August FLAVA Presidential Message Dear Members and Friends of FLAVA, As summer fades into fall, our excitement for the FLAVA 2024 Conference is reaching new heights! Scheduled for October 10th-12th at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, this year’s conference, themed “Navigating a Changing World with Languages,” is just around the corner. With only a few weeks left, now is the perfect time to finalize your plans and secure your spot for this highly anticipated event! Register here to secure your spot! Keynote Speaker: Dr. L.J. Randolph, Jr. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. L.J. Randolph, Jr. as our keynote speaker. In his presentation, “Languaging as an Act of Abolition, Liberation, and Joy,” Dr. Randolph will invite us to reimagine schools as spaces where marginalized students experience empowerment and joy through language education. His session will highlight frameworks and instructional practices that challenge linguistic oppression and promote inclusivity. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore pedagogies that align with the World-Readiness Standards and ACTFL-NCSSFL Can-Do Statements. For more about Dr. Randolph, click here to view his bio. Following the keynote, join Dr. Randolph for an additional session, “Pedagogies of Joy in the Language Classroom,” where you will discover interdisciplinary frameworks for centering joy in language education and enhancing curriculum development. Exciting Sessions and Workshops at the Conference The FLAVA 2024 Conference will feature a diverse range of sessions tailored to meet the needs and interests of educators at all levels. Whether you’re interested in gamification, proficiency-aligned teaching, decolonizing curriculum, or enhancing literacy strategies, there will be something for everyone. We are thrilled to host a variety of esteemed presenters who will share their expertise and insights. For detailed information about the sessions and workshops, please refer to the Program at a Glance. FLAVA After Dark As the evening comes alive, don’t miss FLAVA After Dark! Dive into the fun with exhilarating karaoke, lively salsa dance lessons, and a creative art session. These vibrant activities are the perfect way to unwind, connect with fellow attendees, and celebrate our shared passion for language education. And who knows, you might even find a cash bar to keep the energy high and the conversations flowing! Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun and camaraderie! Explore the Exhibits Hall At the FLAVA 2024 Conference, don’t miss our dynamic Exhibits Hall! Engage with a diverse range of vendors and exhibitors showcasing the latest in educational resources, technology, and innovative tools to enhance your teaching. Whether you’re looking for new materials, interactive tools, or inspiring resources, the Exhibits Hall will have something to spark your interest. Secure Your Stay Today! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay in the heart of the action at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. Our exclusive room block is filling up fast, and with its prime location just steps away from the conference venue, it’s the perfect choice for a convenient and enjoyable stay. The deadline to reserve your hotel room is September 18th. Book your room now to ensure you’re part of all the excitement, and take advantage of this special rate before it’s gone! Reserve Your Room Here. Act quickly—spaces are limited, and you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Need Assistance to Attend? If you need to request support from your administrator to attend the conference, we’ve provided a helpful template. Download the Template for Requesting Conference Attendance: FLAVA 2024 here. This template can assist you in making a strong case for professional leave or funding. AATG-VA Immersion Weekend Don’t miss the AATG-VA chapter’s annual Immersion Weekend on September 7-8 at the University of Mary Washington, focusing on gamification in the German classroom. For more details, visit AATG-VA Immersion Weekend. Registration deadline is September 1, 2024. Special thanks to Marcel Rotter for sharing this information! FLAVA Teacher Workshops In addition to the conference, FLAVA offers free monthly Zoom Teacher Workshops coordinated by Jen Carson. These workshops are a wonderful way to continue your professional development throughout the year. -
September 10, 2024 @ 4:30 PM: Beckie Bray Rankin, 2023 ACTFL Nelson Brooks Award winner, will present “Decolonizing: Starting with Resources.” Register here
Description: Explore ways to prioritize underrepresented voices in the curriculum and include diverse artists and perspectives in your lessons. -
October 3, 2024 @ 5:00 PM: Taron Ware will offer “Practical Tips and Tools for Proficiency-aligned Teaching.” Register here
Description: Learn practical strategies for implementing proficiency-aligned teaching and enhancing student communication in your classroom. -
December 3, 2024 @ 4:00 PM: Sally Barnes & Beth Slocum will present “Leveraging Literacy Strategies in World Language.” Register here
Description: Discover how visual literacy can strengthen language learning and explore ways to integrate powerful ideas and images into your instruction. Advocacy and Other News September is a crucial time to make a plan for voting in the November elections. Early voting begins September 20. Make sure you’re registered at the Citizen Portal of Virginia’s Department of Elections, learn about the candidates, and check if there are local elections in your area. Your vote is vital in supporting public education and the importance of multilingualism in Virginia. For more information and to see your sample ballot, visit Vote.org. Mentorship Program The FLAVA Mentor Program wishes you a joyful and engaging start to the school year! We look forward to sharing monthly messages and pop-up moments throughout the year. If you (or a colleague) are seeking support, please reach out to Shane Goodpasture at mentor@flavaweb.org. With the school year in full swing, let’s harness the energy and inspiration from FLAVA 2024 to elevate our teaching and celebrate the transformative power of languages. As we delve into new ideas and strategies, we can make a lasting impact in our classrooms and continue to navigate a changing world with languages. We look forward to seeing you at the conference! With warmest regards, Eric Jaworski
President, FLAVA | 
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.