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Note: This newsletter is longer than usual. You may skip ahead to certain sections if necessary.
How many times have you heard a student complain, “When will I ever use this in real life?” A dozen times? A hundred? Depending on how many years you’ve been involved in education and at what levels, it might even be more. As language educators, it can be slightly more difficult to center a less commonly taught language in American students’ lives. But less commonly taught doesn’t mean less commonly spoken.
For the past 18 months and for the foreseeable future, translation and interpretation will be much more visible in many aspects of public life. This does not mean these skills have not been critically important in the past, but for the first time, many monolingual Washingtonians saw American Sign Language during press conferences and our state began to send out health guidance in multiple languages. The need for interpretation is higher than ever, especially as Afghan evacuees begin landing on American Military bases domestically and internationally. Again, this does not discount the high need for these skills and services previously but for the first time in decades, society seems posed to focus on equity.
So, what does this mean for our students? It means that the overlap between the classes they’re taking and the languages they speak is greater than they know. With our Graduation Pathways here in Washington, language is essential to everyone. At its core, World Languages and Bilingual Education support every other content area – we are the through-line of education. Whether your students are focused on a career track through CTE, university preparation, or even considering enlisting in the military or applying to an ROTC program, language skills will support them and provide opportunities. We need to center language in the community and align our programs. I urge you to reach out to your colleagues and see where you can find overlap. Send me ideas and stories. Join professional organizations that support our profession and your language/career-specific national and state orgs (see Curriculum, Resources & Professional Development). If you haven’t found an organization by the end of this newsletter, then let me know. I’ll add and search as much as I can.
I am working very hard to create the foundations of partnerships, but I cannot do it alone. I look forward to seeing what we as a community can do for each other and the students and families of Washington.
Bis naechstes Mal
- Dr. Veronica
veronica.trapani@k12.wa.us
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Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI):
WAC 392-410-350 Seal of Biliteracy Revision
OSPI held a public hearing for proposed changes to rules for WAC 392-410-350 “Seal of Biliteracy”. There were no public comments. The proposed new language has been sent for CR103P Adopted Rules (Permanent) approval.
World Languages Advisory Committee (WLAC)
The application period for the WLAC closed on Sunday, October 10. Reference/recommendation forms are due Sunday, October 17. All applicants will be notified of their status on Friday, October 22.
After an initial review of all applicants, OSPI reserves the right to re-open application submission in an effort to promote equity and gain vital new perspectives. This includes efforts to reach geographically-, linguistically-, and professionally-diverse candidates.
Washington State Standards for World Languages
To those who have an interest in revising the 2015 World Language State Standards, an application will be coming out on Monday, November 1. This group will meet monthly for at least 18 months to discuss the changes and updates needed to meet the need of Washington World Language educators. This is a separate workgroup than the World Languages Advisory Committee and membership of one does not necessitate membership in both.
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State Updates:
Washington Association for Language Teaching (WAFLT-WA)
WAFLT serves a membership of 400 to 600 elementary through university level language teachers. WAFLT seeks to meet the needs of a profession dedicated to the teaching of world language skills and cultural awareness by providing information and sensitive global perspectives in an era of ever-increasing internationalization.
Pacific Northwest Council for Languages (PNCFL)
PNCFL is the oldest regional organization of world language teachers in the U.S., founded in 1949. It serves educators in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
Clover Park/Joint Base Lewis-McChord are One of Nine Inaugural Grantees for DoD’s World Language Advancement and Readiness Program (WLARP)
Through a competitive grant process, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) sought innovative applications for the establishment, improvement, or expansion of world language programs targeting elementary and secondary students in order to enable successful students, as they advance from elementary school through secondary school, to achieve advanced level of proficiency in those languages. Clover Park has been awarded a five-year, $3 million grant under this program and must use the funds to support programs that show promise of being continued beyond the grant period and demonstrate approaches that could be disseminated to and duplicated in other Local Education Agencies (LEA). Awarded projects also include a professional development component
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National Updates:
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
ACTFL is an individual membership organization of more than 13,000 language educators and administrators from elementary through graduate education, as well as government and industry. Since its founding in 1967, ACTFL has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability in meeting the changing needs of language educators and their learners. It is where the world’s educators, businesses, and government agencies go to advance the practice of language learning.
