Winter 2022-23 Aktuelles

Winter 2022-23

American Association of Teachers of German, 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 Cynthia Chalupa, Central Region West Virginia University, WV Lucia Huang, Southeast Region Wilson High School, SC J.J. Melgar, Southwest Region Westwood High School, TX Carrie Collenberg-González, Northwest Region Portland State University, OR

The American Association of Teachers of German supports the teaching of the German language and German-speaking cultures in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education in the United States. The AATG promotes the study of the German-speaking world in all its linguistic, cultural and ethnic diversity and endeavors to prepare students as transnational, transcultural learners and active, multilingual participants in a globalized world.

Published by the American Association of Teachers of German, Inc. Michael R. Shaughnessy Executive Director mike@aatg.org

Marisa Minard Director of Member Services marisa@aatg.org

John Capasso Finance Manager john@aatg.org

Veronika Burney Director of Programs veronika@aatg.org

Mercedes Pokorny Director of Operations mercedes@aatg.org

Mary Lucchi Logistics Coordinator logistics@aatg.org

112 Haddontowne Court, #104 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 Submit content to www.aatg.org/page/newsletter

Table of Contents 01 02

President’s Letter

04

Member Awards

08

DEI Corner

10

AATG Summer Study Programs

ACTFL/AATG Annual Convention

Aktuelles Inside Winter 2022-23 

AATG President Priscilla Layne shares activity ideas for German club and reflects on the 2022 AATG/ACTFL Annual Convention in Boston, MA.

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AATG shares member photos from the 2022 AATG/ACTFL Convention.

Photo collection of the 2022 Convention in Boston, MA

Congratulations to the 2022 AATG Award Winners

ACTFL presentations focusing on DEIA

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The DEI Committee highlights presentations from the ACTFL Convention that focused on diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible classroom practices and materials.

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“Thank you for your support!”: A message from the AATG Fundraising Committee

Upcoming 2023 opportunities for high school and college students

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Executive Director Report

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National Office News

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AATG Professional Partners

Adaptive organization

Congratulations to the 2022 AATG Award winners!

A Message from the AATG Fundraising Committee Thank you for your support Have regional news to share with the national AATG? Submit an AATG chapter story to www.aatg.org/page/newsletter

Call for Self-Nominations to the Editorial Board of Die Unterrichtspraxis / Teaching German The co-editors of Die Unterrichtspraxis, Karin Baumgartner and Mathias Schulze, invite self-nominations to the journal’s editorial board. We are seeking to diversify the editorial board in terms of instructional level and focus and background (race, class, gender, orientation, age). We are particularly interested in an I nt ernasexual t i ona l internationalization of the editorial board; colleagues from St ud ent Guid e countries other than the US are encouraged to self-nominate.

Please send an email to Unterrichtspraxis@aatg.org with a short statement of interest, a biosketch, and your fields of interest/expertise for reviewing articles.

Before sending your statement, please ensure you have an account with the journal as a reviewer. If you do not have one yet, you can register at https:// onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17561221. Members of the Editorial Board are expected to review 2 or 3 articles per year and rate articles for the Best Article Award once a year. Members also advise the co-editors in editorial and programmatic questions.

Submit to AATG Aktuelles 

Have news about you or a colleague you’d like to share? Submit content for feature and help keep AATG Aktuelles great!

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Submit stories and photos to: www.aatg.org/page/newsletter

President's Letter

Dear AATG Members, As we enter the holiday season, one of the things I

As always ACTFL is a wonderful way not only to

enjoy most is introducing new people to holidays

network and hear fascinating presentations, but

traditions from Germany that I have enjoyed getting

also have these kinds of informal conversations

to know. For the final meeting of my German club, I

with important stakeholders in German.

did a variety of activities with the kids including introducing them to some winter vocabulary – e.g.

I’d like to encourage everyone to consider

die Schneeflocke, der Schneemann und die Kerze –

submitting a session for next year’s ACTFL, which

and playing a variety of games from bingo and

will be in my hometown of Chicago! Here are

color by number to a word search I created here

important deadlines to keep in mind:

(bit.ly/3W2qOjz). I also find the website TeachersPayTeachers.com a useful resource for

ACTFL 2023 Session Proposal Timeframe:

finding activities like this. I love the fact that not only do you find helpful resources, but you are paying

December 15, 2022 - Submit your idea on this form

teachers for their labor!

(aatg.org/page/2023OrganizeSession) for a session you plan to lead

It was wonderful seeing many of you at ACTFL in

December 16, 2022 - AATG posts session ideas on

Boston last month. It has been so long since we had

the website (aatg.org/page/2023CallForProposals)

an in-person event. I enjoyed meeting first-time

January 11, 2023 - People send abstracts directly to

ACTFL attendees, past presidents, veteran teachers

session leaders for considerations

and our many partners from the cultural sector.

January 27, 2023 - Session leaders submit final

Katharina Grüninger from the German Embassy

session proposals on ACTFL's submission portal,

even gave me an idea for a great holiday craft

and follow up with all people who sent abstracts for

involving fake poinsettia flowers, silver bells, and

consideration

holly. The kids had a blast creating them. Below is a photo of my son and his best friend showing off

I wish everyone a joyous holiday season!

theirs.

Priscilla Layne AATG President Professor of German University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill layne.aatg@unc.edu

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Memories of Boston

2022 AATG/ACTFL Annual Convention

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November 18-20, 2022 in Boston, MA

Back together again

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2022 Member Awards The American Association of Teachers of German recognized 12 individuals and three German programs for their outstanding contributions to the teaching and learning of German in the US.

AATG Outstanding German Educator Award Stefanie Ohnesorg, Associate Professor and Chair for German at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, received AATG’s highest honor, the Outstanding German Educator Award. This award is presented in recognition of demonstrated excellence in German education and creative leadership in German language education in local, state, and national arenas.

Stefanie Ohnesorg

AATG Center of Excellence Three German programs were recognized as a German Center of Excellence. This designation is presented to wellestablished and growing German programs with demonstrated excellence in instruction and strong support from administration, professional colleagues, alumni, and students. This year’s designees were the German Studies Program at the College of Charleston, South Carolina; the German Program in the School of Modern Languages at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; and the Department of German Studies at Kalamazoo College, Michigan.

German Embassy Teacher of Excellence Kate Kithil, German teacher at Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana; Samantha Shipeck, teacher of German at Strath Haven Middle School, Wallingford, Pennsylvania; and Veronika Valdes, German teacher at Coral Reef High School, Miami, Florida, received the German Embassy Teacher of Excellence Award. The Embassy recognizes up-and-coming German teachers for excellence in teaching, creativity, and outstanding dedication.

