\/?page_id=204409"},"modified":"2026-02-16T15:16:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T20:16:43","slug":"teaching-italian-symposium-workshops","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/coccia-institute\/teaching-italian-symposium-workshops\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshops"},"content":{"rendered":"

Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshops is an annual regional professional development program for teachers of Italian at all levels. This all day fall event features a keynote address, panel discussion and multiple intensive hands-on workshops developed and conducted by renowned specialists in language learning pedagogy from across the country and internationally. The Teaching Italian Symposium will celebrate its nineteenth anniversary on Friday, October 16, 2026 at the University Hall Conference Center at 糖心vlog, organized by Symposium Chair, Prof.ssa Enza Antenos, and Symposium Organizers, Professor Mark Rotella and Cristina Latino.<\/p>\n

Originally developed in response to research conducted by the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission on the most critical unmet need to support teachers of Italian across the state–the availability of high quality and affordable instructional materials– the symposium now attracts teachers from across the region.<\/p>\n

The Coccia-Inserra Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian (K-12) is presented on this occasion.<\/p>\n

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Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop XVIII: “Toolkit italiano: Building Innovative Pathways to Success”<\/h2>\n

October 17, 2025<\/p>\n

Workshop session co-led by Diana Maria Zoino and Alessandra Savarese.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cToolkit italiano: Building Innovative Pathways to Success\u201d was the theme of the eighteenth annual Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshops, 糖心vlog\u2019s annual professional development program for teachers of Italian. A signature collaboration between the Italian program\u2019s Prof.ssa Enza Antenos and the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America, this year’s program featured two intensive, hands-on workshops co-led by Diana Maria Zoino (Cresskill High School, Cresskill, NJ) & Alessandra Savarese (Arthur L. Johnson High School, Clark, NJ) and Elda Buonanno Foley (Bruswick School, Greenwich, CT\/St. John’s University) & Daniela Bisello Antonucci (Independent scholar). A lively panel discussion moderated by Symposium Chair Prof.ssa Enza Antenos also featured all workshop facilitators and Amanda Seewald, the Executive Director of the Joint National Committee for Languages, National Council for Languages and International Studies. Also on the agenda: the presentation of the Coccia-Inserra Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian (K-12) was presented to Benedetta Liccardo (La Scuola International School, San Francisco, California) and introductory remarks and congratulations delivered by various representatives, including Dr. Fatma Mili, Interim Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kathleen Loysen, Chair of the Department of World Languages & Cultures, Daniele Castellani, Dirigente, Ufficio scuola del Consolato Generale di New York, Alessandra Oliva, Console Aggiunta del Consolato Generale di New York, and Margaret Fontana, Executive Director of the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission.<\/p>\n

A photo album from the event can be found here<\/strong><\/a> and here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In case you missed it, here is the program from TIXVIII. <\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop XVII: “AI and Italian: An Algorithm for Success”<\/h2>\n

October 18, 2024<\/p>\n

A group photo of MSU alumni with dott.ssa Enza Antenos, Symposium Chair, and Mark Rotella, Director of the Coccia Institute.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cAI and Italian: An Algorithm for Success\u201d was the theme of the seventeenth annual Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshops, 糖心vlog\u2019s annual professional development program for teachers of Italian. A signature collaboration between the Italian program\u2019s Prof.ssa Enza Antenos and the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America, this year’s program featured three intensive, hands-on workshops led by Profs. Marco Lettieri (University of Puerto Rico), Daria Mizza (American University in Cairo), and Carmela Scala (Rutgers University) and a lively panel discussion moderated by Symposium Chair Prof.ssa Enza Antenos. Also on the agenda: the presentation of the Coccia-Inserra Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian (K-12) was presented to Joseph Marquette (Portsmouth High School, New Hampshire) and introductory remarks and congratulations delivered by Dr. Peter Kingstone, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.<\/p>\n

A photo album from the event can be found here<\/strong><\/a> and here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In case you missed it, here is the program from TIXVII.<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop XVI: “Activating SDGs in the Italian Classroom”<\/h2>\n