Modern Language Association (MLA)
MLA provides opportunities for its members to share their scholarly findings and teaching experiences with colleagues and to discuss trends in the academy. MLA members host an annual convention and other meetings, work with related organizations, and sustain one of the finest publishing programs in the humanities. For more than a century, members have worked to strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature.
National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages (NCOLCTL)
NCOLTCL represents the less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) in the United States. More specifically, this website is designed to address the communication and information needs of the members of the National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages (NCOLCTL), as well as those of other organizations, institutions, and individuals interested in the teaching and learning of the LCTLs in the United States.
National Network for Early Language Learning (NNELL)
NNELL fosters a network that empower educators to advocate for and support early language teaching and learning. Their vision is for every child to have the opportunity to learn another language at the earliest age possible. Since its founding in 1987, NNELL continues to be an invaluable resource for educators, parents and policymakers advocating for K-8 programs of excellence in second language education.
National Association of District Supervisors for Foreign Language (NADSFL)
NADSFL promotes excellence in foreign language education for all learners through professional development of foreign language supervisors. The organization supports supervisors by facilitating member networking and communication, by promoting knowledge of current initiatives, trends and research, and by encouraging advocacy for foreign language learning at all levels.
Joint National Committee for Languages & the National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS)
JNCL-NCLIS represents the Language Enterprise to the US government and business community. Membership includes over 130 organizations, which employee more than 300,000 language professionals globally. Together, they form an all-inclusive network and encompass all areas of the language field: exchanges, research, technology, translation, interpretation, localization, testing and more.
U.S. House of Representatives authorizes Bilingual Education Seal and Teaching Act (BEST)
“In what is being hailed as a major step forward for language education across the United States, the House of Representatives voted to approve the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on September 24. The act includes authorization for the Bilingual Education Seal and Teaching Act (BEST), and if approved by the Senate, the act would sanction federal support for the establishment of Seal of Biliteracy programs in school districts across the nation.” -Language Magazine
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United States Department of Education
Prison Education Subcommittee
Day 1 - Monday, October 18
Day 2 - October 19, 2021
Day 3 - October 20, 2021
Guiding the Hispanic Future Through Mentorship Programs
- Thursday, October 14 | 11:00 a.m. – Noon Pacific
This webinar will feature a panel of representatives from mentorship organizations that focus on the Hispanic community. The panelists will discuss the importance of mentorship programs and why mentorship matters to the Hispanic community, especially Hispanic youth.
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Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask
What have you always wanted to know about Indians? Do you think you should already know the answers—or suspect that your questions may be offensive? In matter of-fact responses to over 120 questions, both thoughtful and outrageous, modern and historical, Ojibwe scholar and cultural preservationist Anton Treuer gives a frank, funny, and sometimes personal tour of what’s up with Indians, anyway.
- What is the real story of Thanksgiving?
- Why are tribal languages important?
- What do you think of that incident where people died in a sweat lodge?
White/Indian relations are often characterized by guilt and anger. Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians But Were Afraid to Ask cuts through the emotion and builds a foundation for true understanding and positive action.
- Thursday, October 21 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Pacific
- Virtual book event for the team at Chronicle Books.
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The Center for Urban Language Teaching and Research (CULTR)
World Languages Week: Connecting Students to Global Career Pathways
- Virtual Career Expo
- October 18-22
- Register here
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Justice-Oriented Language Teaching
L.J. Randolph, Associate Professor of Spanish and Education and coordinator of the World Language Teacher Education Program at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, has written a series of posts on COERLL's blog about critical pedagogy, social justice oriented teaching, inclusivity, and anti-racism in the language classroom. We hope these will give confidence to instructors getting started with the concepts, and inspiration to instructors already addressing them.
Topics include:
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Center for Educational Resources in Culture, Language and Literacy (CERCLL)
Devices, Designs and Algorithms: Strategies for Integrating Critical Digital Literacy in the Language Classroom (online)
As technologies continue to shape the way we construct our identities and access information every day, the integration of digital literacies in the language classroom becomes increasingly significant. Within social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, learning management systems like Canvas or video conferencing tools like Zoom, there are different cultures and conventions of use that shape the way we communicate online. Recognizing that these communicative practices are constituted not only by users but also by the tools we use, this webinar draws attention to how the devices, designs and algorithms of digital platforms shape online language and literacy practices.