Kate Kithil

Samantha Shipeck

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Veronica Valdes

2022 Member Awards The award recipients were recognized at the virtual 2022 Awards Presentation on November 13, 2022 presided over by Priscilla Layne, AATG President.

FL-A-CH Award Melanie Mello, teacher of German at Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona, was recognized with the FL-A-CH Award for excellence in the teaching of the language and cultures of Austria, the German-speaking areas of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and South Tyrol. The award is sponsored by the Austrian Cultural Forum, the Embassy of Switzerland, and the Embassy of Liechtenstein.

Melanie Mello

Goethe-Institut / AATG Certificate of Merit Four educators were recognized with the Goethe-Institut/AATG Certificate of Merit for their achievements in furthering the teaching of German: James Brown, teacher of German at Fallston Middle School, Fallston, Maryland; Richard Jones, teacher of German at Fallston High School, Fallston, Maryland; Ursula Schoeneich, founder, school director, and teacher of German at German School campus, Newport Beach, California; and Kathy Weingand, teacher of German at UC Scout Program, University of California, Santa Cruz; Cabrillo College in Aptos; and Merced College, Merced, California.

James Brown

Richard Jones

Ursula Schoeneich

Kathy Weingand

Max Kade Prize for Best Article in The German Quarterly Jan Cao, Assistant Professor of Aesthetics and Junior Research Fellow at Si-mian Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities at East China Normal University, Shanghai, China, received the Max Kade Prize for Best Article in The German Quarterly, for the article “From ‘Purpurwort’ to Forgiveness: A Tawadian Translation of Celan’s ‘Psalm’”.

Jan Cao

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2022 Member Awards Best Article in Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German Award Beverly A. Moser, Professor, German and TESL/Applied Linguistic, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, received the Best Article in Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German Award for “Building Sustainability into the German Program: “Climate Stories” in Gen-Ed German and the Advanced Curriculum”.

Beverly A. Moser

AATG-The German Quarterly Graduate Student Paper Award Tim Ellison, Carolina-Duke Graduate Program in German Studies, North Carolina, received The German Quarterly Graduate Student Paper Award for “Historical Rhapsody: Citation and Pseudo -Citation in Herder’s Auch eine Philosophie der Geschichte zur Bildung der Menschheit.”

Tim Ellison

2022 Awards Presentation With Special Thanks

Austrian Cultural Forum New York OeAD—Österreichs Agentur für Bildung und Internationalisierung

German-American Partnership Program Klett

Checkpoint Charlie Foundation Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

Max Kade Foundation Schulamt des Fürstentums Liechtenstein

Embassy of Switzerland

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Honorary Members and Fellows of AATG Congratulations!

Congratulations to Albrecht Classen, who at the 2022 Annual Membership Meeting of the AATG, held virtually on December 4, 2022, was named an Honorary Member of the organization by the assembled membership. Honorary Members are distinguished Germanists or specialists in second language acquisition with a focus on Deutsch als Fremdsprache. They are recognized scholars of international stature who have contributed to the advancement of Germanic studies in the fields of literary studies, linguistics, second language acquisition, or pedagogy, or distinguished K-12 educators with significant regional and/or national impact. Dr. Albrecht Classen is University Distinguished Professor and Director of Outreach in the Department of German Studies at the University of Arizona.

In addition to this honor, Honorary Fellows of AATG are distinguished men and women of letters. Distinguished men and women of letters is to be interpreted in a broad sense. They may be distinguished scholars or professionals in German studies fields outside language and literature; or they may be creative writers or essayists.

Nominations for Honorary Members and Honorary Fellows: Active AATG members may nominate persons to the committee chair. This may be done independently or through an AATG chapter. The last day to submit nominations is September 1, 2023. Find more information at aatg.org/page/HonoraryMembers.

Members Recognized in the Profession A Special CONGRATS!

AATG Vice President Angelika Becker, Carmel High School, Indiana, received the 2022 ACTFL Florence

Steiner Award for Leadership in World Language Education (K-12).

The Modern Language Association of America is awarding its fifteenth Aldo and Jeanne Scaglione Prize for Studies in Germanic Languages and Literatures to AATG Member Alys X. George, Stanford University, for her book The Naked Truth: Viennese Modernism and the Body.

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DEI-Related Sessions at ACTFL 2022 By the AATG DEI Committee

DEI CORNER Members of the DEI Commitee (Chiann Tsui, Carlos Burse, and Kelsey White) held a meet-and-greet with fellow AATG members at ACTFL 2022 in Boston, MA.

A few DEI Committee members were fortunate enough to attend the ACTFL Conference in Boston this past November, and they participated in various sessions. Many of those sessions–both German- and non-language-specific– acknowledged the importance of having diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible classroom practices and materials. While the following list is by no means exhaustive, it offers a sampling of sessions that addressed DEI-related concerns at ACTFL this year. Please reach out to the presenters directly for further information.

Alle für Alle: Supporting LGBT+ Students in the Language Classroom - Mariah Ligas (Antietam MSHS, PA), Ben Fisher-Rodriguez (Bothell HS, WA), Alysha Holmquist-Posner (Enumclaw HS, WA) After presenting information about gender identities and expressions, sexual orientation, and preferred pronouns, Mariah Ligas, Ben FisherRodriguez, and Alysha Holmquist-Posner approached their presentation from three different angles. In teacher preparation, presenters recommended reflection on how materials may reproduce cis- and heteronormative experiences, how different identities interplay with gender and sexuality in the target culture, and what microagressions one might expect from students or parents/guardians. They then advocated for creating more inclusive learning experiences through the meaningful incorporation of authentic materials that show LGBT-people from their own perspective throughout the curriculum (and not just as an appendix). Finally, they promoted allyship in the classroom and beyond, by modeling appropriate behavior and language use, pursuing personal edification, and creating safe spaces in the classroom as well in extra-curricular settings.

Approaches to Diversifying the German Curriculum: German Music & Culture - Juliane Schicker (Carleton College, MN) Dr. Juliane Schicker shared her progress on adjusting the syllabus of an English-language survey course on German culture and music to reflect more than a historically white, cis-male canon. Dr. Schicker described how taking a thematic rather than chronological approach to the syllabus has allowed her to focus on centering marginalized voices and avoiding tokenization, while also affording space for not-yet canonical texts to stand in direct conversation with canonical texts. Furthermore, Dr. Schicker shared how she has changed the language in her course expectations and modified assessment types and grading to be more inviting to all students. Lastly, Dr. Schicker presented specific examples of lessons and texts that she uses in her course, illustrating the changes that she has made and continues to make as the course evolves.

