November FLAVA Presidential Message Dear FLAVA Members and friends, As the energy of fall surrounds us and we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable ways our FLAVA community has grown, connected, and inspired one another this year. I am filled with gratitude for every board member, affiliate, presenter, volunteer, and attendee whose dedication makes our organization thrive. Your passion for world languages and cultures brings life to everything we do – and for that, I thank you wholeheartedly.  Celebrating the FLAVA Fall Conference 2025: Rooted in Language
Our conference in Norfolk was nothing short of spectacular. Full of collaboration, camaraderie, and joy, it showcased the best of what FLAVA stands for. Traditions like FLAVA After Dark created moments of connection and laughter, while our keynote, expertly facilitated by Norah Jones alongside panelists Julia Hosage, Lorie Roule, and Miles Meijer, sparked thoughtful conversation and inspiration. Every detail – from the engaging sessions to the lively networking – reflected the energy, teamwork, and dedication of our amazing conference team, led by our incredible Conference Coordinator, Virginia Kibler.
Honoring FLAVA Award Winners 2025
This year, we celebrate the dedication, excellence, and heart of our members: - David Cox K-12 Teaching Award: Lisa Fore, Spanish Teacher & World Language Department Chair, Abingdon High School
- Marshall Brannon Post-Secondary Teaching Award: Miao-fen Tseng, Professor of Chinese, University of Virginia
- Helen Warriner-Burke Distinguished Service Award: Jen Carson, Proficiency and Learning Specialist, Language Testing International
- Novice Teacher Award: Matthew Boyd, Spanish Teacher, Brambleton Middle School, Loudoun County Public Schools
- Friend of FLAVA Award: Lewis Parker, Founder, The Willowcroft Foundation
- University Student Recognitions: Sarah Gressett & Maegan Pickral, Modern Languages Students, Longwood University
Congratulations to all! Your accomplishments shine a light on the talent, dedication, and heart that make our FLAVA community extraordinary. Special Recognition: Best of FLAVA
We are excited to recognize this year’s Best of FLAVA award recipient, selected from our conference presenters for their outstanding contributions: Sydney Nolley. Congratulations, Sydney, and thank you for inspiring all of us with your dedication and expertise! Heartfelt Thanks to Our Leaders & Teams
None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our Executive Board, Advisory Council, and Affiliates: Executive Board - Immediate Past President – Heidi Trude
- President-Elect – Beth Marshall
- Communications Coordinator – Holly Fitterer
- Conference Coordinator – Virginia Kibler
- Treasurer – Chantel Kushner
Advisory Council - Awards – Kelly Arble
- Teacher Education & Professional Development – Jen Carson
- Historian – Lynne Hendrick
- Mentor Program – Shane Goodpasture
- Parliamentarian – Jen Carson
- Webmaster – Diana Erazo
- Conference Committee – Exhibitor Chair – Cherie Duma
- Conference Committee – Presenter Liaison – Sue Robertson
- Conference Committee – Volunteer Coordinator – Dali Tan
- Conference Committee – Affiliates Liaison – Aliea Lewis
Affiliates - VDOE – Dr. Lisa Harris
- VOWLS – Stephanie L. Stockman
- VADLEN – Bettina Staudt & Susanna Bailey
- AATF – David Fleming
- AATG – Marcel Rotter
- CAV – Patrick Bradley
- CLTA – Ying Gao
- MAATJ – Motoko Omori & Noriko Otsuka
- MAALLT – Errol M. O’Neill
- NNELL – Larissa Giacoman
- Global VA – Beatrix Preusse-Burr
A special note of gratitude goes to Beth Marshall, our President-Elect, who presented me with a beautiful pottery bowl at the conference. If her artistry is any foreshadowing, FLAVA is in for a wonderful two years under her leadership beginning January 1, 2026. Celebrating Our Committees & Ongoing Initiatives
This year, our FLAVA community has shown remarkable dedication through the work of our ad hoc committees. From the very beginning of my presidency, the Website Relaunch Team has been laying the groundwork for an exciting new digital home for our organization — a project that will bear fruit in the years to come and help FLAVA stay “rooted in language” while reaching new heights. Similarly, our SOP Committee and other ad hoc groups have worked thoughtfully to refine our operating procedures, enhance board processes, and preserve our institutional memory. Every effort reflects the commitment, creativity, and collaboration that make FLAVA a strong, forward-looking organization. I am deeply grateful to all who have contributed to these initiatives. Your vision, hard work, and dedication set the stage for continued success and a thriving FLAVA community for the years ahead. - Ad hoc committees – including the Website Relaunch Team and SOP Committee – have been working diligently to implement improvements that will benefit the organization for years to come.
- FLAVA Teacher Education Workshops continue to inspire and equip our members. Thanks to Jen Carson’s dedication, you won’t want to miss the next session:
¿Cómo se dice? Language comprehension and running records in the target language – Stephanie Bellot-Donaldson
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 5:00 PM [REGISTER LINK] Calling All Web Wizards! Help Relaunch the FLAVA Website for 2026
FLAVA is gearing up for an exciting website relaunch — and we need your expertise! If you have experience with WordPress, website design, or web development, we’d love your help shaping the future of FLAVA’s online home. This is a great opportunity to lend your skills, collaborate with fellow educators, and make a lasting impact on our organization’s digital presence. Interested in volunteering or learning more? Contact Diana Erazo email:dianaderazo@gmail.com to join the FLAVA Website Relaunch Team! Advocacy & Civic Engagement
As we enter the fall season, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the importance of local advocacy for world language education. Every voice matters in protecting and advancing our programs across Virginia. Consider: - Posting information about languages and careers around your schools.
- Inviting school board or local/state officials to visit a class or event.
- Sharing the value of your programs with students, colleagues, and your community.
Your engagement helps ensure a bright future for world language education – and every effort makes a difference! Closing Gratitude
As we approach Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for the incredible FLAVA community. Every success – from our conference and building new traditions to the ongoing work of our committees and initiatives – is made possible by your dedication, creativity, and teamwork. I am deeply grateful to serve alongside such talented and committed educators and to share in the ongoing energy, collaboration, and inspiration that make FLAVA so special. Warmly,
Eric Jaworski
FLAVA President |
Celebrating the FLAVA Fall Conference 2025: Rooted in Language
Honoring FLAVA Award Winners 2025
Heartfelt Thanks to Our Leaders & Teams
Celebrating Our Committees & Ongoing Initiatives
Calling All Web Wizards! Help Relaunch the FLAVA Website for 2026
Interested in volunteering or learning more? Contact Diana Erazo 
Advocacy & Civic Engagement
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