- Friday, October 22 | 4:00-5:30 p.m. Pacific
- Learn more and register here
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The Language Flagship
A national initiative to change the way Americans learn languages through a groundbreaking approach to language education for students from kindergarten through college. Through a network of 31 Flagship Programs at 23 institutions of higher education across the U.S., The Language Flagship, part of the National Security Education Program (NSEP) in the U.S. Department of Defense, graduates students who will take their place among the next generation of global professionals, commanding a superior level of proficiency in one of ten languages critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.
List of Flagship Languages:
- Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian
Flagship Programs in the Pacific Northwest:
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American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
Strategic Plan Town Hall Series: #5 - Professional Development
Professional Development is the fifth pillar of the ACTFL Strategic Plan. ACTFL President Jessica Haxhi will provide updates on current activities and lead the important discussion that will help drive future offerings.
- Wednesday, October 27 | 4:30 p.m. Pacific
- Register here
The must-attend language education event of the year—ACTFL 2021 Virtual—is coming November 19–21. This year’s online event will feature the same great programming you’ve grown accustomed to, as well as some new features that we hope will impress. We are still excited to feature our three keynote speakers: Omekonga Dibinga, Marcia Tate, and Shiza Shahid. Best of all, the content on the virtual platform will be available on-demand until February 28, 2022
- November 19-21 | all times Eastern
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Stipend Award Program ($100)
- First Time Attendees
- BIPOC educators
- New Teachers (<3 yrs)
- Applicants must apply to ACTFL by Friday, October 15
- Register for Convention by Friday, October 22
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Center for Open Educational Resources and Language Learning (COERLL)
OER Office Hours - Accessibility & UDL
Learn about accessibility and universal design for learning (UDL) with Brayden Milam, Kaylee Polk, and Jessica Miller
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Dual Language Immersion from CARLA
Educating, Engaging, and Empowering DLI Parents and Families: Materials and Resources
A DLI family education program specifically for two-way bilingual immersion programs, which can be modified for one-way and indigenous programs. Modules and interactive activities designed for face-to-face workshops for parents and families span four key topics: DLI Basics, Bilingualism & Biliteracy, The Challenges of DLI, and College & Career Opportunities
Unveiling New DLI-Specific Rubrics to Support Teacher Development
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Global Seal of Biliteracy
Y-C.R.E.D. or Youth C.R.E.D. will be a free international online virtual one-day event. "Y" C.R.E.D. is an event especially designed for "Youth" that will include opportunities for bilingual conversations with native speakers around the world, interactive learning activities, exciting live presentations, college fair, on-demand sessions and so much more.
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American Sign Language
American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA)
- Join ASLTA and connect with your State Chapter!
- ASLTA is dedicated to the improvement and expansion of ASL teaching and Deaf Studies at all levels of instruction.
Membership in ASLTA provides opportunities for Deaf education teachers, ASL teachers, and ASL specialists to demonstrate their expertise, network with other professionals and stay current on the latest resources.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
- #NAD2022 Biennial Conference
- June 30, 2022 – July 4, 2022
- Orlando, Florida
Washington State Association of the Deaf (WSAD)
Social and support of the Deaf Community to make your better place to live in Washington State
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Sign up for The Pacific Northwest Deaf e-Newsletter
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Arabic:
American Association of Teachers of Arabic (AATA)
- Join AATA!
- AATA aims to facilitate communication and cooperation between teachers of Arabic and to promote study, criticism, research and instruction in the field of Arabic language pedagogy, Arabic linguistics and Arabic literature. The information available here is a sampling of the materials available to AATA members.
National Arabic Teachers Association K-12 (NATAK-12)
- Join NATAK-12!
- NATAK-12 aims to promote the teaching and learning of the Arabic language in North America and all over the world to support teachers of Arabic. We strive to introduce, maintain, and expand new and existing Arabic programs in public and private schools. We seek to develop teachers’ skills and nurture their leadership and collaborative abilities through ongoing and future professional development opportunities. In our forum, members can connect and brainstorm to enhance curricula, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities
Leiden-AUC ARABLING Conference
- “Digital Transformation of Arabic Language Learning and Teaching: Post Pandemic Implications”
- The conference addresses important issues pertaining to the digital transformation of Arabic language teaching and learning to non-native speakers at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, it examines its impact on AFL teaching and Arabic language teacher professional development during and post COVID-19. The conference brings together academics, researchers and language instructors worldwide to share their views and empirical work and discusses the digital transformation gains and challenges at the levels of AFL pedagogy, assessment, linguistics of the Arabic language, language acquisition and teacher training as they shed light on future possibilities and needs.