Casting a wider net: Reaching and supporting neurodiverse learners - Stephanie Krause (McLean School, MD) and Wesley Wood (Bullis School, MD) Stephanie Krause and Wesley Wood presented an overview of different diagnoses that fall under the “neurodivergent umbrella,” and they offered classroom strategies to reach and support all learners. Among other things, they discussed strategies for community building, classroom management, building executive function, and communicating with all parties, including the learner. The presenters also discussed the difference between universal design for learning, differentiated instruction, and traditional thinking. Moreover, Ms. Krause and Mr. Wood provided suggestions for tech and non-tech tools in the classroom, as well as a list of resources for further information on neurodiversity.

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Diversity and Differentiation via Children and Youth Literature - Angelika Becker (Carmel HS, IN) and Charlene Heinzman (Northwestern HS, IN) Angelika Becker and Charlene Heinzman introduced different primary source materials that can be used at various proficiency levels for German language learners. Ms. Becker and Ms. Heinzman presented a poem and a German reader that can be used with novice learners (Verschieden aber zufrieden, by Günter Strohbach and Der Brief, by Theresa Marrama, respectively), a German children’s book that can be used at the intermediate level (Meine Oma lebt in Afrika, by Annelies Schwarz), and a short story that can be used at the intermediate-advanced level (Schischyphusch oder der Kellner meines Onkels, by Wolfgang Borchert). Among other things, the materials presented can be used to encourage learners to engage more deeply with cultural similarities and differences; concepts of perception, acceptance, and identity on the personal, sociocultural, and national level; and disabilities and the treatment of persons with disabilities in the past and present.

From Documentaries to Protest Footage: Critical Media Literacy in L2 German - Jeanne Schueller (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Margaret Strair (Bryn Mawr College, PA), Helga Schrenkenberger (University of Vermont), Bridget Levine-West (University of Vermont) Although this panel was not specifically centered on DEI issues, Dr. Jeanne Schueller presented on Mädchenseele: Critical Media Literacy and Inclusive Pedagogy in the Language Classroom. She first provided background and resources on the documentary Mädchenseele (Anne Scheschonk, 2017) which portrays the lives of a seven year-old trans girl and her mother. Dr. Schueller then described the ways she works with her students on a critical film analysis, and provided information about gender identity, gender expression, and inclusive pedagogy.

Gender-inclusive Language in the German Classroom - Julie Shi (undergraduate student at Emory University, GA), Daniel Walter (Emory University, Oxford College), Julie Feldhaus (University of Massachusetts-Amherst) In a session organized and moderated by Dr. Joerg Meindl (Lebanon Valley College, PA), Julie Shi and Dr. Daniel Walter presented Beyond Xier: Usage of neopronouns by German speakers on Twitter. The results from their research project showed that over a four-week period, non-binary Twitter users referred to themselves with they/them pronouns more frequently than with other options, such as xier and dey/deren. They also discussed language change and implications for teaching. Dr. Julie Feldhaus described a diversity unit in a 6th-semester STEM course in German. As one example, she showed how gender in language can impact business contexts, such as in the case of job applications. She provided pros and cons of gender-neutral versus gender-inclusive language and illustrated ways to avoid gendered linguistic constructions.

Representing Disability in the Language Curriculum - Maria Datel (Boston University) In her presentation, Dr. Maria Datel discussed disability through the framework of decolonization. She began with a brief historical overview of the differences in perception regarding people with disabilities in indigenous, pre-colonial civilizations and Eurocentric contexts. Dr. Datel then emphasized the need to decolonize language curricula by questioning structures of knowledge favoring Eurocentric views and their impact on the lives of people with disabilities, and to consider how race, class, gender, sexuality and citizenship intersect with the concept of disability. In addition, Dr. Datel addressed the need to normalize differences, center the perspectives of people with disabilities in the classroom, and to represent disability as a form of identity. To make the classroom accessible and inclusive for all learners, Dr. Datel also discussed the importance of universal design for learning, including utilizing multiple modalities for assignments and giving students choice when completing assessments. Finally, Dr. Datel stressed the importance of setting the same high standards for all learners to ensure that all are treated with equal respect.

Why it matters: Black social justice movements in Austria and Switzerland - Karin Baumgartner (University of Utah) and Amanda Scheffer (Catholic University of America, DC) Dr. Karin Baumgartner presented Robert Dublers M—--köpfe – die Rassismusdebatte in der Schweiz. She showed how she used materials in a thirdyear course to first explore stereotypes and actual demographics of Switzerland’s population and to teach the history and connotations of the word “Mor”/”Mohr”. This background knowledge allowed students to discuss reactions to a tweet which called for the renaming of products with names that are rooted in racism. Dr. Amanda Scheffer spoke about racism in Austria, and discussed how the problems are different than in Germany or the US due to a unique historical context. She provided examples of materials from the Black Lives Matter movement and leading activists to help bring awareness of issues and actions in Austria.

Creating a safer space: AATG’s diverse & inclusive materials for 2022 - Natalie Eppelsheimer (Middlebury College, VT), Amanda Randall (St. Olaf College, MN), Paul García (University of Kansas, retired), Michael McCloskey (Bunker Hill MS, NJ) Drs. Natalie Eppelsheimer, Amanda Scheller, and Paul García shared their work with the 2021/22 workgroup Creating Safe(r) Spaces. Dr. Scheller introduced the AATG’s GETMAPP resource folder available for free to all members and non-members. Dr. García introduced materials that reflect more diverse family constellations than typically found in German instructional textbooks, as well as materials that explore the diversity of culture in Austria through food offered at the Viennese Naschmarkt. Dr. Eppelsheimer shared materials developed to examine Karneval through the lens of cultural appropriation and appreciation, as well Zivilcourage in contemporary contexts. Dr. Eppelsheimer also introduced materials outlining the newly revamped Buchstabiertafel, which uses as reference different cities instead of personal names, removing inherent bias embedded within the usage of the previously selected names.

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Spend the Summer in Germany! e open r a s n atio mer m Applic u S G AAT for the m for a r g o r P Study dents u t S l o cho High S AATG e h t r and fo mer m u S e Colleg m!

Progra

AATG Summer Study Program for for High High School School Students Students

Quick Facts

Interested in being a chaperone?

Start here: aatg.org/SummerStudyTeachers

Questions?

Contact veronika@aatg.org

Application deadline: January 20, 2023 aatg.org/SummerStudyApply

Three-week trip Homestay with Germany host family Classes at host school with German host sibling Class excursions Activities with host family Travel week at the end of the trip Seven course sites to choose from

Scholarships are available!

Apply by December 15, 2022 aatg.org/SummerStScholarships

Student Testimonials "My time in Germany was absolutely wonderful.

