Message from the President – March 2024

26 Mar Message from the President – March 2024

Dear FLAVA Members and Virginia World Language Educators,

As we near the end of March, I am reminded of the profound impact language and culture have on our lives. They are not just tools for communication; they are gateways to joy, discovery, and self-awareness, intricately linked to the cultures they embody. In my role as a world language educator, I have witnessed countless moments of pure joy as students and educators explore the beauty of languages and cultures. Whether it is the thrill of understanding a message or successfully conversing in a target language, these moments highlight the limitless joy that language learning and cultural discovery bring. Language and culture reveal profound truths about ourselves and our students. They teach us resilience as we navigate the intricacies of new languages and cultures. They foster empathy as we gain insights into diverse cultures and ways of thinking. They empower us to embrace diversity and celebrate the richness of our world.

Looking ahead, our FLAVA Spring conference on April 20, 2024, at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA, promises to be a celebration of our shared passion for language and culture education. This event will offer opportunities for professional growth and community building. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative experience. Do not miss this chance to immerse yourself in a day filled with inspiration, collaboration, and valuable insights. Plus, breakfast and lunch are included if you register by April 13! Join us and be a part of something truly special.

I would also like to seize this moment to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ariana Kopf for representing FLAVA at NECTFL 2024 in New York City as Best of FLAVA, and Teresa Breitenthaler, Erin Boldin, and Beth Stickley for representing FLAVA at SCOLT 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia as Best of FLAVA. Your achievements inspire us all!

I would like to extend a special appreciation to our Advocacy Chair, Sharon Scinicariello, for her exceptional dedication and hard work. The JNCL’s Virtual Language Advocacy Days, held in February, provided attendees with valuable insights into various federal initiatives and offered a platform for exchanging ideas. Sharon Scinicariello will be sending a message summarizing this event, highlighting the significant new initiative, H.R. 5603, the World LEAP (World Language Education Assistance Program) Act. For more information about this proposal, please download the infographic at languagepolicy.org/advocacy-resources. One of the primary concerns for every world language advocate is the threat to world language programs. We play a crucial role in mitigating this threat by actively engaging our students in language and culture education. Additionally, it is essential to gather feedback from your students, parents, and alumni regarding their motivations for taking world language classes. Please take a moment to participate in the JNCL-NCLIS survey on language education at higher education institutions.Should you encounter any challenges or concerns regarding your program, please do not hesitate to reach out to FLAVA for support.

Thank you to Jen Carson, FLAVA’s Teacher Education Leader, for facilitating the engaging FLAVA Workshops, most recently, “Reading is FUNdamental” with Lynne Hendrick. We encourage you to register for our upcoming FLAVA workshop, “TECHNOLOGIA? QUAE TECHNOLOGIA?” featuring 2023 ACTFL Teacher of the Year, William Lee. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 5:30 PM via Zoom. Register here to discover effective ways to utilize technology tools like AI, Breakout EDU, GooseChase, Gimkit, Quizziz, Kahoot!, and more to enhance language proficiency in world language classrooms. Additionally, we will explore non-technology based activities that can be implemented to foster excitement in your classroom.
Additionally, I encourage you to take advantage of the many free resources available in language and culture education, such as the SCOLT Dimensions publication.

Let’s continue to Engage, Empower, and Energize each other as we strive to make a difference through language and culture education. Together, we can create a world where language and culture are not just barriers to be overcome, but bridges that connect us all. Save the date for our Fall FLAVA Conference on October 10-12, 2024, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

Warm regards,
Eric Jaworski
FLAVA President

And now, a tale of two worlds:

The Tale of Two Worlds: From Isolation to Illumination – The FLAVA Effect

In the world of world languages, what a marvelous tale,
Of two different places, where educators set sail.

In one, they stayed in, each in their own space,
No networking, no sharing, no joining the race.
They sat in their classrooms, feeling alone,

Their love for World Languages not widely known.

But in the other world, a different sight,
Educators came out, into the light.
They gathered at FLAVA Conferences, oh what a sight,

At Spring and Fall Conferences, both day and night.

They shared their thoughts, they collaborated,
Their passion for languages, won unabated.
They stood up together, against the riptide,

From language and culture, they did not hide.

And in the end, what a joyous sight,
For the world where they came together, shining bright!
They defeated the movement, they won the fight,

For language and culture, a beacon of light.

So let this be a lesson, loud and clear,
For language educators, both far and near.
Come out of your classrooms, join the throng,

At FLAVA’s Conferences, where you belong.