- December 18-19
Classroom Resource Enrichment Grant (CREG)
- The Classroom Resource Enrichment Grant (CREG) is a grant offered by Qatar Foundation International (QFI) of up to $1,000 intended to help supplement K-12 Arabic teachers at public or charter schools in the United States and Canada. Program update: In light of school closures resulting from COVID-19, Classroom Resource Enrichment grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. Additionally, the scope of the CREGs will be expanded to provide funding for online resources and materials for remote learning, e-books, or other resources that you may need at this time.
- Learn more and apply here.
Halaloween: A Muslim Film Festival
- The festival is free and will come to you wherever you are (though some films may not be available in certain countries). Films will be unlocked online each week of October, and viewers will have the week to watch each film. We'll wrap up the month of October with a live panel discussion on Muslim Horror, the use of Islam and the Quran, and how each region differs in its creation of horror films (sign up to our newsletter below to stay updated on this event or check our social media).
- The 2021 Halaloween Lineup:
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October 1 - 122 | 2019 | Egypt
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October 8 - KL24: Zombies | 2017 | Malaysia
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October 15 - Kandisha | 2008 | Morocco
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October 22 - Madayen | 2016 | Saudi Arabia
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October 29 - Impetigore | 2019 | Indonesia
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Chinese:
The Chinese Teacher Language Association, USA (CLTA)
- Join CLTA and connect with your State Chapter!
- Promoting the teaching of Chinese Language and Culture in an international context.
- CLTA 60TH ANNIVERSARY LECTURE SERIES #1
- 讲题 : 追寻庐山真面目: 谷歌翻译、语言盲点与对外汉语教学
- 时间: October 22 (Fri) | 6:00 -7:30 p.m. Pacific
- 地点: ZOOM, Virtual Lecture via Zoom (Registration required, Open and Free for CLTA members)
- 特邀演讲嘉宾: 张正生教授 (Professor Zheng-sheng Zhang)
- 圣地亚哥州立大学/吉尔吉斯中亚国际大学
National Chinese Language and Culture Coalition (NCLCC)
Resources and Classroom Implementation on AAPI History & Culture Education
Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS)
CLASS is a non-profit professional organization that represents all Chinese language educators at all levels from elementary to secondary schools. CLASS advances and promotes the teaching and learning of Chinese language and culture at PreK-12 schools in the United States.
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Classics:
American Classical League (ACL)
- Join ACL!
- ACL celebrates, supports, and advances the teaching and learning of the Greek and Latin languages, literatures, and cultures and their timeless relevance.
- ACL Mentoring Program
The main goal is to leverage the knowledge and experience of our members to help other teachers develop their knowledge base and skill set. New teachers or pre-service teachers need advice or guidance as they are getting started. An experienced teacher may need suggestions about implementing a new strategy or technique. All teachers benefit from working with a colleague. With many Classics teachers working in isolation, this program aims to overcome that barrier.
Excellence Through Classics (ETC)
A program of Excellence Through Classics that provides webinars on Classics-themed content for teachers and students. ETC Live was started during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in its third year will continue as FREE weekly sessions for teachers, students, parents and others interested in learning more about the Classics.
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Thursdays (beginning Oct 7) at 3:30pm Pacific
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Link to join Free ETC LIVE Presentations
National Committee for Latin and Greek (NCLG)
NCLG is a non-profit organization sponsored and funded by numerous state and national associations. It serves as a forum to identify nationwide needs and as a force for planning and implementing new strategies and programs in Latin and Greek Studies to better serve teachers and students on all levels. It responds to both crises and opportunities in the Classics community and seeks to represent all with equity and energy. The NCLG also seeks to dialogue with similar organizations and counterparts around the globe.
Society for Classical Studies (SCS)
SCS is the principal learned society in North America for the study of ancient Greek and Roman languages, literatures, and civilizations. While the majority of its members are university and college Classics teachers, members also include scholars in other disciplines, primary and secondary school teachers, and interested lay people. For over a century this community has relied on the Association to produce several series of scholarly books and texts; the journal, TAPA; and an annual meeting each January in conjunction with the Archaeological Institute of America.
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French:
American Association of Teachers of French (AATF)
AATF is the only national association devoted exclusively to the needs of French teachers at all levels. Our community of French educators at all levels works to promote and defend French programs, create and disseminate useful materials for the classroom, and provide opportunities to recognize professional excellence and student achievement.