The great group of students, my amazing host family, and the accommodating host school made this trip perfect." – Sabrina , 2022 participant

“I connected with my host family so well, and we became so close that I know I will always keep in touch with them.”

– Cady, 2022 participant

AATG College Summer Program Quick Facts July 6-August 4, Bonn, Germany Homestay with experienced local host families

Classes in German & English, 6 credits total, awarded by Alanus University Bonn Excursions & study trips Workshops & information sessions about studying in German Transportation within Germany included Faculty-led in cooperation with German partners

Application deadline: February 10, 2023 aatg.org/CollegeSummerProgram

Executive Director Report Adaptive organization Dear AATG Colleagues, It's good to be back! Although the pandemic is not over and we must still make sure to take care of our friends, family, students, and co-workers, this year has been about restoring specific programs. The AATG staff have been busy putting programs back in place and modifying them to ensure functionality and sustainability. Our summer study programs offered almost 150 people the chance to go to Germany this summer, most of them on scholarships. Our National German Exam offered 57 full scholarships and is going through a major technology upgrade to be ready for the coming years. The AATG is an adaptive organization that is almost 100 years old (and will surely be around for the next 100 years!). I'm proud to work with each member of the staff and to have the opportunity to serve German teachers and students throughout the US. I look forward to meeting so many more of you in 2023 and wish you all a safe, healthy, and resftful holiday season.

Herzlichst,

Michael R. Shaughnessy Executive Director AATG mike@aatg.org

News from the National Office Applications due January 13 for 2023 DivDaF seminar in Leipzig Diversity and Social (In)Justice in German as a Foreign Language (DivDaF) In conjunction with interDaF at the Herder Institute of the Universität Leipzig, we will offer seminars and professional development in Leipzig in the summers from 2023 - 2025, for teachers of German at all levels interested in the topic of diversity and social (in) justice. This project will focus on the development of pedagogical and methodological frameworks in the transatlantic context.

Applications are now open for a 2023 seminar in Leipzig for experts in the field (July 17-19, 2023). In-person participants must have made a significant contribution to research and/or professional engagement on Diversity and Social (In)Justice in foreign language teaching and its pedagogy.

For full details, visit https://www.aatg.org/page/divdaf. An application link can be found there (member login required). Applications are open now, and are due January 13, 2023.

In 2024 and 2025, we will offer professional development for all teachers.

This project is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

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Thank you for your support!

Dear fellow AATG members, On behalf of the AATG Fundraising Committee, thank you for your donations in support of the 2022 AATG Week of Giving. Thanks to your generosity, AATG received donations of more than $40,000 and unlocked the matching challenge which was provided by generous anonymous donors. The AATG Fundraising Committee acknowledges the challenges many of us continue to face, hence, your outpouring of support is truly humbling! Your contributions support the mission of AATG and provide critical funds for student programming, including study abroad, and professional development for teachers.

As you know, we are at the half point of the Centennial Campaign. For those of you who would like to contribute this year, it is not too late. Please continue to give and please help us spread the word. We are grateful for contributions in all amounts, whether you add a few extra dollars at checkout of the AATG store or whether you decide to join the AATG Centennial Campaign by donating $1,926 prior to 2026. All donations will directly benefit teachers and students of German. You have a choice to donate to one of our endowed funds which are professionally managed and invested sustainably: https://www.aatg.org/donations/ For those of you who shop online, please consider using Amazon Smile to support AATG: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-1944578. It takes two minutes to sign up. Each time you shop using Amazon Smile, AATG will receive a percentage of the money you spent. Many employers provide matching funds for donations, so please let us know if you are in the fortunate situation to help AATG through someone’s employer. If you would like to help us fundraise, please let me know. We would be grateful to work with you on the AATG Fundraising Committee.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season, with gratitude.

Sincerely,

Susanne Rinner Chair, AATG Fundraising Committee rinnersusan@gmail.com

Liebe Kolleginnen, liebe Kollegen, es ist mir eine Ehre und Freude zugleich, die Douglas High School in Box Elder, South Dakota als 14. Mitglied des globalen PASCH-Netzwerks begrüßen zu dürfen. Um diese Auszeichnung gebührend zu feiern, veranstaltete das Goethe-Institut Chicago Ende Oktober einen

zweitägigen Workshop für Schüler*innen, in dessen Rahmen auch die offizielle PASCH-Plakette übergeben wurde. Herzlichen Glückwunsch an alle Beteiligten!

Nach zwei Jahren Pandemie-bedingter Pause waren wir bei der diesjährigen ACTFL Convention wieder vor Ort vertreten. Thematisch im Fokus standen dabei neben spannenden digitalen Lernangeboten auch unsere Fortbildungsprogramme, von denen wir einige für Sie ab nächstem Jahr in Partnerschaft mit Idioma anbieten. Ein besonderes Highlight war es, viele bekannte und neue Gesichter zu sehen und gemeinsam Ideen für einen innovativen, zukunftsorientierten Deutschunterricht zu besprechen. Gerade in diesen fordernden Zeiten sind der direkte Austausch und die Vernetzung wichtiger denn je.

Zu guter Letzt möchte ich noch die Dezemberausgabe des U-Häppchen empfehlen, in der Sie leckere Rezepte und kreative DaF-Materialien rund um die Weihnachtszeit finden.

Ihnen eine anregende Lektüre und alles Gute für das kommende Jahr.

Herzlich

Anne Schönhagen

U-HÄPPCHEN Die Kolleg*innen aus den Goethe-Instituten in den USA erstellen monatlich die sogenannten U-Häppchen. Dabei handelt es sich um interaktive pdfs zum sofortigen kostenlosen Herunterladen mit Aufgaben zu einem bestimmten aktuellen Thema. Sie richten sich an jugendliche Deutschlerner*innen der Niveaustufen A1-A2. Im Dezember, pünktlich zur gemütlichen Winterzeit, geht es um das Thema Backen.

Lernen Sie leckere Rezepte für Plätzchen kennen und gestalten Sie mit

Ihrer Klasse ein Rezeptbuch. Hier geht es zu den U-Häppchen.

