Teachers, we see & hear you. We're advocating & working for change so that you don't need wish lists for supplies to do your job. But for now, let's
#clearthelists
. Reply here with your
@amazon
list⬇️by 07/15 @ 11:59 PM ET. We’ll choose 50 lists @ random & clear up to $100 each.
Congratulations to the ACTFL 2020 National Teacher of the Year, Rebecca Blouwolff
@MmeBlouwolff
! We look forward to working with you to advocate for language programs throughout the country. 👏 👏 👏
@NECTFL1
@MaFLAonline
#ACTFL19
We're bringing the 2020 ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo to you in an exciting new format! In light of the current situation, ACTFL is transforming this year's in-person convention to a one-of-a-kind virtual experience. Visit:
#ACTFL2020
“You could be satisfactory in the eyes of the administrator but completely useless in the eyes of the student. And if that’s the case, then what’s the point?” 👏👏
@chrisemdin
#ACTFL19
Congratulations to the 2023 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year, William Lee! We look forward to working with you to advocate for language programs throughout the nation. 👏 👏 👏
@NISDClark
@swcoltorg
#ACTFL22
ACTFL is now offering a number of resources in support of all language educators transitioning to an online environment. To view these resources please visit.
#covid19WL
#langchat
"If children in public schools are exposed to more serious foreign language classes..., we can work to create a population of bilingual, educated individuals with skills that will allow us to create a more vibrant country..."
#langchat
#LanguageConnects
Members of the ACTFL Board of Directors unanimously voted to keep future conventions out of states with anti-transgender laws. Read the full press release here:
ACTFL announces the retirement of Paul Sandrock, Senior Advisor for Language Learning Initiatives, effective July 1.
@psandrock
, thank you for your invaluable contributions to language education. Your expertise will be missed. Best of luck! Learn more:
Happy
#TeacherAppreciationDay
to all our language educators! You do an important (and sometimes thankless) job every single day, and we never forget it.
If you're a teacher who is preparing for distance learning this fall, be sure to refer to this series of webinars and resources on teaching and learning remotely.
U.S. Senator
@brianschatz
and House Rep.
@repdonyoung
introduced the Native American Language Resource Center Act, a bipartisan bill that aims to bolster Native American language schools and programs!
@JNCLInfo
Read the full press release here:
A bipartisan Congressional report has called for the country to “to value language education as a persistent national need similar to education in math or English, and to ensure that a useful level of proficiency is within every student’s reach.”
Beyond the mere importance of bridging cultural gaps and being more than a person who only knows English, language classes provide a chance to get to know peers in oddly particular ways.
"I have two children fluent in Spanish...They use the language in their jobs. That impresses people. But why aren’t the millions of public school students from impoverished homes who can handle two languages similarly valued and praised?"
ACTFL supports world language professionals at WVU & urges
@gordongee
& WVU leadership to re-think the short-sighted, proposed elimination of world languages at the state's flagship university. It's bad for teachers, it's bad for students, it's bad for WV.
We're thrilled to announce the release of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2024, marking a giant leap in language assessment standards! Thank you to our wonderful members and staff for their invaluable contributions! Check out the full press release at:
Take a look at this fascinating info-graphic on the 100 most-spoken
#languages
in the world, their origins, and their number of native speakers.
#langchat
On the one-year anniversary of Charlottesville, let's not forget that teaching students to value diversity in our classrooms and everyday life is essential.
Racism, bigotry, and white supremacy have no place in our society.
Read our original statement:
ACTFL condemns WVU's recommendation to cut to all WL courses & majors. This decision will disadvantage WVU grads in today's multilingual job market & could have a negative impact on WV K12 programs. We urge WVU leadership to reverse course & keep WL at WVU.
Readers of
@nytimes
weigh in on the proliferation of English speakers in Europe:
"Monolingualism is the new illiteracy. It’s time to make foreign-language proficiency an integral part of education in the United States."
#langchat
#WLteach
Why should we learn another language when translation technology is advancing? These four native English speakers share how the effort of learning another language changed their lives.