The AATF is pleased to announce its organization of the twenty-first annual National French Week. This week-long celebration of all things French will take place in schools and communities and AATF chapters across the U.S. from November 3-9, 2021 & 2022. We ask members and any other interested Francophones and Francophiles to take French out of the classroom and demonstrate all the reasons to learn French.
- Theme: Venez découvrir le monde francophone!
Students create short videos or interactive media submissions based on the proposed theme. Visit the contest site with to view the submission form, full contests details, and past student projects.
- The deadline for submissions is December 20.
Round One of this easy-to-administer contest for French students consists of 25 trivia questions and takes about 15 minutes using Kahoot, a free online game site. Top scorers from Round One move on to a Finals Round.
Questions are in English and cover cultural aspects of the francophone world. The AATF is committed to featuring a wide variety of cultures and perspectives from all over la francophonie, so the questions in the National Francophone Trivia Contest will contain information from many French-speaking regions and countries.
- Between 6:00 am Central on Wednesday, November 3 and 5:00 pm Central on Friday, November 12
Association for the Study of Modern and Contemporary France (ASMCF)
ASMCF exists to promote, support and share new research into contemporary France with an expert focus on post 1789 politics, history, cinema and culture through providing journals, hosting events, and by offering financial support to our members.
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German:
American Association of Teachers of German (AATG)
AATG promotes the study of the German-speaking world in all its linguistic, cultural and ethnic diversity, and endeavors to prepare students as transnational, transcultural learners and active, multilingual participants in a globalized world.
2022 National German Exam Registration
You can now register students for the 2022 National German Exam Levels 2, 3, and 4. The Exam is administered each year to nearly 20,000 students of German. The Exam honors student performance with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards and prizes including the National German Exam Scholarship (AATG/PAD Study Trip Award).
- The Level 2, 3, and 4 Exam administration period is December 1, 2021 through January 31, 2022.
- Register now
- Guidelines for 2022 remote testing are included in the Administration Manual.
German American Partnership Program (GAPP)
Become a GAPP coordinator and take your students on an exciting trip to Germany, where they will get to know the language, culture, and everyday life of the partner country! They offer information workshops and scholarships and support you from start to finish. To find out more about how to lead an in-person transatlantic exchange, register for one of their upcoming webinars.
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Monday, October 25 | 8am - 9am Pacific | Register here
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Monday, November 15 | 7am - 8am Pacific | Register here
The GAPPY Challenge
GAPP invites you and your students to create GAPPY, an original mascot to represent GAPP as we celebrate 50 years of connecting students in the U.S. and Germany!
German Language School Conference (GLSC)
- Professional Development Conference
- Saturday, November 13
- Auf Deutsch
Internationale Deutsch Olympiade (IDO)
- Mach mit bei der IDO - dem weltweit größten Wettbewerb der deutschen Sprache!
Nach dem Motto ZEIG DER WELT WAS DU KANNST! werden zwei „Olympioniken“ gesucht, die die USA zum weltweiten Finale der IDO in Hamburg vertreten und ihre Deutschkenntnisse sowie ihr landeskundliches Wissen im Wettbewerb gegen Schülerinnen und Schüler aus 75 verschiedenen Nationen unter Beweis stellen.
Virtual Conference for German Teachers (GETVICO24)
24 hours dedicated to teaching German around the world: Participate from anywhere and anytime and join more than 140 presentations from over 30 countries about teaching German.
- The conference is held in German.
- October 20-21
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX)
The CBYX scholarship is for motivated high school students who want to experience a culture and learn a language through a full immersion experience. Learn about German culture first-hand by living with a host family and attending a German high school. Embark on an adventure that is unlike any other. The CBYX program additionally offers vocational and young professional scholarship opportunities.
- Accepting applications for 2022-2023
- Applications due at 11:59 PM Pacific on December 1
CBYX Vocational Program
CBYX Vocational Scholarship provides an opportunity for American high school graduating seniors to spend the year after graduation in Germany. This opportunity offers students a chance to pursue vocational interests, such as:
- Architecture
- Culinary Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Veterinary Science
- Graphic Design
- Information Technology
- Health Care
- International Business
- Forestry
- Accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year.
- Application deadline is Saturday, January 15, 2022.