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Neue Partnerschaft: Goethe-Institut USA und Idioma Consulting Das Goethe-Institut USA und Idioma Consulting freuen sich, nächstes Jahr sechs neue akkreditierte Kurse im Bereich des Deutschunterrichtens anzubieten: Von Strategien für erfolgreiche Lehrkräfte, zu Aufgaben und Übungen, Media und Techniktools im Deutschunterricht, hin zu Curriculumsdesign und Unterrichtsplanung: Die acht Wochen lange Kurse werden fortlaufend über das gesamte Jahr virtuell angeboten. Das Kursportfolio finden Sie hier: Website: https://www.idiomaconsulting.com/ collections/german

Step into German: Youth 4 German Cinema 2023 Jugendliche zwischen 14 und 18 Jahren können sich ab sofort über Step into German als Mitglied der Jugendjury beim Berlin & Beyond Filmfestival bewerben! Die Gewinner*innen werden persönlich zum Festival nach San Francisco eingeladen* und können dort direkt einen Blick hinter die Kulissen eines internationalen Filmfestivals werfen. Bitte teilt diese einzigartige Möglichkeit mit euren Schüler*innen!

DEADLINE: 12. Januar 2023 Alle Details zur Teilnahme und Anmeldeformular findet ihr auf unserer Website! https://www.goethe.de/prj/ stg/en/flm/y4g.html *Vorausgesetzt die Covid-Situation lässt es zu.

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Das PASCH-Netzwerk in den USA ist gewachsen Am 28. Oktober wurde die Douglas High School in Box Elder als 14. Schule in den USA und als erste in South Dakota in das globale Netzwerk von PASCH-Schulen aufgenommen. Das Goethe-Institut Chicago organisierte in diesem Kontext für alle Deutschlernenden der Schule zwei Tage lang Workshops sowie die feierliche Übergabe der PASCH-Plakette.

An der Douglas High School lernen über 90 Schüler*innen in sechs Klassen über mehrere Niveaustufen Deutsch. Elke Kuegle, Deutschlehrkraft und Mitbegründerin des Deutschprograms an der Schule, unterrichtet die 14- bis 18-Jährigen jeweils fünfmal die Woche. Am ersten Workshop-Tag ging es um die PASCH-Initiative. Die Jugendlichen lernten, was es bedeutet, Teil des PASCH-Netzwerkes zu sein und setzten sich in einer interaktiven Rallye mit den verschiedenen Angeboten auf der Lernplattform von PASCH auseinander.

Am zweiten Tag war der Deutsche Generalkonsul vom Generalkonsulat Chicago, Wolfgang Mössinger, zu Besuch. Er sprach mit den Deutschklassen und erfuhr, warum die Schüler*innen Deutsch lernten und welche Beziehungen sie schon zu Deutschland haben. Die Schüler*innen stellten auch ihm Fragen zum Leben in Deutschland, zu seinem Arbeitsalltag und seinen Erfahrungen als Diplomat in Russland, der Ukraine und Aserbaidschan.

Nach der 7. Stunde fand die feierliche Verleihung der PASCH-Plakette und die offizielle Einweihung der Douglas High School als PASCH-Schule statt. Alle 750 Schüler*innen und 80 Lehrkräfte der Schule versammelten sich in der Sporthalle.

Der Festakt wurde eingeleitet mit Grußworten des Schulleiters Duane Wince, der Lehrplanverantwortlichen Kit Veit, Generalkonsul Mössinger und Franziska Trepke, Expertin für Unterricht am Goethe-Institut Chicago. „Diese [PASCH-] Partnerschaft hat uns geholfen, nicht nur Deutsch als Sprache, sondern auch Deutsch als Kultur unter unseren Schüler*innen zu fördern“ lobte Mr. Wince. Danach betonte Generalkonsul Mössinger: „Wir leben in schwierigen Zeiten, in denen die internationale Zusammenarbeit wichtiger ist als je zuvor“. Deutschland und die USA seien noch nie so vereint wie heute gewesen und das PASCH-Programm stärke diesen Zusammenhalt.

Franziska Trepke betonte, wie wichtig Fremdsprachen für die persönliche und berufliche Entwicklung seien. Viele Schüler*innen haben bereits eine enge Beziehung nach Deutschland, sei es durch deutsche Vorfahren, weil ihre Eltern in Deutschland stationiert waren oder weil sie ein Studium oder eine Karriere in Deutschland anstreben. Das PASCH-

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Programm baue eine weitere Brücke für die Schüler*innen zwischen den USA und Deutschland, so Trepke.

Dann enthüllten Mr. Wince und Generalkonsul Mössinger gemeinsam die Plakette. Anschließend hatte der Deutschklub der Schule ein interaktives Deutschland-Quiz für die Zuschauer*innen vorbereitet, in dem Schüler*innen aus verschiedenen Klassenstufen gegeneinander antraten.

Das Goethe-Institut Chicago und die Schule blicken auf zwei spannende und gelungene Tage in Box Elder zurück. Ein besonderer Dank gilt der Lehrerin Elke Kuegle für ihr außerordentliches Engagement für Deutsch als Unterrichtsfach und für ihre Schüler*innen.

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Professional Development Opportunities for German Educators Are you planning your spring chapter meeting or professional development for your colleagues at your school, in your district or for your next state language conference?

Book a GEM (German Educational Multiplier)!

Creating Learner-Centered Curricula

Success with Virtual Learning

Upgrade and refresh!

Junioruni - STEM Made Simple!

AATG and Goethe-Institut Programs: How do I implement them?

Best Practices for Lesson Preparation: Save Time and Be More Effective!

Go Green with German!

AATG Grants for D-A-CH-L Projects

I want to speak!

Oral Exams in German instruction

Mindfulness for Teachers

GEMs offer customized workshops and professional training to strengthen existing programs and to build new capacity so that all students who wish to learn German and connect with the German-speaking world have access to high-quality language education in German.

Here is a list of current topics. If you don’t see what you are looking for, contact us! We are happy to customize our workshops to fit your group’s needs.

All workshops are offered free of charge. Take a look at our website and book a GEM (http://www.goethe.de/usa/gems) or get in touch with the Program Director, Dr. Susanne Rinner at susanne.rinner@goethe.de.

A joint project of the AATG and the Goethe-Institut with funding provided by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

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UPDATES FROM THE GERMAN EMBASSY Vorwort Wir sind sehr dankbar für die Zusammenarbeit mit AATG in Bezug auf die Förderung von Deutsch als Fremdsprache in den USA. Sie ist intensiv und sehr effizient und könnte besser nicht sein. Dazu gehört auch die wunderbare Unterstützung AATGs bei der jährlichen Ermittlung der Preisträgerinnen und Preisträger des German Embassy Teacher of Excellence Award.

Diese gute Zusammenarbeit führte dazu, dass AATG national 2019/2020 offiziell in den engeren Kreis der Mitglieder des Netzwerk-Deutsch aufgenommen wurde, das mindestens dreimal jährlich in der Deutschen Botschaft in Washington, DC tagt.

