Herbst 2023 Aktuelles

AmericanAssociationofTeachersofGerman,Inc.

AATG Board of Directors

Priscilla Layne, President

University of North Carolina, NC

Angelika Becker, Vice President

Carmel High School, IN

Doug Philipp, Immediate Past President

Cheyenne Mountain High School, CO

Blake Peters, Treasurer

German International School, OR

Chiann Tsui, Equity Officer

German International School, OR

Michael R. Shaughnessy, Executive Director

AATG Office, NJ

Tobias Barske, Midwest Region

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, WI

Katrina Bauerlein, Northeast Region

Mahopac Central Schools, NY

Carrie Collenberg-González, Northwest Region

Portland State University, OR

Lucia Huang, Southeast Region

Wilson High School, SC

Kyung Lee Gagum, Southwest Region

Midwestern State University, TX

Mariah Ligas, Central Region

Antietam Middle Senior High School, PA

TheAmericanAssociationofTeachersofGermansupportstheteachingoftheGerman languageandGerman-speakingculturesinelementary,secondaryandpost-secondary educationintheUnitedStates.TheAATGpromotesthestudyoftheGerman-speakingworldin allitslinguistic,culturalandethnicdiversityandendeavorstopreparestudentsas transnational,transculturallearnersandactive,multilingualparticipantsinaglobalizedworld.

Veronika Burney, PhD Director of Programs

veronika@aatg org

Marisa Minard Lead NGE Coordinator

marisa@aatg.org

Evan Worthing

Logistics Coordinator logistics@aatg.org

John Capasso

Director of Finance & Business Operations

john@aatg.org

Michael R. Shaughnessy, PhD Executive Director

mike@aatg org

112 Haddontowne Court, #104 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

AATGElection

There’sstilltimetovoteinthe2023AATGElection!AATGisseekingtofillthree positionsontheBoardofDirectors Thevotingperiodfortheelectionis September1-October1,2023

ActiveAATGmembershavereceivedanelectronicballotintheire-mailthatwe haveonfile Itisimportanttokeepyourmemberdatauptodateinordertotake partintheAATGannualelections!

TheAATGBoardofDirectorsistheelected,policy-makingbodyoftheAATG You canfindmoreinformationonresponsibilitiesofBoardmembershere.

InsideHerbst2023

AATG Director of Programs Veronika Burney shares updates from AATG's summer study programs for high school and college students

AATG Executive Director Mike Shaughnessy announces plans for a new endowment to support university-level students of German

DEI Committee Member Jennifer Bennett shares resources to help us identify implicit biases

National German Exam registration starts October 2

Haveregionalnewstosharewiththe nationalAATG? SubmitanAATGchapter storytowww.aatg.org/newsletter

SubmittoAATGAktuelles Havenews aboutyouoracolleague you’dliketoshare?Submitcontentfor featureandhelpkeepAATGAktuelles great!

Submitstoriesandphotosto: www.aatg.org/newsletter

President's Letter

DearAATGMembers,

Welcomebacktoanotherexcitingschoolyear!Ihope youallhadarestful,productivesummerandthatyou aresettlingintothenewsemester Mycampusbegan classestwoweeksagoanditisalwayssoinspiringto seethenewstudentsoncampusandhearfromold students,especiallythosewhogotachancetovisit Germanyduringthesummer.

Unfortunately,thisschoolyearhasalsobeen shroudedintragedy Atmycampus,UNCChapelHill, wehadashootingduringthesecondweekofclass.It wasanisolatedincidentandthecampussecurity actedswiftlytokeepeveryonesafe,butafaculty memberlosttheirlife Anditsaddensmethatthiskind ofviolenceisbecomingsocommonatschoolsacross thecountry Dealingwithviolentsituationsandtrauma isunfortunatelyonemorethingthatweaseducators havetopreparefor.IhopeAATGcansupportour membersiftheyareeverfacedwiththissituation.I personallyfoundthiswebsitefromMichiganState,“6 StepstoStartingClass”(provostmsuedu/news-andupdates/2023-6-step-approach-20230219), especiallyhelpfulfordecidingwhatconditions studentsneededfromustoreturntoclassafterthis tragedy.Iencourageyoutocheckitout.

Onapositivenote,wearecurrentlyinthemidstofthis year’selection ActiveAATGmembershavereceived anelectronicballotintheire-mailthatwehaveonfile. PleaseremembertovotefortheincomingVice Presidentaswellasregionalrepresentativesforthe NortheastandMidwestRegions Ihopeyouwillall appreciatethenewinterfacethenewwebsitehasfor voting Iapplaudourstafffordoingsuchanexcellent jobthissummermigratingtoanewwebsitethathas somanyadvantages.

TheBoardandIlookforwardtoseeingeachofyouthisfall attheAATG/ACTFLAnnualConvention.Tolearnmoreabout thisyear’skeynotespeakers,schedule,andtoregister,visit www.actfl.org/convention-and-expo.AllAATGmembersare entitledtoreceivethememberratefortheConvention To viewtheonlineprogram,visitwwwactflorg/attend/onlineconvention-program Wehopethatyouplanonjoiningthe AATG–andyourcolleagues–inChicago!