October 20, 2023<\/p>\n

A group photo of Coccia Institute staff and volunteers with Consul General, Fabrizio Di Michele, Dirigente Scolastica, Prof.ssa Laura Innocenti, CHSS Dean, Peter Kingstone, President of the Italian Language Foundation, Margaret Cuomo, President of Coccia Foundation, Elisa Coccia, and Judges Panel Chair, Andrea Baldi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cActivating SDGs in the Italian Classroom\u201d was the theme of the sixteenth annual Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshops, 糖心vlog\u2019s annual professional development program for teachers of Italian. A signature collaboration between the Italian program\u2019s Prof.ssa Enza Antenos and the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America, this year’s program featured four intensive, hands-on workshops led by Profs. Ryan Calabretta-Sajder & Valentina Morello (University of Arkansas), Maria Gloria Borsa (Bellaire High School, Houston, TX), Emanuela Pecchioli (University at Buffalo, SUNY), and Matilde Fogliani (Liberty High School, Jersey City, NJ) & Luisanna Sardu (Manhattan College) and a lively panel discussion moderated by Steven LaPeruta (Nutley High School). The presentation of the Coccia-Inserra Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian (K-12) was presented to Enrica Fracchia-Miller (Victory K8 and Milwaukee Italian Immersion School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin).<\/p>\n

We also had the privilege of having Consul General, Fabrizio Di Michele, and Dirigente Scolastica, Prof.ssa Laura Innocenti, in attendance at this year\u2019s symposium. The Consul General held a meet-and-greet with MSU students and learned about their personal stories in studying Italian. The Consul General then addressed attendees with an inspiring speech about promoting the Italian language in today\u2019s society.<\/p>\n

We also had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with the Italian Language Foundation, in which President\/Co-Founder, Margaret Cuomo, also addressed attendees and generously donated 5 ILF teacher memberships.<\/p>\n

A photo album from the event can be found here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In case you missed it, here is the program from TIXVI.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop X: “Italian + STEM”<\/h2>\n

October 21, 2022<\/p>\n

The Coccia Family, Larry Inserra, Andrea Baldi (Judges Panel Chair), and Mark Rotella present the 2022 Teaching Italian award.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cItalian + STEM\u201d was the theme of the fifteenth annual Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshops, 糖心vlog\u2019s annual professional development program for teachers of Italian. A signature collaboration between the Italian program\u2019s Prof.ssa Enza Antenos and the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America, this was the first fully in-person edition of the program since the COVID-19 pandemic, marking its return to the University Hall Conference Center. This year’s program featured four intensive, hands-on workshops led by Profs. Luca Cottini (Villanova University), Tania Convertini & Giorgio Alberti (Dartmouth College), Nathan Lutz (Kent Place School, Summit, NJ), and Karen Murano (Cloonan Middle School, Stamford, CT) and a lively panel discussion moderated by Symposium Chair Prof.ssa Enza Antenos. Also on the agenda: the presentation of the Coccia-Inserra Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian (K-12) to Jose Gabriel Fernandez (P.S. 242 Young Diplomats Magnet Academy, New York, NY); and introductory remarks and congratulations delivered by Dr. Peter Kingstone, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.<\/p>\n

A photo album from the event can be found here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In case you missed it, here is the program from TIXV<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop XIV: “Do You Speak Global? Intercultural Communicative Citizenship in the Italian Classroom”<\/h2>\n

October 20, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n

Symposium Chair, Dr. Enza Antenos, with Symposium Organizer, Professor Mark Rotella, during the fourteenth annual Teaching Italian Symposium.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Do You Speak Global? Intercultural Communicative Citizenship in the Italian Classroom” was the theme for the fourteenth annual Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshops, 糖心vlog’s annual professional development program for teachers of Italian. Due to the ongoing implications of the pandemic, the Symposium was presented virtually via Zoom but still provided the same enriching experience for attendees. The theme focused on the importance of obtaining intercultural competencies through enriching cultural immersions within the Italian classroom. Italian teachers of all levels were provided with delivery strategies and instructional materials to incorporate perspective-taking, cultural self-awareness, and intercultural communication in an inclusive learning environment.<\/p>\n