ACTFL is pleased to announce renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés
@chefjoseandres
as the Opening General Session Keynote Speaker for
#ACTFL22
on November 18. 🙌
Congratulations to the 2024 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year, Alicia Dallman Shoemaker! We look forward to working with you to advocate for language programs throughout the nation. 👏 👏 👏
@cslang4all
#ACTFL23
"If a child grows up speaking a 2nd language with family, attending a 'Saturday School' that emphasizes the language & culture, listening to music & even reading books in that language ... that child will end up with a much stronger sense of the language."
Through June 30, ACTFL is offering free access to eight of our Virtual Learning Modules. Earn professional development hours online and learn from the top experts in language education. Go to:
#covid19WL
Congratulations to the 2021 ACTFL National Teacher of the Year, Elena Kamenetzky (
@kamenetzkyJP
)! We look forward to working with you to advocate for language programs throughout the nation. 👏 👏 👏
@JCPSKY
@_SCOLT_
#ACTFL20
Congratulations to the 2022 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year, Heather Sweetser! We look forward to working with you to advocate for language programs throughout the nation. 👏 👏 👏
@HeatherSweetser
@UNM
@swcoltorg
#ACTFL21
"A bilingual brain can compensate for brain deterioration by using alternative brain networks and connections when original pathways have been destroyed."
World language classes require students to leave their comfort zones, which can be especially difficult for students who struggle academically. Here are
@ElenaSpathis
' five tips on how to support your students.
#langchat
#wlteach
@edutopia
Thank you to all those who attended
#ACTFL19
this year. We thank everyone's hard work and exuberant participation. Make sure to check your email for our convention survey to let us know what you loved.
We hope to see you in San Antonio for
#ACTFL2020
!
Language is tied to identity and culture, and the ability to speak multiple
#languages
is an amazing achievement. That's why Fulvia Galigani believes schools need to celebrate linguistic diversity.
#langchat
When
#bilingualism
is the norm, American schools should do more to prioritize
#language
instruction. Especially since learning a second language opens doors to more opportunities and promotes unity and cultural understanding.
Research suggests that teachers who develop enhanced relationships with their students experience fewer classroom behavior problems while benefiting from better academic performance.
"I have two children fluent in Spanish...They use the language in their jobs. That impresses people. But why aren’t the millions of public school students from impoverished homes who can handle two languages similarly valued and praised?"
Read our statement on anti-Asian racism in the U.S.:
In light of increasing instances of racism and violent hate crimes perpetrated against Asian American and Pacific Islander people, here are some actionable ways we can support the
#AAPI
community. 1/9
As we age, our brains tend to become less plastic, but language learning can be a "powerful tool to reorganize brain neuroplasticity." This study suggests different parts of the adult brain work overtime when learning new languages.
Myth: learning a new
#language
will hinder performance in another.
Fact:
#bilingual
children are able to pick up two languages without the two affecting one another according to a recent study.
ACTFL is pleased to announce 6 new members of its Board of Directors! Akash Patel, Adrienne Brandenburg, Cynthia Chalupa, Krishauna Hines-Gaither, Kate Paesani, and Kathleen Shelton will each begin their terms on January 1, 2022.
To learn more, go to:
After careful consideration, the ACTFL Board of Directors has voted to hold the ACTFL 2021 Convention virtually. We look forward to providing an engaging learning experience, improving upon last year's successes. More details will be shared soon.
According to census data, the number of U.S. residents that speak a second language at home has more than doubled since 1990. Now, one in five U.S. residents are
#multilingual
.
#langchat
"I am a huge advocate for learning languages, and I have already seen from personal experience that making the extra effort to learn foreign languages does take you somewhere." -Ottilia Nummelin
#langchat
#languagelearning
We love
@SraSpanglish
and her ever-helpful blogs on AAPPL (and everything else related to language education). Today, she's our
#FollowFriday
. Have any other content leaders to suggest? We'll be sharing more educator blogs in the future: bring 'em on!
Did you know?
#French
is the third most in-demand language among U.S. employers, with 22% of respondents reporting a shortage of
#French
language skills. To learn more about the value
#language
skills bring to
#businesses
, check out our report at
The ability to communicate in more than one
#language
is a critical asset for U.S. students & employees to thrive in a global economy. See which languages are in high demand:
In general, learners of a second language develop a wide range of vocabulary, syntax, phonology and reading that have long-term benefits in their mother language.
“I believe that the world that our students are going to be adults in, they need to be bilingual and aware of other cultures will be absolutely critical,” said Freehold Borough Schools (New Jersey) Superintendent Rocco Tomazic.