Andonceagain,ifyouhaven’talready,pleaseexplore theupdatedfeaturesandlookofthenewAATGwebsite: www.aatg.org.Thewebsite,launchedinJune,includes severalkeyfeaturesandimprovementsforAATG members,includingstreamlinedmembershiprenewal, newpartnerorganizationcategories,animproved memberdirectory,andmore.Ifyouneedloginsupport orhaveaquestion,contactAATGstaff (www.aatg.org/aatg-staff).

OnbehalfoftheAATGBoardofDirectors,havea wonderfulfall!

PriscillaLayne AATGPresident ProfessorofGerman UniversityofNorthCarolinaatChapelHill layneaatg@uncedu

2023 AATG/ACTFL Annual Convention

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!

REGISTRATION

AATG members receive discounted registration! When you register, start by selecting Convention Partner Organization Members: www.xpressreg.net/register/ACTF1123/landing.asp?

o=&pb=&sc=&aban=&hkey=&iq=&vip=&tm= HOUSING

Reserve your hotel room: www.registration.experientevent.com

/showAFL231

The 2023 AATG Online Awards Ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Details and meeting link to follow.

The Annual AATG Member Meeting will be held Sunday, December 3, 2023. Details and meeting link to follow.

AATG VIRTUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Sunday, December 3, 2023

All AATG members are invited to attend the annual Membership Meeting, which will be held online. Members must RSVP for the meeting in advance, and will receive an email in advance with meeting materials and a link to join the Zoom meeting.

WeattheAATGarethrilledtoannouncealandmarkpledgeof$1,000,000foranewendowmenttosupportuniversity-level studentsofGerman.Inthewakeofwaningsupportamongsomehigher-educationinstitutionsintheUS,weareaddingsupport forstudents,programs,andteachers.

There'sthismyththattheUSAdoesn'tvaluelanguagelearning Quitetheopposite!Inalmostalloftheelitecollegeprepschools, eliteuniversities,andinelitetrainingprogramsforthegovernment,languagelearningisverywellfundedandpromoted.It'snot asecretthatmultilingualismprovidesextra-disciplinarybenefits;thesecretisthatsomanystudentsintheUSdon'thaveaccess toprograms Thisnewendowmentisoneimportantstepinloweringbarriersandcreatingnewpathsofaccessforstudents

WhyEndowments?

AATGfocusesmuchofitsfundraisingeffortsonbuildingdesignatedendowments Theseendowmentsofferdonorstheabilityto knowthattheirfundswillbeusedforspecificpurposes,nowandinthefuture.Thesegiftsmayonlybeusedforthedonor's designatedpurposeandmaynotbereallocated.Thefundsareperpetuallyinvestedandaregovernedbyaninvestmentpolicy statementinlinewithouroverallpolicies Ourfundsareprofessionallymanaged(currentlybyRaymondJames)andour financialpartnerisalsoboundbythesegoverningdocuments Thismaysoundtechnical,butit’skeytoensuringthatdonations canbetrustedtogototherightplace!TheAATGcurrentlyhasthreeactive,dedicatedendowmentsandislookingtoadd morebasedondonorinterest.

FriendsofAATGEndowment

AATGEndowedScholarshipFund

Thenewendowmentwillbeaddedtothislistonceactive ForageneralfinancialoverviewofAATG,see wwwaatgorg/aatg-financial-overview

Whatcanyoudo?

AATGisamember-drivenorganizationthatreliesonyourparticipation Beyondmembership,donations (wwwaatgorg/products/donations)ofanyamounttoadesignatedendowmenthelpthosefundsgrow TheEndowed ScholarshipFundhasgrownsteadilysince1997intoafundthatcurrentlyoffers25studentstheopportunitytostudyinGermany eachsummer!Ournewestactivefund,theprofessionaldevelopmentfund,isdedicatedsolelytosupportingGermanteachers

ThinkBig!

Therearealmost4,000institutionsthatofferGermanintheUS AATGiswellpositionedtobethehubofsupportforstudentsand programs,andwehaveworkedfordecadestobeinthisspace Asthislatestnewsindicates,wearereadyandabletoreceive largerdonationsandestablishnewendowments,eitherbyoutrightgiftorestatebequest.

Ifyou,afriend,familymember,orevenaneighborhastheabilityandwishestoexplorestartinganewendowmenttosupport German,orwishtoincludeafundinyourestateplanning,reachoutforaninitialconversation(mike@aatg.org).

Conversely, ifyouareateacherorstudent,pleaseapplytoenjoyther yourstudentsbenefit,sopleaseapply!wwwaatgorg/annual-program

Herzlichst, MichaelR.Shaughnessy,Ph.D.(he/his) ExecutiveDirector AmericanAssociationofTeachersofGerman

The AATG and its supporters are stepping up for German!