AATG engagiert sich dort auf beeindruckende Weise, gemeinsam mit dem Goethe Institut, dem DAAD und der ZfA, um die in diesem Kreis erarbeitenden strategischen DaF-Ziele für die gesamte USA umzusetzen.

PASCH-Schulen und vor allem die PASCH-Alumni-Arbeit sowie der Zugang aller DaF-Interessierten zu Lern-, Fortbildungs- und Austauschangeboten (Diversity, Equity, Inklusion) liegen im besonderen Fokus.

AATG bietet den Deutschlehrkräften und Deutschlernern jährlich ein vielseitiges und attraktives Angebot an – sei es im Bereich Fortbildung, Networking, Stärkung und Förderung oder im Bereich des Schüler- und Lehrkräfteaustauschs. Allen sollen diese Angebote offen stehen. Um dies sicher zu stellen, werden zahlreiche DaF-Projekte auch von der Botschaft finanziell unterstützt, wie z.B. Deutsch macht Spaß, Building Professional Connections, Grassroot-Chapter-Projekte, die großartigen und die gesamten USA erreichenden Partner-Projekte (AATG und Goethe-Institut) „SPARK“, „Multiplikatorennetz“. Sehr begrüßt und unterstützt wird auch die Zusammenarbeit AATGs mit dem Pädagogischen Austauschdienst (PAD) im Bereich Schüleraustausch und Lehreraustausch (MYG). Der tatsächliche Austausch über eine Reise nach Deutschland von Studierenden, Schülerinnen und Schülern gehört zu den nachhaltigsten DaF-Angeboten. Das tatsächliche Erleben vor Ort führt dauerhaft zu einem besonderen Bezug zur Deutschland und zur deutschen Sprache.

Highlights of 2022 Congratulations to the 2022 German Embassy Teacher of Excellence Award winners! Kate Kithil, German teacher at Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana; Samantha Shipeck, teacher of German at Strath Haven Middle School, Wallingford, Pennsylvania; and Veronica Valdes, German teacher at Coral Reef High School, Miami, Florida, were this year’s recipients. The Embassy recognizes up‐and‐coming German teachers for excellence in teaching, creativity, and outstanding dedication.

Germany’s most prominent youth debate competition Jugend debattiert has bolstered both education and democracy since it was launched by former German President Johannes Rau in 2001. Its greatest achievement,

Kate Kithil

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Samantha Shipeck

Veronica Valdes

2022 Jugend Debattiert finalists visit to the German Embassy Washington, DC

says director Ansgar Kemmann, is the popularization of organized debate in secondary schools. “Debating now appears as a civic skill, and not just a matter for professional politicians in parliament or experts in the media.” What began as a national competition in Germany has since expanded to include a global component—Jugend debattiert weltweit—which is part of Germany’s cultural relations policy. The international competition, supported by the nonprofit Hertie Foundation and the Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA), is for German-learners around the world. Today, secondary schools from over 130 different countries worldwide participate, including the United States since 2019. The German Embassy in Washington was proud to host the 2022 finals for the North America region. While 55 students from 21 different schools (US, Canada, and Mexico) started in the competition at the beginning of the year, only 16 students were invited to the finals. The debate was intense on the three topics: Should short-haul flights be banned? Should public lighting be restricted? Should sugary drinks be taxed more heavily according to their sugar content? Congratulations to Romilia Detering, the 2022 North American finalist from the German School New York at UNIS Manhattan!

German American Partnership Program (GAPP) at 50 Organizing a German American Partnership Program exchange is never easy, but always rewarding–just ask the generations of German and American GAPP teacher-organizers and 400,000 students who have participated since 1972!

GAPP’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2022 has invigorated the GAPP community with many special initiatives and events.

In early October the 50th anniversary gala dinner was held in New York, featuring a menu inspired by “German-American exchange” and an exhibition on the history of the landmark bilateral exchange program.

The following day, the Goethe-Institut New York hosted a 50th anniversary block party featuring German-American snacks, live

2022 GAPP participants from Robinson Secondary School visit the German Embassy

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music and theater, participatory art, story time, and the chance to design your own Lebkuchenherz.

More recently, the US German consulates and the Embassy hosted students from area GAPP schools for a special program including a GAPP quiz, talk on public diplomacy, and a tour of the ambassador’s residence.

Fun and unique opportunities like these are what set GAPP apart as one of the largest and most successful youth exchange programs in the world!

Here’s to 50 more years of GAPP!

Local High School Offers the DSD German Language Exam German is in high demand among students who plan to study STEM fields in Germany. And the German program at Alexandria’s Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) includes a regular GAPP school exchange with Germany. One hundred students are taking German courses at levels 1 to 3, plus Advanced Placement German.

Now, after three years of rigorous Students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology proudly display their DSD-Level I certificates. preparation, TJHSST has become the first American high school in the German Embassy’s consular district to offer the demanding DSD (Deutsches Sprachdiplom) German exam. Students passing the DSD - Level I exam have the language skills required for admission to many preparatory courses in Germany. Getting here took a lot of perseverance from teacher and students alike. Those efforts have now paid off as the TJHSST graduated its first class of DSD students in a festive ceremony attended by representatives of the Embassy, school leadership, parents, and students. The German Embassy extends its “Herzlichen Glückwünsche” to all those who engaged auf Deutsch, and wishes—viel Erfolg für die Zukunft!

Pianotainment Germany may be known for classical music, but lest any kids out there think it is “boring,” let concert pianists Stephan Weh and Marcel Dorn aka PIANOTAINMENT® show them otherwise. Having thrilled audiences for over 20 years in over 100 countries with their spectacular four-handed piano performance, the dynamic duo made a Washington debut in 2020 with a virtual concert as part of the annual Kids Euro Fest. For the 15th anniversary Kids Euro Fest this October, PIANOTAINMENT® returned—live and in person!—performing for school groups and individual kids and families both at the MLK Library in downtown DC and the Kids Euro Family Day at the Embassy of France. Getting the young generation excited about music is

Children and their families delight in the musical antics of Pianotainment at the 2022 Kids Euro Fest at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library.

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Weh and Dorn’s aim and, across countries and cultures, the response confirms their knack for engaging kids with music in a playful and very entertaining way.

Connect with us in 2023!

Germany on Campus Have you heard of our Germany on Campus program? Since 2009 the German Embassy has been offering financial and organizational support for Germany-related projects and events at universities and colleges nationwide. Invitations are sent out in the spring with application submissions due by early summer. Interested? We’d love to hear from you and help you bring Germany to your campus.

Contact us today! www.germany.info/germanyoncampus

Subscribe to our Newsletters Germany for Americans will keep you up-to-date with the latest news, events, and trends in Germany, as well as the latest Embassy events. Join in on the annual essay contest and keep up with specific news for educators with Germany in Class.