CBYX Young Professionals Program
CBYX for Young Professionals is a year-long fellowship funded by the German Bundestag and the U.S. State Department. For over 35 years, the CBYX program has provided U.S. citizens from all majors and professional fields the opportunity to study and work in Germany. Applicants must be 18.5 – 24 years old, have a high school diploma, and should have clear career goals and some relevant work experience in their career field.
- Webinar for potential applicants
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Friday, October 15 at Noon Pacific (register here).
- Professors and advisors are also welcomed to attend.
- Accepting applications for the 2022-2023 program year
- Application deadline is Monday, November 1.
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Greek:
American Association of Teachers of Modern Greek (AATMG)
AATMG supports and promotes advances in teaching and learning Modern Greek. From course design to lesson planning, and from web based learning to research-driven classroom strategies, they focus on approaches that lead to excellence in teaching and learning.
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Hebrew:
National Association of Hebrew Teachers (NAHeT)
NAHeT works to promote the instruction and study of the Hebrew language and Hebrew culture across various educational platforms.
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Italian:
American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI)
AATI is a professional organization of scholars worldwide who contribute to the multi-disciplinary field of Italian Studies through teaching, research, and service. Our mission is to promote, advance, and preserve the study of Italian language, literature, and culture in its multiple historical and contemporary manifestations. The AATI achieves these goals by sponsoring meetings, seminars, conferences, competitions, workshops, national examinations, the National Italian Honor Society, and by publishing the quarterly journal Italica, dedicated to excellence in teaching and research in all areas of Italian studies. The AATI also collaborates with other professional organizations to accomplish its objectives.
For Dante’s 700th anniversary of his death, Mondadori released the sequel to “ A riveder le Stelle” by Aldo Cazzullo, to pay homage to the “Poet who invented Italy” continuing on the journey of the Divine Comedy through Purgatory, with his new book Il Posto degli uomini. Purgatory is the place that divides Heaven and Hell, a frontier to God suspended in time as one approaches salvation. For this reason, Purgatory is the expectation of happiness, the place that Dante goes through in the company of Virgil in search of freedom from sin and suffering, but above all, from the fear of death.
- Sunday, October 24 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Pacific
- Registration required by October 22 | Register here
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Japanese:
American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ)
AATJ is an international, 501(c)3 non-profit, non-political organization of teachers, scholars, and students of Japanese language, literature, and linguistics, which works to promote study of the Japanese language at all levels of instruction in the field and to broaden and deepen knowledge and appreciation of Japan and its culture.
"The Seal of Biliteracy, Our Programs, and Me" (October 2, 2021)
Our panel of teachers and administrators discussed the Seal of Biliteracy, its potential impact on language teaching and learning, and how it can be used to promote language, intercultural, and global education.
- Panelists:
- Pam Delfosse, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
- Ann Jordan, AATJ President; Los Gatos High School, CA (retired)
- Kazumi Yamashita-Iverson, Former AATJ Advocacy Director; Maloney Interdistrict Magnet School, CT
- Facilitator:
- Yoshiko Saito-Abbott, California State University, Monterey Bay; AATJ Professional Development Director
- Recording
This series of short videos (approximately 15 minutes each), with Yoshiko Saito-Abbott, PH.D, & Salinas, CA, Lead District Instructional Coach Yo Azama, offers a unique professional development opportunity for Japanese language teachers. In the videos, experienced mentor teachers demonstrate and explain research-based teaching practices, with lessons and tips for conducting interpersonal tasks in the classroom. Learn why Japanese language teachers are admired in the world language education community and adopt some of their teaching practices in your own classroom!
The October 2020 issue of Japanese Language and Literature contains 14 articles in a special section on diversity, inclusion, and professionalism in Japanese language teaching in the United States.
Webinar: “From Student to Teacher: Japanese Beyond the Classroom” with WATJ President Kei Tsukamaki
This presentation provides background, context, concrete steps, and reasons for pursuing a career as a Japanese language educator or teacher in Washington state. Participants will learn about the current state of Japanese language education in K-12 Washington public schools and across the United States. Participants will reflect on their own learning experiences and how they can convert those experiences as students to leadership as language educators. Participants will also learn what specific steps are required to earn a Washington state teaching credential with a secondary Japanese language endorsement. Some details regarding other careers using Japanese language skills will also be provided.