I M P L I C I T B I A S

By Jennifer Bennett, AATG DEI Committee Member

DEI CORNER

HerzlichWillkommenintheHerbstDEICorner!Arguablyoneofthehardestpartsofstartingtheanti-biaswork necessaryforanequitableclassroomexperienceisrecognizingourownimplicitbiases Bytheirnature,implicit biasesarevirtuallyinvisibletousuntilwespecificallylookforthem,andonlyonceweidentifythemcanwe endeavortobreakthemdown Forapowerfulvisualexampleofthispoint,Iencourageyoutoviewthe(quickand entertaining)“TestYourAwareness”videoathttps://wwwyoutubecom/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4

Asbilingualormultilingualeducators,oftenwithextensiveinternationalandmulticulturalexperience,wemaythink wearesomehowlesssusceptibleto,orhaveevenovercome,ourimplicitbiases,andthattheyplaynoroleinour teaching.Thisthinking,however,pointstoalackofunderstandingofthesneakyandunavoidablenatureofimplicit bias.Perhapstheeasiestandquickestwaytolearnwhatbiasesweholdistocompleteanimplicitassociationtest (IAT),themostpopularofwhicharetheHarvardImplicitAssociationTests(implicit.harvard.edu).Whilethesetests havetheircriticsandmaynotbeperfect(oneofthemaincriticismsisofitsscoring),theresultsofyourHarvardIAT canbeaveryusefultooltoguideyouonyourequityjourney.Onceyouhaveidentifiedyourbiases,youcan undertakewaystocombattheminyourpractices.

Ifyouarelookingtotakeyourequityworktothenextlevel,Iencourageyoutoconsiderareexaminationofyour gradingpractices.Whileitmaynotseemlikealikelysourceofinequity-afterall,allstudentsinourclassesare subjectedtothesamegradingpolicies,right?-studiesincreasinglypointtothewayeducatorscalculategradesas amajorproblem.InherMarch17,2023articleforEdutopia,“Whythe100-PointGradingScaleisaStackedDeck,” YoukiTeradagivesanexcellentoverviewofthe“troublinghistory”oftheAmericansystemandits“inherentflaws thatcarryoverintothepresentday”Inhisseminalbook,GradingforEquity:WhatItIs,WhyItMatters,andHowIt CanTransformSchoolsandClassrooms,JoeFeldmangoesintoevengreaterdepthontheproblematichistoryof Americangradingpracticesandtheiroutdatedtiestoindustrialization Feldmanestablishesthreepillarsnecessary forgradingtobeequitableforallstudents,explainingequitablegradingpolicymustbetransparent,bias-resistant, andmotivating Sadly,currentgradingpracticesareoftennoneofthese TheGradingforEquitywebsiteoffersaquiz togetasenseofhowequitableyourgradingsystemis,andisagreatplacetostart:gradingforequityorg Consider gradingpracticesintheGerman-speakingworldandhowwemightbeabletoapplyconceptsfromZeugnisseto bringtransparencytoourgradingstrategies

WelookforwardtobringingyounewDEIfoodforthoughtineacheditionofAktuelles,andwelcomeyourfeedback YoucanreachmeandtheotherDEIcommitteemembersthroughourprofilesatwww.aatg.org/dei-committee. DankeforyourAufmerksamkeit,andhaveawonderfulstarttotheschoolyear.

DIE UNTERRICHTSPRAXIS/ TEACHING GERMAN

Join

Our Forum on Recruitment and Retention in German Education!

Karin Baumgartner, Co-Editor

Join Our Forum on Recruitment and Retention in German Education! We are thrilled with the success of our recent Forum on “(Re-) Discoveries in a Time of Disruption”. Check out the contributions in Volume 56, Issue 1, and look for more contributions in Issue 2 this fall. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Forum titled "Recruitment and Retention: Strategies, Best Practices, and Challenges"! This promising forum is planned for next year, scheduled for publication in May 2024.

In recent years, German language programs across educational levels have encountered a series of trials – dwindling student interest, budget constraints, the pervasive focus on STEM subjects, among other factors. As a result, numerous programs face closure exemplified by the recent startling developments at the University of West Virginia. Yet, there are beacons of hope amidst these challenges. Initiatives like the Goethe Institute's collaboration with AATG, through the SPARK Program, are paving a way forward. This program has not only revitalized existing programs but stimulated the creation of new ones, enriched the pool of adept German educators, and advocated for the seamless integration of German into standard curricula across various educational levels.

We are looking for concise manuscripts (1,500 - 2,000 words) that showcase a spectrum of strategies and practices employed for student recruitment and retention. These can span elementary, middle, and high schools, community colleges, as well as universities and colleges. Contributions will share insights into the unique challenges of their programs, whether these are financial constraints, teacher shortages, administrative hurdles, or others, and offer practical insights into the strategies and practices implemented.