Scan the QR code below or subscribe at www.germany.info/newsletters

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Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

Liebe Kolleginnen, liebe Kollegen, zu Beginn dieses Schuljahres freuten sich alle, dass der Unterricht, Schulveranstaltungen und Austausche wieder in Präsenz stattfinden können. Wie man in den nachfolgenden Berichten sehen kann, wurden auch zahlreiche Besucher:innnen aus Deutschland empfangen, die sich von der transatlantischen Zusammenarbeit überzeugen konnten!

Wir wünschen allen Kolleginnen und Kollegen ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!

Herzlichst, Susanne Dreyer, houston@auslandsschulwesen.de

DSD-Diplomübergabe und Feier zum Tag der deutschen Einheit an der DSS Houston Am 8. Oktober 2022 fand an der Deutschen Samstagsschule Houston die feierliche Übergabe der DSD I-Diplome sowie der A1- und A2-Zertifikate statt. Neben der Fachberaterin der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA) Susanne Dreyer überreichten Herr Georg Link, Koordinator für die transatlantische Zusammenarbeit, der zusammen mit Dr. Fabrizio Micalizzi einige Tage in Houston zu Gast war und Generalkonsul Kai Hennig die Zertifikate und Diplome.

Seit 1986 bietet die DSS Houston Deutschprogramme für alle Altersstufen an: sowohl für Lerner mit muttersprachlichem Hintergrund als auch für Lerner ohne oder mit geringen Deutschkenntnissen.

Michael Georg Link, Koordinator für die transatlantische Zusammenarbeit, Susanne Dreyer, Fachberaterin Houston, Kai Hennig, Generalkonsul Houston, Dr. Ute Eisele, Schulleiterin, Dr. Fabrizio Micalicci, Referent des Koordinators für transatlantische Zusammenarbeit beim anschließenden Empfang Foto: Jens Schmieder

Das Kollegium von 28 Lehrkräften unterrichtet über 305 Lernende: Vom Kindergarten über die Vorschule, von der Elementary School bis zur High School. 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.

Frau Dr. Eisele, Gründungsmitglied und seit über 30 Jahren Leiterin der DSS Houston, geht es neben dem Erwerb der DSDDiplome auch um die Vermittlung und Aufrechterhaltung der Kultur deutschsprachiger Länder.

So wurde die Übergabe der Diplome in die Feierlichkeiten zum Tag der deutschen Einheit, der diesjährig unter dem Motto „Deutschland, deine Nachbarn“ stand, eingebettet.

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Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

Hierzu hatten alle Lerngruppen Präsentationen zu den Nachbarländern und zur Europäischen Union vorbereitet. Herr Link hob in seiner Rede die Bedeutung der Zusammenarbeit aller europäischen Länder und insbesondere innerhalb der EU hervor und beglückwünschte die Schulleitung, die Lehrkräfte sowie Schülerinnen und Schüler zu der äußerst gelungenen Veranstaltung.

Alle Beteiligten freuen sich schon auf weitere Feste wie St. Martin und den Weihnachtsmarkt, denn mit zahlreichen Events feiert die DSS Houston das deutsche Kulturgut und hält es lebendig, um auch so die Verbindung zur deutschen Sprache und Kultur aufrechtzuerhalten.

Frau Dr. Eisele, Schülerinnen der 3. Klasse bei ihrer Präsentation mit ihrer Lehrerin S. Miller Foto: Jens Schmieder

Bericht: Susanne Dreyer, houston@auslandsschulwesen.de

DSD an der Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandra, VA Die Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandra, VA (TJHSST) gehört zu den erfolgreichsten amerikanischen High Schools in den USA. Ein wichtiges Element dieser sehr naturwissenschaftlich geprägten Schule ist das World Language Programm, darunter ein starkes Deutschprogramm.

Deutsch ist bei Schülerinnen und Schülern, die in Deutschland MINT-Fächer studieren wollen, sehr gefragt. Das Deutschprogramm TJHSST beinhaltet einen regelmäßigen GAPP-Schüleraustausch mit Deutschland. 100 Schülerinnen und Schüler belegen Deutsch auf den Stufen 1 bis 3 sowie German Advanced Placements.

Nach drei Jahren intensiver Vorbereitung ist die TJHSST nun eine weitere High School, die die anspruchsvolle DSD-Prüfung (Deutsches Sprachdiplom) anbietet. Schülerinnen und Schüler, die die DSD-Prüfung der Stufe I bestehen, verfügen über die erforderlichen Sprachkenntnisse für die Bewerbung an Studienkollegs in Deutschland.

Der Weg dorthin hat Lehrerin und Schüler:innen viel Mut abverlangt, und nun wurden die Anstrengungen belohnt, als die TJHSST ihre erste DSD-Diplomklasse in einer feierlichen Zeremonie im Beisein von Vertretern der Botschaft, der ZfA, der Schulleitung und der Eltern verabschiedete. Am ersten Prüfungsdurchgang haben 24 Schüler:innen teilgenommen, die Bestehensquote war beeindruckend gut und vielversprechend für künftige Prüfungsdurchgänge.

Die erste DSD-Diplomklasse der TJHSST Foto: Thomas Jefferson High School

Bericht: Helmut Kehlenbeck, newyork@auslandsschulwesen.de

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Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

Gemeinsam sind wir stark!

Die seit langem erfolgreichen Kooperationen in Georgia suchen ihresgleichen.

Das Deutsche Generalkonsulat in Atlanta, das Georgia Department of Education, das Goethe Zentrum Atlanta, The Halle Foundation und die Joachim Herz Stiftung, die German Departments der Universitäten, der AATG Georgia sowie zahlreiche deutsche Betriebe in der Region tragen dazu bei, dass das Erlernen der deutschen Sprache in Georgia einen außerordentlich hohen Stellenwert hat.

So war es nicht verwunderlich, dass der Koordinator des Auswärtigen Amts für die transatlantische Zusammenarbeit, Michael Link, bei seinem Besuch in Georgia gerade diese Kooperationen besonders gewürdigt hat und u.a. die Förderung der Deutschprogramme als gemeinsames Ziel definiert hat, um die nachfolgenden Generationen stärker global zu vernetzen.