- Speaker:
- Kei Tsukamaki is the Japanese teacher and World Languages Department Chair at Juanita High School in Kirkland, WA. She is in her 11th year as a teacher and has taught both Japanese and Spanish. She is currently serving as President of the Washington Association of Teachers of Japanese (WATJ), a great community organization resource for Japanese language educators and community partners.
- Thursday, October 28 | 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Pacific
- Register here
Japanese Foundation | Los Angeles (JFLALC)
- Virtual Workshop: Japanese Anime Subtitling 101
Come and join us to learn how to subtitle your favorite anime! Using popular Japanese animated films such as Studio Ghibli’s movie “Spirited Away”, they will demonstrate how to create subtitles, have the characters speak naturally in English while remembering to make the context understandable for viewers.
- Tuesday, October 12 | 7:00 p.m. Pacific
- Admission free, registration required
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Korean:
American Association of Teachers of Korean (AATK)
AATK seeks to enhance and promote an interest in the teaching and learning of the Korean language, culture and literature; to carry out research in second language acquisition, applied linguistics, language pedagogy, as well as in the teaching of culture and literature, and to provide a forum for presenting research findings.
Webinar: “The Possibilities of Word Embedding in Korean Literature: From Language Analysis to Language Generation”
Word embedding is the representation of words as vectors. Drawing on the distributional hypothesis, which states that words occurring in a similar context tend to share similar meanings, representing words as vectors allows us to calculate the semantic distance between two words.
- Speakers:
- Jae-Yon Lee is an associate professor of modern Korean literature at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea.
- Namgi Han is a postdoctoral fellow of informatics at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea.
- Tuesday, November 9 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Pacific
- Register here
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Native and Tribal Languages:
American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI)
Read about AILDI’s activities covering the fiscal year period (July 2020 –June 2021)
Conversation to learn about his efforts to advanced racial equity, revitalize the Ojibwe language, and leverage scholarship and community service to make the world a better place.
- Sponsored by Thiel College
- Tuesday, November 9 | 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Pacific
Quinault Indian Nation
Language Classes are offered in Taholah, Queets and Hoquiam during Fall, Winter and Spring. Families are encouraged to apply for classes.
- Winter Registration Deadline: December 14
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Persian:
American Association of Teachers of Persian (AATP)
AATP is a non-profit, professional organization whose objective is to advance and improve the study and teaching of the Persian language and culture; to promote research in the field of Persian language, linguistics, and literature; to further the common interests of teachers in the field; and to facilitate communication and professional cooperation among its members.
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Polish:
North American Association of Teachers of Polish (NAATP)
NAATP seeks to create and maintain an active community of Polish language teachers in North America, and promote excellence in language teaching, learning and research.
Seattle Polish Film Festival (SPFF)
Seattle Polish Film Festival (SPFF) is an annual event showcasing the best of Polish cinema since the early 1990s. The SPFF is produced and presented by the Seattle-Gdynia Sister City Association.
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Portuguese:
American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP)
AATSP promotes the study and teaching of the Spanish and Portuguese languages and their corresponding Hispanic, Luso-Brazilian and other related literatures and cultures at all levels of education. The AATSP encourages, supports and directs programs and research projects involving the exchange of pedagogical and scholarly information. Through extensive collaboration with educators, professionals, and institutions in other countries, the AATSP contributes to a better and deeper understanding between the United States and the Spanish-and Portuguese-speaking nations of the world
National Teach Portuguese Week
National Teach Portuguese Week is a week-long event to be held Monday, November 1 - Friday, November 5. The program highlights student and faculty teaching and engagement with Portuguese language and culture(s) in the US and abroad.
- The purpose of National Teach Portuguese Week is
- To promote the teaching of Portuguese as a profession.
- To encourage the study of Portuguese in the U.S.
- To emphasize the importance of Portuguese as a world language.
- To celebrate the diversity of the Portuguese-speaking world.
- Monday, November 1 - Friday, November 5.
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Russian:
American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages (AATSEEL)
AATSEEL exists to advance the study and promote the teaching of Slavic and East European languages, literatures, and cultures on all educational levels -- elementary through graduate school. While the largest proportion of its activities and members concentrate in the area of Russian, AATSEEL has from the beginning stressed that it embraces all Slavic and East European languages, literatures, linguistics and cultures.