Take us on your journey from analyzing needs to designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating your approach. The successful contribution shows how the intervention can be replicated in similar or diverse institutional settings and how it is sustainable. Preference will be given to manuscripts that include empirical evidence (comparative student numbers, retention, course progression rates, etc.) and/or demonstrate a sound theoretical basis. Contributions that address contexts other than the US are particularly encouraged as are contributions from elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Submit your manuscripts by November 1, 2023 for full consideration through our online submission portal

Here's our timeline:

Deadline for Manuscript Submission: November 1, 2023

Peer Review Process: November 2023 to February 2024

Publication: May 2024 in Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German

Should you have any questions or need clarifications, don't hesitate to reach out to Karin and Matt (unterrichtspraxis@gmail.com). Let's tackle the challenges facing German language education together and share our recruitment and retention strategies with a broad audience. Your ideas are pivotal in shaping the future of German education. We eagerly anticipate your submissions!

MattSchulze,Co-Editor

THENATIONAL THENATIONAL GERMANEXAM GERMANEXAM

STUDENT RECOGNITION & SCHOLARSHIP

NGE CERTIFICATES

Free Gold, Silver, Bronze, Achievement, and Participation certificates are available in color for teachers to download and print Certificates showcase the student’s name, level, percentile score, teacher name, and school name.

NGE MEDALS

Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded to students who achieved the highest percentile rankings on the NGE

NGE HONOR ROLL

Students who achieve the highest percentile rankings on the NGE are recognized on AATG’s NGE Honor Roll. Winners are searchable by level, state, and AATG chapter. The Honor Roll recognizes students, their teachers, and their school.

Students who achieve the 90th percentile and meet other eligibility requirements can apply for the AATG/PAD NGE Scholarship. a threeweek trip to Germany provided by the German government. Eligible seniors can apply for the Post Graduate Scholarship, a cash prize to pursue German after high school.

2023 Summer Study Recap

In 2023, a total of 152 students went abroad for three-to-four-week study abroad stays through programs organized by AATG and our German partners. We invite you to read more about each program and hear from some of our participants. All our study abroad programs are educational programs that include classes in Germany and homestays with German families, as well as excursions and visits to cultural and historical sites Students also enjoy ample free time with their German and American peers and their host families to explore leisure activities in Germany

NGE Scholarship

The National German Exam Scholarship (formerly Study Trip Award) has been offered for over 60 years by the Federal Republic of Germany, through the German Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) and its Pedagogical Exchange Service (Pädagogischer Austauschdienst). Students in the International Group (Internationales Preisträgerprogramm) traveled through Germany with prizewinners from other countries for four weeks. Students who were part of the Deutschland Plus program traveled to Germany for a threey with their fellow scholarship recipients and a US ne

ormation: https://www.nge.aatg.org/ngescholarship

These programs would not be possible without our partners at

2023 Summer Study Recap

Summer Study Program

Our Summer Study Program for High School students is a three-week study abroad program which includes a two-week homestay with a German family and host sibling and one week of travel to a different German city – in 2022 and 2023, this city was Leipzig. Students attend classes with their host sibling and with their US group, go on excursions, enjoy leisure activities in Germany and improve their German by being immersed in the German language and culture 24/7. They are accompanied by a US chaperone for the entire duration of the trip

Learn more here: https://www.aatg.org/summer-study

College Summer Program

Our College Summer Program launched in 2022 and is now in its second year. In 2023, seventeen US college students traveled to Bonn, Germany, for a four-week stay, co-organized by our German partners, Akademie für Internationale Bildung (AiB) Accompanied by their academic director, Ingrid Zeller (Northwestern U), students explored the Rhineland region on numerous excursions and study trips, and took German language classes as well as a cultural topics course in English. Students also got to enjoy a taste of authentic everyday life in Germany by staying with host families in the city of Bonn.

More information:

https://www aatg org/college-summer-program

These programs would not be possible without our partners at

Thank you, donors!

I spent months looking forward to this trip and actually being there was literally a dream come true. (...) I came back with a better understanding of German and tons of great memories. I’m very thankful to our chaperone and tour guide, my host family, and everyone else who went on the trip. I hope to visit Germany again one day and learn even more

-

This trip really helped my speaking abilities, along with my confidence in them. I also grew so much as a person, and through this trip I have been able to become so much more independent. I couldn't thank the donors to my scholarship enough.

This trip was truly an unforgettable experience. I was able to meet so many new people from Germany and the USA and improved my German as well. I cannot thank the people who sponsored this trip enough, as it was my first time in Europe Thank you to everyone who donated to AATG and made this trip possible for me and many other students across the nation. Danke Schön!

Sabrina, 2023 Käthe Wilson Scholarship Recipient

- Bryson, 2023 Endowed Fund Scholarship Recipient

- Jack, 2023 Endowed Fund Scholarship Recipient

Thank you, donors!

It’s safe to say that I had the best summer of my life. I learned so much and made so many memories that I will cherish forever. Experiencing a new culture definitely opened my eyes and mind and it was so special to actually visit the place I’ve been learning about for the past two years. Thank you so much to AATG and the Halle Foundation for giving me the opportunity to go on this amazing trip!