"...it is not the job of multilingual people to make monolinguals feel comfortable in their ignorance. Rather, it is the job of Americans to break through our monolingual mindset and join the rest of the world by learning other languages."
@MmeBlouwolff
@MaFLAonline
#langchat
Hey language educators!
@LeadWLanguages
has provided printable
#LanguageSuperpower
sheets that can be used as mini-posters in your classroom, school, or in your community. Check out the media kit for more ways to get involved this advocacy month:
"Best practices" are good for teachers to do. "Core practices," on the other hand, are essential for teachers. Think of the distinction as the "nice to haves" vs. the "must haves." By
@nathanlutz
for
@edweek
#earlylang
#langchat
"Parasite" made history last night by being the first non-English film to win the award for Best Picture at the
#Oscars
. Congratulations to Bong Joon Ho for winning and thanks for giving
#languages
and foreign-language films a platform!
#leadwithlanguages
In the U.S., fewer and fewer language classes are available to students. Budget and interest play a role. "Here in the U.S., we tend to think that everyone speaks English. And the truth is that 75 percent of the world’s population does not speak English.”
ACTFL is pleased to release a new vision statement:
"ACTFL envisions an interconnected world where everyone benefits from and values a multilingual and multicultural education."
Read the full press release here:
Myth: learning a new language will hinder performance in another.
Fact:
#bilingual
children are able to pick up two languages without the two affecting one another.
We are also happy to award a 2022 ACTFL Florence Steiner Award for Leadership in World Language Education (K-12) to the late John Carlino in recognition of his tireless service to the language education community.
@NYSAFLT
@NECTFL
You asked. We listened.
Back by popular demand, registered attendees will now have access to the ACTFL Virtual Convention through January 31! Be sure to take advantage of this extended learning opportunity!
#ACTFL20
"As the world gets more interconnected, it's vital for Americans from all walks of life to prepare to effectively engage with our neighbors. Being bilingual or multilingual should be our norm, not the exception." -
@SecCardona
#ACTFL21
ACTFL is now offering a FREE 1-year basic membership to any new member who joins ACTFL between now and June 30, 2020. All current ACTFL members will also receive an automatic 90-day extension of their current membership terms. Apply here:
#covid19WL
We are offering complete access to our online library through June 30, 2020. Whether you're an instructor, first-time teacher or job seeker, there's something for everyone.
#covid19WL
CALL TO ACTION: Leaders in American biz, govt & ed support a national effort to strengthen
#languageeducation
so that Americans can more effectively participate in a global society, and the nation as a whole can prosper in a global economy.
@americanacad
“Everyone who is acquiring a second language...they’ve got the leg up in the 21st century. The challenge is helping families, elected officials, district leaders to realize that if we don’t invest in language, we’re not investing in our future.”
Here's a special shout out to all of our dedicated language educators on
#WorldTeachersDay
. We appreciate your commitment to guiding students and helping them reach their potential.
#wlteach
"Beyond the mere importance of bridging cultural gaps...
#language
classes provide a chance to get to know peers in oddly particular ways," says Katie Santamaria on how language classes breed empathy.
Recently the Navajo Nation recognized 6 high school graduates for successfully completing the Navajo Nation Seal of Bilingual Proficiency Assessment. 👏 👏 👏
“If we don’t view [second-language learning] as a right we are going to fall behind, because other countries are viewing it that way, and we’re not going to be able to compete with them.”
"'Narcos' may have kicked off this trend, but it goes way beyond just reading the subtitles. An audience of 104 million
@Netflix
subscribers are devouring content in Spanish, German and Arabic."
As we enter a new and difficult school year, be reminded that just as you do not ask for perfection from your students, you do not need to ask for perfection from yourself.
#langchat
#wlteach
#education
#mondaymotivation
Congratulations to our National Language Teacher of the Year finalists. Stay tuned Friday morning to find out who will represent ACTFL in 2018 or attend the Opening General Session if you're at
#ACTFL17
We're happy to announce the results of the ACTFL board election! 🎉
The newly elected Jessica Haxhi
@jhaxhi
, Ying Jin
@yingjin
, and L.J. Randolph Jr. will each begin their terms on January 1, 2020. For the full press release, visit: