2026 Fall Conference
THEME: OPENING DOORS FOR EVERY VOICE
WHEN: October 3-4, 2026
WHERE: J.R. Tucker High School, Henrico, VA
Fall Conference
The FLAVA Fall Conference is a prominent gathering that brings together educators for an enriching blend of workshops, sessions, and discussions that address the current trends and challenges in foreign language teaching. Each year, FLAVA gathers educators, administrators, and scholars of Virginia’s world language programs and supports their professional development needs and interests in teaching, technology, pedagogy, and learning. This annual event creates a space for pedagogical innovation, reflection, and forward-thinking strategies aimed at enriching the language learning experience for students. Our last Fall Conference featured over 160 engaging sessions and approximately 650 participants.
ABOUT OUR KEYNOTE
FLAVA is thrilled to welcome Sarah Chakales as our keynote speaker and moderator of our student panel during the opening session of our Fall Conference! We can’t wait to have Sarah help us kick off an inspiring weekend of connection, learning, and celebration of world language education.
Sarah Chakales is a two-time Emmy award-winning Weekend Morning Anchor and Weekday Reporter for WWBT 12 On Your Side in Richmond. A Richmond native, Sarah’s passion for global communication began at J.R. Tucker High School, where she completed the French Immersion program in 2003, before going on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina Honors College with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in French.
Following her undergraduate studies, Sarah was awarded a prestigious Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to complete her Master’s in Journalism at the University of Hong Kong. She spent seven years in Hong Kong writing, producing, and reporting for CNN International, covering historic global events including the territory’s pro-democracy protests, the search for MH370, and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Her contribution to CNN’s coverage of the Arab Spring uprising earned the team a Peabody Award.
After relocating to Miami, Sarah spent five years as a freelance network field producer for NBC News and Fox News. She traveled extensively covering hurricanes, politics, and major features for the Today Show and NBC Nightly News and even served as the Network Pool Producer at the National Hurricane Center.
Sarah returned home to Richmond in October 2023, quickly establishing herself as 12 On Your Side’s dedicated Henrico County beat reporter before being promoted to weekend anchor. In her free time, she loves traveling, exploring Richmond, and learning even more languages!
REGISTER
Join us for two energizing days of in-person learning, networking, and growth at the FLAVA conference back in central Virginia at J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico, Virginia.
With over 150 dynamic presentations, numerous exhibitors, and a vibrant community of language professionals, this is more than just professional development—it’s personal enrichment.
Hotel Information
Rooms will be available through an Embassy Suites room block. For more information, click the button below! Deadline to reserve your room(s) is Friday, September 11, 2026!
Exhibitor/Sponsor/Affiliate Information
Exhibitors, Sponsors and Affiliates are integral to the success and vitality of FLAVA conferences. Your contributions not only add to the diversity and richness of the event, but also directly support our community of language educators by providing access to the latest resources, technologies, and services in foreign language education. We warmly invite you to join us and help shape the landscape of language learning in Virginia.
Disability Accommodations
Any person with a disability who needs special accommodations to fully participate in the conference must notify the association no later than 60 days before the conference. This notification should include a written description of the accommodations needed and should be sent via the FLAVA contact form (linked below). Once on the form, please choose “Conference” as the topic. FLAVA will make every attempt to meet your needs within the limitations of the association’s resources.