The program featured a lively panel discussion moderated by Prof.ssa Antenos, entitled Competences for a Changing World<\/em>, with presenters Janice Aski<\/strong> and April Weintritt<\/strong> (Ohio State University<\/strong><\/em>) and Francesca Silvano<\/strong> (Pascack Valley High School<\/strong><\/em>) as well as MSU respondents David Del Principe<\/strong> (Italian Program, World Languages & Cultures Department<\/strong><\/em>), Sangeeta Parashar<\/strong> (International Studies Program<\/strong><\/em>), and Chelsea Watts<\/strong> (Global Programs & Partnerships, Feliciano School of Business<\/strong><\/em>).<\/span><\/p>\n

In case you missed it, here is the program from TIXIV.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop XIII: “Equity in the Italian Curriculum”<\/h2>\n

October 23-24, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Opening remarks delivered by Symposium Chair, Dr. Enza Antenos.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cEquity in the Italian Curriculum\u201d was the timely theme of the thirteenth annual Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshops, 糖心vlog\u2019s annual professional development program for teachers of Italian. This signature collaboration between the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America and Prof.ssa Enza Antenos of the Italian program was presented in a different format than previous years in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the unprecedented challenges that restrict in-person gatherings, the Symposium was reconceptualized but provided the same stimulating experience virtually via Zoom on Friday, October 23rd<\/sup> and Saturday, October 24th<\/sup>. This year\u2019s theme was inspired by Black Lives Matter and provided Italian teachers of all levels with instructional materials to promote inclusivity in the classroom.<\/p>\n

This was Director Mark Rotella\u2019s inaugural event as the new Director of the Coccia Institute and stated in his welcome address to the nearly 120 participants, \u201cAs the new director of the Joseph and Elda Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America at 糖心vlog, I’m thrilled that my inaugural event was the annual Teaching Italian Symposium.. While we aren\u2019t able to greet old colleagues and meet new ones, we are part of a larger gathering that spanned across time zones, from the west coast of California, all the way to Italy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Friday\u2019s program also kicked off with introductory remarks and congratulations delivered by Dr. Peter Kingstone, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the Consul General of Italy in NY, Francesco Genuardi. The program featured a lively panel discussion moderated by Prof.ssa Antenos, entitled Voci unite<\/em>, and featured nine panelists: artist Amir Issaa; Nicolino Applauso (Morgan State University; Loyola Univ., Maryland<\/em>); Maria Gloria Borsa (Bellaire High School, TX<\/em>) and Kwanza Musi Dos Santos (Questa\u00e8roma<\/em>); Silvia Carlorosi and Giulia Guarnieri (Bronx Community College<\/em>); Rosetta Giuliani Caponetto (Auburn University<\/em>) and Vetri Nathan (Univ. of Massachusetts<\/em>).<\/em><\/strong> The first day of the event wrapped up with the conferment of the Coccia-Inserra Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian (K-12), which was presented to Maria Gloria Borsa of Houston, TX. Click here<\/a> to watch the YouTube video from TIXIII recognizing Maria Gloria Borsa for her outstanding achievements as she is presented with the Coccia-Inserra Teaching Award. Congratulazioni, Maria Gloria!<\/em><\/p>\n

Saturday\u2019s program began with remarks delivered by Prof.ssa Marisa Trubiano of 糖心vlog as well as from Annavaleria Guazzieri, Director of the Education Office, Consulate General of Italy in New York. Following that participants attended workshops being offered including: Silvia Carlorosi and Giulia Guarnieri: Implementing Critical Thinking and Inclusion with Low Stake Writing;<\/em> Maria Gloria Borsa and Kwanza Musi Dos Santos: Black Italy;<\/em> Rosetta Giuliani Caponetto and Vetri Nathan: Teaching Social Justice Through Italian Food Studies; <\/em>artist Amir Issaa: Vivo per Questo \u2013 Potere alle Parole; <\/em>and Nicolino Applauso: Can You Turn it Into a Movie?<\/em><\/p>\n

A photo album from the event can be found here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

In case you missed it, here is the full program from Teaching Italian XIII (PDF).<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop XII: “Enriching Your Classroom with DigITAL Media”<\/h2>\n

October 25, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A group photo of alumni from the MSU Italian Program pictured with Prof. Enza Antenos.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keynote Address: <\/strong>Silvana Ferreri,<\/strong> Universita’ di Viterbo<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cEnriching Your Classroom with DigITAL Media\u201d was the timely theme of the twelfth annual Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshops, 糖心vlog\u2019s annual professional development program for teachers of Italian. A signature collaboration between the Italian program\u2019s Prof.ssa Enza Antenos and the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America, this year’s program featured a compelling keynote address by Prof.ssa Silvana<\/a> Ferreri (Universita’ di Viterbo); a lively panel discussion moderated by Symposium Chair Prof.ssa Enza Antenos; and four intensive, hands-on workshops led by Profs. Salvatore Bancheri and Simone Casini (University of Toronto), <\/span>Margherita<\/a> Berti (University of Arizona), Maria Gloria Borsa (Bellaire High School, Houston, TX), as well as Prof.ssa Ferreri. Also on the agenda: the NJ Italian Heritage Commission’s Universality of Italian Heritage Curriculum, presented by Commissioners <\/span>Gilda Rorro<\/a> Baldassari and Eileen Poiani (St. Peter’s University); presentation of the Coccia-Inserra Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian (K-12) to Raffaella Pirone (Fox Lane High School, Bedford, NY); and introductory remarks and <\/span>congratulations<\/span> delivered by Dr. Peter Kingstone, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Dominic Caruso, Esq., Hon. Consul of Italy in New Jersey.<\/span><\/p>\n

A photo album from the event made for your viewing can be found here. <\/a><\/p>\n

In case you missed it, here is the full program from Teaching Italian XII (PDF). <\/a><\/p>\n

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Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop XI: “Art at the Core of the Language Curriculum”<\/h2>\n

October 26th, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Profs. Enza Antenos & Gina Miele pictured with valued alumni of the Montclair State Italian Program!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keynote Address<\/strong>: Annavaleria Guazzieri,<\/em><\/strong> Education Office, Consulate General of Italy in New York<\/em><\/p>\n

The signature Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop took place on October 26th, 2018 from 8:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. in Montclair State’s beautiful University Hall Conference Center. This year’s theme of the eleventh annual professional development program, which was “Art at the Core of the Language Curriculum,” was successful in providing useful information to teachers of Italian on incorporating art within their lesson plans through hands-on workshops and presentations in addition to an informative panel discussion. This year’s program was organized and presented by Prof. Enza Antenos (Italian Program, Dept. of Modern Languages and Literatures) and Cav. Mary Ann Re (Director–Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America, the academic arm of Coccia Foundation), the all day program featured a keynote address, panel discussion and a pair of four concurrent 90-minute hands-on workshops presented by Matteo Broggini (Centro di Lingua e Cultura Italiana di Milano), Matilde Fogliani (The Graduate Center\/CUNY), Gina Gallo (Bristol Central High School), Annavaleria Guazzieri (Director of Education, Consulate General of Italy in New York) and Luisanna Sardu (Manhattan College).<\/p>\n

The annual prestigious Coccia-Inserra Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian (K-12) was also presented on this occasion to Sabrina Lupoli! Congratulazioni a Sabrina! <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

A photo album from the event made for your viewing can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n

In case you missed it, here is the full program from Teaching Italian XI (PDF).<\/a><\/p>\n

A link to a comprehensive article\/review of the annual program between the Institute and the department, which was published by “La Voce di New York,” can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop X: \u201cMade in Italy as a Tool for Language Learning”<\/h2>\n

October 20th, 2017<\/strong>
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Workshop Presenters for the 10th Anniversary of Teaching Italian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keynote address: Riccardo Giumelli, Universita` di Verona<\/p>\n

The theme for our tenth anniversary \u201cTeaching Italian Symposium\/Workshops\u201d was \u201cMade in Italy as a Tool for Language Learning.\u201d In addition to the intensive hands-on workshops on innovative techniques for incorporating the \u201cMade in Italy\u201d concept into teachers\u2019 classrooms, the all-day event featured an excellent keynote address by Prof. Riccardo Giumelli (Universita di Verona) and a very special presentation by Maurizio Forte, Director of the Italian Trade Agency of the Consulate General of Italy in New York. Kicking off the day was an admittedly sentimental slideshow of presenters from Teaching Italian I through Teaching Italian IX (2008-2016) offering their reflections and congratulations on our having reached this significant milestone, il decimo anniversario!<\/p>\n

Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop X Photo Gallery<\/a><\/p>\n

In case you missed it, here’s the full program for the Teaching Italian Symposium\/Workshop 2017 (PDF)<\/a>.\u200c\u200c\u200c<\/p>\n