Besonders hervorzuheben ist in diesem Zusammenhang die „Rettung“ eines Schulaustausches, welcher aufgrund von Schwierigkeiten in einem Schulbezirk drohte, abgesagt werden zu müssen. Aufgrund gemeinsamer Bemühungen und der guten Vernetzung aller oben genannten Kooperationspartner konnte eine Schülergruppe von 20 Schülern des MartinoKatharineum Gymnasiums in Braunschweig schließlich doch noch ihre bereits gebuchten Flüge nach Georgia nutzen, da sie von den Gastfamilien der Dalton High School (ehemalige Georgia DSD-Länderprojekt Schule) spontan aufgenommen wurden. Ohne die Kooperationsbereitschaft und die Hilfe aller Beteiligten hätte dieser Austausch abgesagt werden müssen. Umso schöner war es, dass die Gruppe der Schüler der Dalton High School, deren Lehrer und SchulbezirksKoordinatoren sowie die Schüler und Lehrer aus Braunschweig im Rahmen einer feierlichen Veranstaltung in den Räumen der Halle Foundation bei hervorragender Verpflegung von der Generalkonsulin des Deutschen Generalkonsulats Atlanta, Melanie Moltmann, begrüßt wurden und diesen Austausch gemeinsam feiern konnten.

Diese Begegnung zeigt, dass wir tatsächlich gemeinsam stark sind und dadurch die Deutschprogramme in der Region gemeinsam fördern. Weiter so!

Foto v. l. n. r.: Deutschklasse und Lehrer Dalton High School sowie Schüler und Lehrer des Martino-Katharineum Gymnasiums in Braunschweig, Melanie Moltmann (Generalkonsulin des Deutschen Generalkonsulats Atlanta, 2.v.l. stehend) und Nicolette Gahleitner (Fachberatung Atlanta, 1.v.l. stehend) vor dem Gebäude der Halle Foundation, Georgia Foto: Dalton High School

Bericht: Nicolette Gahleitner, atlanta@auslandsschulwesen.de

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Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

Romila goes Berlin! Jugend debattiert Nordamerika Finale 2022 in Washington D.C. Romila Detering (16) von der Deutschen Sprachschule New York City hat das diesjährige Finale von Jugend debattiert International Nordamerika gewonnen!

Nach der Premiere im letzten Jahr in San Francisco wurde der Debattier-Wettbewerb „Jugend debattiert“ zum zweiten Mal in Nordamerika durchgeführt, dieses Jahr in Washington D.C. an der Deutschen Botschaft und der German International School Washington.

16 Schüler:innen aus den USA, Kanada und Mexiko waren qualifiziert und haben sich zusammen mit ihren Lehrkräften und den Fachberater:innen der ZfA in Washington getroffen, um die Siegerin/den Sieger im diesjährigen Wettbewerb zu ermitteln. In den Qualifikationsrunden wurde über die Fragen debattiert, ob Kurzstreckenflüge abgeschafft werden sollen und ob eine zusätzliche Steuer auf zuckerhaltige Getränke erhoben werden soll.

In der Deutschen Botschaft in Washington D.C. fand die Finaldebatte in einem würdevollen und feierlichen Ambiente statt. „Soll die öffentliche Beleuchtung abgeschaltet werden“, war das aktuelle Thema für die vier Finalist:innen Romila Detering, Fiona Hammerschmidt (GIS Silicon Valley), Theo Borys (BAKS+ Berkeley/Albany) und Nina Kohlmann (German School Campus Newport Beach). In einem kontroversen, aber fairen sprachlichen Wettstreit konnte Romila die Jury überzeugen. Sie wird im nächsten Jahr im Juni beim Bundesfinale von Jugend debattiert in Berlin als Gast dabei sein. Außerdem wird Romila bei der Weltdebatte Anfang Dezember (live auf Youtube) Nordamerika vertreten.

Teilnehmer:innen zusammen mit den Fachberatungen Begonnen hat dieser zweite Durchgang von Jugend debattiert auf und K. Grüninger von der Deutschen Botschaft (1.v.l) dem nordamerikanischen Kontinent für den größten Teil der Foto: Tom Gahleitner Jugendlichen bereits im Februar mit einem zehnwöchigen OnlineTraining, bei dem auch parallel dazu die Lehrkräfte ausgebildet wurden. Im Anschluss daran fanden Ende Mai die Regionalfinals statt. Von den anfangs ca. 30 Schulen mit 60 Teilnehmer:innen haben sich 16 Schüler:innen für das Finale qualifiziert.

Wie schon im letzten Jahr war sich auch dieses Jahr die Gruppe der Jugendlichen einig, dass die Teilnahme an Jugend debattiert für alle der größte Gewinn war. Viele neue Freundschaften sind entstanden – über die Grenzen der einzelnen Staaten des nordamerikanischen Kontinents hinaus.

Die anwesenden Lehrkräfte waren begeistert von den intensiven Vernetzungsmöglichkeiten, die ihnen diese Veranstaltung geboten hat. Beide Gruppierungen – die Jugendlichen und die Lehrer:innen – haben unterstrichen, dass zum Gelingen der Veranstaltung im Besonderen „die persönlichen Begegnungen der Schüler:innen, Lehrer:innen und Fachberatungen in diesem Rahmen“ beigetragen haben.

Herzlichen Glückwunsch an alle Beteiligten und ein herzliches Dankeschön an die Deutsche Botschaft für die feierliche und sehr gelungene Ausrichtung des Wettbewerbs. Ein besonderer Dank geht an die German International School Washington für die herausragende Unterstützung während der Finaltage.

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

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Build Transatlantic Bonds

Host a Congress-bundestag Youth Exchange scholarship recipient and delight in sharing your family's traditions, learning about Germany and the student's culture, and seeing the world differently.

Find out what it's like to be a CBYX host Family hosting.state.gov To learn more about the Department of State's CBYX Scholarship Program visit exchanges.state.gov/CBYX

June 4 - June 15, 2023 Berlin, Germany Application Deadline: January 15, 2023 Sponsored by the University of Notre Dame in partnership with the University of Georgia Directed by William Collins Donahue and Martin Kagel

Spend ten days in Berlin with colleagues investigating the German Literaturbetrieb—in dialogue with authors, editors, publishers, poets, critics, directors, dramaturgs, booksellers, translators, and many others in the field.

Check out previous years’ programming and find out what our alumni fellows have to say about the experience at our website: gliberlinseminar.weebly.com/.

Key Details    

Entire seminar conducted in German Residential seminar – all fellows stay in the same hotel Fees: $2,000 for faculty; $1,250 for graduate students Fee covers lodging and breakfast, several group meals, mass transit passes, theater tickets, and seminar-related cultural events

Enrolled participants are eligible for flight subsidies up to $1,500, pending receipt of a grant from the Max Kade Foundation Participants are expected to stay for the duration of the seminar and attend all scheduled activities

Apply to The Berlin Seminar: http://gliberlinseminar.weebly.com/applications.html

Archives at the Suhrkamp Verlag, Berlin, a regular Seminar destination