The 2023 Heidelberg AATG Summer Trip was one of the best experiences I have ever had and taught me so many new things about myself. I am so thankful for the Halle Foundation for generously donating the grant that made this trip possible for me. I also want to thank the organization, AATG, for conducting these summer trips to allow German-learning students, like me, to have an opportunity to experience German culture.

My trip to Germany was absolutely worth taking. I will never forget the phenomenal memories I shared with my host family and American peers, the architecture and history we together witnessed, and my many impressions of German life. (...) The growth of my linguistic confidence extended more generally to my being; the challenges of living in a foreign country, as well as the accessibility of public transportation, made me more independent and resilient to change. I owe such thanks to the Halle Foundation, my host family, our chaperone Christina, and everyone who made the trip possible!

-Chase, 2023 Halle Scholarship Recipient

-Maddie, 2023 Halle Scholarship Recipient

-Andes, 2023 Halle Scholarship Recipient

There’sstilltimetoenterintoourgiveaway!ThisFall,AATGisgivingawayTHREEprize bagsfilledwithawesomeGerman-teachingswagandGermanpromotionalitems.In orderforachancetowinaprizebag,whichwillbeshippeddirectlytoyouatnocost,you mustbeacurrentAATGmemberANDlogintotheNEWAATGwebsite(that'sit!)by October1,2023 Threememberswillbeselectedatrandomtoreceivetheprizebagonce thegivewayperiodendsinOctober *PrizebagcontentswillbeselectedbyAATGstaff accordingtoavailability Theactualcontentsaresubjecttovaryfrombagtobag Prize bagitemsarecurrentlynotforsaleontheAATGStore

GiveawayTerms

1.BeacurrentAATGmember.

2 LogintotheNEWAATGwebsitebyOctober1,2023 Instructionsandassistancetoget started:wwwaatgorg/news/welcome-to-the-new-aatg-website

3 AfterthegiveawayperiodendsAATGpullslogindataandrandomlyselectswinnersto receiveaprizebag We'llusetheshippingaddressinyourprofiletomailyourpackage andcontactyouifweneedto!

Ourwebsitehasabrandnewlookandupdatedtechnologyinanefforttobetterserveourmembers.Wehopethatafterlogging in,you'llexploreitsfeatures,includinglearninghowtopayinvoices,updateyourprofile,searchthememberdirectory,readblog posts,andmoreandalsoprovidefeedbackandideasonhowwecanmakethesitebetterforourmembership Remember, updatingyourprofilehelpsAATGdetermineyoureligibilityforgrantsandprofessionaldevelopmentopportunities!

Member Testimonial: AATG Endowed Professional Development Fund Grant

“I was a recipient of the ATTG Endowed PD Grant this year and I am following up with you after my Goethe Institut course that I used my grant for.

First of all, this was my first ever in person German course that I have ever taken and it was absolutely amazing to be in a room full of people also eager to learn and speak German I took an intensive compact A 2 1 course in Berlin and stayed with a host family I really feel like my German improved more in these 2 weeks than in any other time learning German.

It was also very good for me to see how German families live so I can relate this to my students in the classroom One example is "Mull sortieren" I have taught this previously, but didn't fully understand until I saw the different trash cans under the kitchen sink and the corresponding trash bins outside Another cultural aspect that I have a better grasp of to help my students is the public transportation system of Germany. I was able to take the S-Bahn and U-Bahn almost everywhere!

This award has really given me the boost I needed to continue learning German and help the students in my classroom I am now going to also encourage more of my students to look into either taking classes through GI or visiting German on an exchange program

I recommend this grant to anyone in the future that needs more practice with their German, or doesn't feel comfortable speaking German in front of their students.

Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!”

-Aaron Clark, German Teacher, Southern Illinois AATG Chapter

SPARK for German 130SPARKLabsandCounting...

The SPARK Team would like to extend a “herzlich Willkommen!” to our new partners and a “herzlich Willkommen zum Schuljahr

2023/24!” to all of our partners and supporters who are bringing SPARK to so many communities. We especially welcome the incredible students who participate in SPARK programming who, alongside their families, are being introduced to the German language and experience German-speaking culture. Student instructors gain practical experience teaching students and pass on their knowledge of and passion for the German language in turn feeling empowered in their learning and interest in becoming teachers. To our SPARK Lab directors: We appreciate your generosity in offering your expertise and time to coordinate and collaborate to create sustainable K-16 partnerships and pipelines for the next generation of German educators To our teachers at the SPARK Sommerschule, at Middlebury Summer School and at the Deutsche Sommerschule am Pazifik: Thank you for your contributions in preparing the next cohort of SPARK instructors.

SPARK for German

130SPARKLabsandCounting...

This fall, we opened our SPARK workshop series with a warm welcome by Minister Hasper, Head of Communication and Culture of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Minister Hasper reminded us of the important contributions of German educators to the transatlantic relationship. The teaching and learning of languages allow us to get to know better ourselves and others and to bridge the dialogue between our two countries. The SPARK network is grateful for the continued support of our work through the German Embassy. The exciting lineup of the SPARK Fall Series includes workshops with the SPARK labs at Oswego East High School, at Montclair State University and at Texas Tech University. These successful labs will share their experiences and offer practical tips on how to get started with your SPARK Lab. Our media expert will provide useful information on how to work with social media in order to do critical outreach and to make your program sparkle and shine in your community. Nella Spurlin, a member of our regional team, will offer a workshop to help instructors work with students at elementary, middle, and high schools. All SPARK instructors, especially the students implementing the programs, are invited to all workshops. Workshops are offered free of charge for all SPARK Labs.

We look forward to connecting with some of you at ACTFL in Chicago If you cannot attend ACTFL and have questions or if you would like to work with us, please send us a message via spark-washington@goethe de We look forward to hearing from you!

We wish everybody a successful and productive academic year and hope to see you either in person at ACTFL or virtually at one of our workshops!

Upcoming Workshops

Tuesday, October 10, 3-4 PM EST

SPARK Best Practices: Successful University Labs

Guests: Dr Pascale LaFountain, Montclair State University and Dr Anita McChesney, Texas Tech University

Registration: https://goetheinstitut zoom us/meeting/register/tZwufumsrjgiGN1mdsetg1gRTWCEd0VbxVFZ

Tuesday, October 24, 6-7 PM EST

SPARK Workshop with Annette Baran: Outreach via Social Media

Registration: https://goethe-institut zoom us/meeting/register/tZwrcemvqzosHtJeKcaD9ByJ4Z9Nz25L51Fs

Thursday, November 2, 3-4 PM EST

SPARK Professional Development with Nella Spurlin: Teaching Children and Young People

Registration: https://goetheinstitut zoom us/meeting/register/tZEudOCupjgpE9wpV9MlfJ4b8CxtI6 htWDK

Tuesday, December 12, 3-4 PM EST: SPARK Winterfest

Registration Link: https://goetheinstitut.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvdOCgpzMoGtWcYGgOrpahdHaMdzC4 mRq

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

German Educational Multiplier (GEM) Netzwerk

EinFortbildungsangebotfür Deutschlehrende

Die German Educational Multipliers (GEMs) bieten eine Workshopreihe für Deutschlehrkräfte in den USA an. Die Workshops finden von September bis Dezember 2023 statt. Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos.

Im Verstaltungskalender und über den QR-Code finden Sie eineÜbersicht über die angebotenen Workshops.

Bitte melden Sie sich für einen/mehrere Workshops über das Anmeldeformular an!

Bitte wenden Sie sichbei Fragen an jasmin.root-joswig@goethe.de.

Klett World Languages

Newsletter for AATG members

Dear AATG Members,

Welcome back! We hope that your return to the classroom has been a success. As this school year gets underway, we want to take a few moments to share what we have been working on over the summer.

WE PROUDLY PRESENT: THE KWL HUB

As part of our commitment to our students and educators, we continuously update and improve both our print and digital solutions based on your feedback. Our Digital and Educational Technology teams are dedicated to ensuring you and your students have the best online experience possible.

The Klett World Languages German language and culture programs for K-12 studentsthatyouknowandloveareontheirwayto TheKWLHub:

PortfolioDeutschNEU,nowavailableforstudentsandteachers!

Klasse!,comingforthe2024-2025academicyear

AspekteJunior,comingforthe2024-2025academicyear

If you’re interested in learning more about The KWL Hub and its new features, pleasedon’thesitatetocontactusat german@klettwl.com!

OUR PROGRAMS FOR YOUR K-12 STUDENTS

Our print and digital programs are designed to empower and engage your students as they embark on a new communicative journey. Our bestselling German programs for K-12 students include:

PORTFOLIO DEUTSCH NEU KLASSE!

A modern, engaging, studentcentered German program

Novice Low to Intermediate High

ASPEKTE JUNIOR

A communicative, action-oriented German program for today’s young learners

Novice Low to Intermediate High

DISCOVER OUR COMPLETE CATALOG!

https://klettwl.com/catalog-2023/

®

An Intermediate/Advanced program for AP German Intermediate Mid to Advanced High

From the entire Klett World Languages team, we’d like to wish you the best for the 2023-2024 academic year!

Viele Grüße, Your KWL Team

Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

Liebe Kolleginnen, liebe Kollegen, mit Beginn des Schuljahres berichten wir über die vielen Möglichkeiten, die sich für Schüler:innen von DSD-Schulen ergeben: Von der Teilnahme an Jugend debattiert Veranstaltungen, über das Studium in Deutschland bis zur Teilnahme an einer Lesung des deutschen Erfolgsautors Thomas Brussig.

Wir wünschen allen Kolleginnen und Kollegen einen guten Start ins neue Schuljahr!

Herzlichst, Susanne Dreyer, houston@auslandsschulwesen.de

Auf großer Bühne in Berlin!

