SPARK Labs 2020/2021
Click here to view our SPARK map by region. Note: To enable the interactive functions for this map, download the file, save it, and open it using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Then click on the regions and use the mouse to scroll over the icons. Interested in joining SPARK? Apply here!
How does SPARK work?
Colleges, universities, and high schools work with the AATG and the Goethe-Institut to provide training for German majors and future German teachers to become SPARK instructors. After successfully completing their initial training, SPARK instructors will teach German to young learners in after school programs. Where possible, SPARK instructors will be granted appropriate credits and acknowledgement by their home institutions and schools.
SPARK Curriculum:
SPARK offers ready-to-use curricula for a wide range of ages and levels.
For Elementary Schools we have two ready-to-use sets of material.
Felix und Franzi
For the youngest kids, we have Felix and Franzi. Developed by the Goethe-Institut London in cooperation with German native speakers and British primary school teachers. The material enables all German teachers (regardless of their own level of qualification) to make a flying start with teaching German. Find out more.
Kinderuniversity
The German digital Kinderuniversity was launched in the USA in 2019. It provides information and education for children aged eight to twelve and gives young scientists the chance to find out the answers to questions for themselves – about natural phenomena, for instance – while at the same time learning their first words in German. In-Class materials are available for after-school programs. Visit the site to learn more.
Kinderuniversity
The German digital Kinderuniversity was launched in the USA in 2019. It provides information and education for children aged eight to twelve and gives young scientists the chance to find out the answers to questions for themselves – about natural phenomena, for instance – while at the same time learning their first words in German. In-Class materials are available for after-school programs. Visit the site to learn more.
A Glimspe of German(y)
The ten-week program ”A Glimpse of German(y)” is designed for students aged 10 through 14 from schools with and without regular German programs and can be implemented as part of an existing German curriculum as an introductory program or within an after-school program. The aim is to instill enthusiasm for foreign language learning through cultural topics and to
sensitize students to intercultural questions through critical thinking and reflection.
In ten theme-based sessions, students get a glimpse of the German language and culture.
For more information about this program and to view downloadable material, visit the website.
Step Into German
This program provide you with a great variety of videos, podcasts and worksheets that you can use in class without much preparation time and that are bound to capture your students’ attention. Topics include Music, Football, Sustainability and more. In-class packets will be made available for after-school teachers. Check out the site see what they have to offer.
SPARK Professional Development:
The SPARK Program offers a variety of professional development opportunities for instructions.
Pedagogy Training
SPARK instructors participate in pedagogy courses offered by the Goethe-Institut through their Deutsch Lehren Lernen (DLL) program. The innovative concept of DLL puts the attention on the daily practices and challenges of the German language classroom and deals with the key players and fundamental elements of instruction.
Language Courses
SPARK instructors may also participate in German courses offered by the Goethe-Institut.
Middlebury Scholarships
SPARK also offers SPARK scholarships to attend the Middlebury Summer Language School.
Webinars
SPARK Labs, including SPARK instructors participate in a number of meetings, both online and face-to-face in order to participate in professional development and contribute to a community of language learners and teachers.
SPARK Community:
SPARK provides the unique opportunity to partner and collaborate across K-16 and to work within a local and a nationwide community. A joint project of the AATG and the Goethe-Institut, SPARK connects and combines expertise and experiences from both sides of the Atlantic in order to offer high-quality after-school programs to spark interest in German and the cultures of the German-speaking world.
Want to become a SPARK Lab?
Applications are available for University and K-12 Labs.
Contact us at with any questions.
German is for ALL
Contact Us
Please complete this application if you are interested in connecting with a SPARK Lab in your area:
For inquiries, please contact us at
Please stay tuned for more information as we continue to roll out the program to additional regions in the US.