American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR)
ACTR is an association of language and area professionals involved with Russian language, literature and linguistics. Membership is open to all persons with an interest in the study and teaching of the Russian language. ACTR members receive the ACTR Letter (published four times per year) and the Russian Language Journal (an annual scholarly journal), and they are eligible to enroll students in ACTR award programs and contests and to take part in other ACTR programs and activities.
Slavic East European Teachers Association of Washington (SEETAW)
SEETAW seeks to provide recognition of and support to the growing number of teachers of Russian and other Slavic and East European languages in Washington state. These teachers are providing an invaluable service to children and teenagers in our state who are Heritage language speakers of these languages and are eager to develop their proficiency in both the spoken and written word. In addition, we hope to increase interest in expanding language programs for second language learners who have an interest in the languages and cultures of these regions and perhaps hope to live, work, study, or travel there in the future.
Love cinema? Join the Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures every Friday at 5pm to view and discuss a different Russian film. All movies are in Russian, with English subtitles.
- To see which film will be shown, visit and like the Russian Film Club Facebook page.
- Please note that attendees who are not UW students, faculty, or staff will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours of the event). Please bring documentation to the event.
- Friday, October 15 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. Pacific
- Location: Smith Hall (SMI), Room 107
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Spanish:
American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP)
AATSP promotes the study and teaching of the Spanish and Portuguese languages and their corresponding Hispanic, Luso-Brazilian and other related literatures and cultures at all levels of education. The AATSP encourages, supports and directs programs and research projects involving the exchange of pedagogical and scholarly information. Through extensive collaboration with educators, professionals, and institutions in other countries, the AATSP contributes to a better and deeper understanding between the United States and the Spanish-and Portuguese-speaking nations of the world
Since Time Immemorial Curriculum now offered in Spanish
The Office of Native Education (ONE) is excited to announce that Spanish language lesson resources for the Since Time Immemorial tribal sovereignty and history curriculum are now available! Spanish language resources for most of the lessons, kindergarten through high school, are included as you navigate to lessons for your grade Please join us for any of our upcoming introductory webinars as we navigate through the curriculum website. The webinars are free. Additional information including webinar dates and registration information can be found on our STI Fall Training Schedule.
The Education Office of the Embassy of Spain in the USA
Webinar Series: #1 - Pedagogical Approaches to Integrating Content and Language in Dual Language and Immersion Classrooms
La Consejería de Educación de la Embajada de España en EE. UU., en colaboración con la Oficina de Educación del Condado de San Diego, va a llevar a cabo una formación de 3 sesiones en línea dirigidas a profesores de español. Será una oportunidad para aprender nuevas estrategias en la enseñanza de Ciencias Sociales, Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas en español. La primera sesión será el 16 de octubre y contaremos con la presencia de Diane J. Tedick, profesora de la Universidad de Minnesota, de gran reconocimiento en la enseñanza dual y bilingüe. Los profesores españoles que asistan a todas las sesiones recibirán un certificado del INTEF. ¡No te lo pierdas!
- 16 de octubre
- Regístrate aquí
The Latinx Connect conference aims to move us beyond “celebrating” Latinxs, instead calling for empowerment and justice for the Latinx community, which faces numerous disparities in U.S. society, particularly those at the intersections of Latinx identity (e.g., Afro-Latinxs, Indigenous Latinxs, queer and Trans* Latinxs, undocumented Latinxs).
- October 14–16
- Register here
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Tamil:
American Tamil Teachers Association (ATTA)
ATTA aims to help with expanding the Tamil learning all over North America for K12 students/adults, aiding/maintaining the National assessment standards for Tamil, helping Tamil teachers all over North America as certified assessors for Tamil Language, teacher training, and to further the common interests of Tamil teachers of these subjects.
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Confession:
I’m an only child. I spent much of my childhood entertaining myself and that meant a lot of books. Now that I am older, I find (like many of us) that I do not have the time to enjoy reading as much as I’d like. But along came Audible… Not a plug or an ad, but audiobooks (“Books on Tape” as I still have a tendency to call them) were a favorite as a kid and I have re-introduced them into my adult life. I try to read/listen to at least 25 books a year – while driving, cleaning, or even in the shower! So I figured I’d share them. Not all of them will appeal to all (or any) educators who read this newsletter but maybe something will catch your eye! Please let me know if you read any or recommend me some good non-fiction to add to my Goodreads “Want to Read” list!
Books I’m Currently Reading/Recently Finished
Podcasts I’m Current Listening To
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ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.
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