Die letztjährige Gewinnerin des Finales von Jugend debattiert Nordamerika, Romila Detering, war eingeladen, als Gast beim Bundesfinale Jugend debattiert in Berlin dabei zu sein. Im Folgenden ein paar ihrer Eindrücke:

Meine Reise nach Berlin vertiefte mein Engagement mit Jugend debattiert und der internationalen deutschen Gemeinschaft. Am Anfang meiner Reise traf ich u.a. den Gründer von Jugend debattiert, Herrn Ansgar Kemmann und die Jugend debattiert Alumni Emily Vontz. Besonders toll war es, andere internationale Siegerinnen kennenzulernen. Ich freundete mich mit den Gewinnerinnen der letzten Wettbewerbe in Südamerika und der iberischen Halbinsel an. Zusammen besuchten wir die Reichstagkuppel, das Büro der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen und das Auswärtige Amt. Den Gästen des Bundesfinales konnten wir in einem Interview auf der Bühne mitteilen, was Jugend debattiert für Deutschlernende in anderen Ländern bedeutet. Schließlich war ich Zeitwächterin in einem Halbfinale. Das große Finale war beeindruckend und hat uns das Debattieren auf höchstem Niveau gezeigt.

Meine Reise nach Berlin erlaubte mir Gespräche mit, Herrn Kemmann, den debattierenden Landessieger:innen und anderen Alumni.

Vor ein paar Wochen wurde ich nun offiziell ein Mitglied des Jugend debattiert Alumni Vereins, ich werde in Zukunft Veranstaltungen besuchen und Kontakt mit neuen Freunden halten. Auch in New York bin ich dabei, unsere kleine nordamerikanische Gemeinschaft zu stärken. Als Lehrerin bei Jugend debattiert Nordamerika und bei der Deutschen Sprachschule New York bin ich stolz darauf, dass ich zum weiteren Erfolg des Programms beitragen kann.

Meine Zeit in Berlin zeigte mir nicht nur, wie stark die Jugend debattiert Gemeinschaft in Deutschland ist, sondern auch wie weit entwickelt die internationale Gemeinschaft von engagierten deutschsprachigen Jugendlichen ist.

Bericht: Gabi Maiss-Minkler, sanfrancisco@auslandsschulwesen.de

Romila Detering, Ansgar Kemmann und Emily Vontz

Foto: Ina Seow

Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

DSD-Programme an „Magnet Schools“ - ein erfolgreiches Konzept!

Auch in diesem Schuljahr wurden in Georgia im Schulbezirk DeKalb County an den sogenannten „Magnet Schools“ Chamblee Middle und Chamblee High School erneut viele DSD I und DSD II Prüfungen absolviert. An diesen Schulen gelten besondere erhöhte akademische Standards und es werden ebenfalls erhöhte Ansprüche an die Leistungen der Schüler der Deutschprogramme gestellt. Daher beginnen die Schülerinnen und Schüler in diesem Schulbezirk bereits in den Grundschulen voll-immersiv damit, Deutsch zu lernen, so dass sie darauf aufbauend, Deutsch als Pflichtfach in der Chamblee Middle School belegen können. Nach dem erfolgreichen Bestehen des DSD I an der Chamblee Middle School können die Schülerinnen und Schüler dann ihre Deutschkenntnisse an der Chamblee High School erweitern und dort mit dem DSD II erfolgreich abschließen.

Da das DSD II Diplom im Rahmen des „Studienticket-DSD“ die für ein Studium in Deutschland nötigen Sprachkenntnisse nachweist, ist das DSD II eine notwendige Zulassungsvoraussetzung für ein Studium an einer deutschen Hochschule. Bereits das DSD I weist Deutschkenntnisse auf B1-Niveau nach und ermöglicht damit den Zugang zum Studienkolleg in Deutschland.

Die Schülerinnen und Schüler der Chamblee High School können sehr stolz auf ihre DSD II Diplome sein und werden damit den Weg an eine deutsche Hochschule erfolgreich beschreiten können.

Foto v.l.n.r.: Melanie Moltmann (Generalkonsulin des Deutschen Generalkonsulats Atlanta), DSD II

Schülerinnen und Schüler der Chamblee High School mit ihrer Deutschlehrerin Dr. Yesim Osbarlaz und Nicolette Gahleitner (Fachberatung Atlanta) nach der DSD II Urkundenverleihung

Foto: Jacob Vuiller

Herzlichen Glückwunsch und viel Erfolg an alle Absolventen dieser „Magnet Schools“!

Bericht: Nicolette Gahleitner, atlanta@auslandsschulwesen.de

Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

Gemeinsam Deutschlernen macht Spaß – 15 Jahre Deutsche Samstagsschule Ann Arbor

Am 6. Mai 2023 feierte die Deutsche Samstagsschule Ann Arbor ihr 15-jähriges Bestehen mit einem großen Fest.

Die Schule wurde 2007 von Yvonne Stevens, der heutigen Schulleiterin und Nicole Nessler-Stuhec ins Leben gerufen. Zu Beginn unterrichteten Eltern 9 Schülerinnen und Schüler. 2008 – mit der offiziellen Gründung der Schule – übernahmen Lehrkräfte den Unterricht und heute werden Deutschprogramme für alle Altersstufen angeboten, sowohl für Lerner mit muttersprachlichem Hintergrund als auch für Lerner ohne oder mit geringen Deutschkenntnissen.

