National Office News

Planning for the future

Dear AATG Colleagues,

I remember vividly how a high school group trip to Germany changed my perspective on the world. It showed me

how useful a second language can be, broadened my horizons in new ways, and challenged me to think

differently about the world. It also gave me a new appreciation for some aspects of my home as well. So it is with

immense pleasure that I signed a new, decade long agreement with the PAD-KMK this past week in Berlin. We are

already working to find new ways to cooperate on transatlantic partnerships at all levels and with all types of

schools. Global skills, multilingual education, and programs abroad should not be reserved for a few elite schools

and universities. The AATG and the PAD are working to increase access to our programs through new

partnerships, new exchange programs, and new funding models. For me these are exciting times for transatlantic

exchange between Germany and the US. These programs are supported by our partners and by our generous

donors. Please encourage your students to apply for scholarships through the AATG and if you have the means,

donate to one of the endowed funds to help the next generation of students access the best programs possible.

Herzlichst

Michael R. Shaughnessy

Executive Director AATG mike@aatg.org

News from the National Office

Honor your students this spring! AATG staff are working hard to make sure that you receive the materials you need to recognize your students’ achievements. Please allow extra time when placing your order, since there have been shipping delays.

You’ll find promotional materials here in the AATG store, including t-shirts and buttons.

Plan for your honor society induction now! Induction certificates are printed with student name and chapter affiliation. Other popular items are honor cords, graduation tassels, diploma seals, pins, patches, and membership cards.

Are you looking to add some spring sparkle to your program? Would you like to connect with your community? Are your students interested in completing service-learning hours? Would you like to share with your students the joy of teaching and learning?

There are many reasons why joining the growing network of SPARK for German is a positive and refreshing investment in your program and career! Apply to become a SPARK Lab, offer SPARK programming as an afterschool, enrichment, or community program, and benefit from teaching materials, professional development opportunities, and a supportive and collaborative network all free of charge.

Do you have questions? Get in touch with the SPARK team at Susanne.rinner@goethe.de and Thomas.flanagan@goethe.de

SPARK for German is a joint project of the AATG and the Goethe-Institut, funded by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.