Alle Schüler können von der ZfA (Zentralstelle für Auslandsschulwesen) angebotene Prüfungsformate absolvieren: Schüler der Elementary und Middle School können A1- und A2-Zertifikate erwerben, die auf das Deutsche Sprachdiplom vorbereiten. Schülern der oberen Jahrgänge eröffnet sich mit dem erfolgreichen Abschluss des DSD I Diploms (Niveau B1) und des DSD II Diploms (Niveau B2/C1) die Möglichkeit, ein Studium in einem deutschsprachigen Land zu absolvieren. Die feierliche Übergabe der DSD II-Diplome zeugt von der großartigen Arbeit an der Schule: Alle Schülerinnen der DSS Ann Arbor bestanden die Prüfung auf C1 Niveau, 2 von ihnen planen, in Deutschland zu studieren.

Die DSD II Absolventinnen eingerahmt von der Schulleiterin Yvonne Stevens, der Fachberaterin der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA) Susanne Dreyer und Konsul Thomas Rouzanova, der Geschenke vom Generalkonsulat Chicago überreichte.

Foto: Bernd Winnemuth

Die Schule nimmt an vielen unterschiedlichen Wettbewerben, die von der ZfA organisiert werden, teil und arbeitet auch mit der University of Michigan zusammen, um sich am German Day mit 1000 SuS von ca. 30 Middle und High Schools aus dem Südosten Michigans in Kategorien wie Musik, Poesie, Kunst in deutscher Sprache zu messen. Es gibt Vorlesetage, Vorlesewettbewebe, Brieffreundschaften und in Zukunft soll Jugend debattiert implementiert werden.

Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

Aber es wird nicht nur Deutsch gelernt, sondern es finden auch viele kulturelle Aktivitäten statt, wie z.B. Feiern zu St. Martin, Nikolaus, Fasching, Ostern und last but not least das heutige 15-jährige Jubiläum, das neben Ausstellungen, einer Schnitzeljagd, einem Maibaumtanz noch viele weitere Highlights bot.

Frau Stevens hat noch viel vor. Sie betont, dass ohne das Mitwirken aller Lehrkräfte und Eltern die Schule nicht dort wäre, wo sie heute ist. Es macht sie stolz zu sehen, dass die Schule die Schüler:innen dabei unterstützt, ihr Deutsch zu verbessern und ihre Ziele zu verwirklichen, dass sie die deutsche Kultur kennenlernen und das Zusammengehörigkeitsgefühl gefördert wird. Frau Stevens träumt davon, ein Deutsches Sprach- und Kulturzentrum zu gründen, um die vielen deutsche Gruppen in Ann Arbor zu verbinden

Bericht: Susanne Dreyer, houston@auslandsschulwesen.de

Thomas Brussig besucht die DSD-Schule Milwaukee School of Languages

Der Autor Thomas Brussig besuchte im April die Milwaukee School of Languages und las uns aus seinem Roman “Am kürzeren Ende der Sonnenallee” vor. Thomas Brussig wuchs in der DDR auf und hat viele Romane über das Leben in der DDR geschrieben. Nach einer Unterrichtseinheit zur DDR und der Wiedervereinigung war die Lesung ein toller Abschluss. Zunächst stellte Thomas Brussig die Hauptcharaktere vor und las Passagen aus seinem Roman vor. Im Anschluss konnten die High School Schüler:innen der Milwaukee School of Languages Fragen zum Buch stellen. Besonders interessiert waren die Schüler:innen an den Charakteren und der Verfilmung, aber auch viele Fragen zu Brussigs eigenen Eindrücken von der DDR wurden gestellt. Für die Schüler:innen war es eine tolle Gelegenheit mit Thomas Brussig über sein Buch und seine Erfahrungen zu sprechen. Der Roman “Am kürzeren Ende der Sonnenallee” wurde 2023 von Jonathan Franzen und Jenny Watson ins Englische übersetzt. Die Lesung wurde durch die ZfA und das Generalkonsulat Chicago ermöglicht.

Thomas Brussig liest aus seinem Roman “Am kürzeren Ende der Sonnenallee” in der Bibliothek der Milwaukee School of Languages. Foto: Aurelia Schumacher

Bericht: Susanne Dreyer, houston@auslandsschulwesen.de

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange

CBYXisafully-fundedprogramforhighschoolstudents,recenthighschoolgraduateswith vocationalinterests,andyoungprofessionals!

WHY STUDY WITH CBYX?

Experience a new culture and community

Gain a college advantage

Develop lifelong leadership skills

CBYX strives to represent the diversity of the United States through the participants we send to Germany. Applicants from all racial, economic, ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as are students with disabilities.

Access a vast alumni and professional network

Experience unique opportunities as a citizen diplomat that will give you a competitive edge in tomorrow's job market

"I learned vital skills, such as navigating other languages and cultures.... and maturing into a self-confident leader,, that positions me to shape the future of America."