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 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
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. Veronika Burney, PhD Director of Programs veronika@aatg.org
John Capasso Director of Finance & Business Operations john@aatg.org
Marisa Minard Director of Member Services & National German Exam Coordinator marisa@aatg.org
Michael R. Shaughnessy, PhD Executive Director mike@aatg.org
Evan Worthing Outreach & Engagement Coordinator logistics@aatg.org 112 Haddontowne Court, #104 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 Submit content to www.aatg.org/newsletter
Table of Contents 01
President's Letter Reflecting on all we’ve accomplished
03
2024 AATG/ACTFL Convention Submit your idea for Philadelphia by Jan. 26
04
2023 AATG/ACTFL Convention Recap Memories made in Chicago
06
A Message from the AATG Fundraising Chair Thank you for giving for German!
07
AATG Annual Member Awards Congratulations to the recipients!
11
DEI Corner Webinar Recap: Learning German Through an LGBTQ+ Lens
12
Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German From the desk of the AATG Journal Co-Editors
14
National Office News / Executive Director Report
15
Professional Partners
Delta Phi Alpha to Join AATG in 2024 The AATG and Delta Phi Alpha, the national collegiate academic honor society, are excited to announce a merger starting in January 2024! Delta Phi Alpha was founded in 1929 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. After numerous discussions with the boards of directors of AATG and Delta Phi Alpha, as well as meetings with constituent chapters of Delta Phi Alpha, a vote was taken in October of 2023, resulting in a formal merger with AATG to occur in 2024. Information about what chapters can expect can be found at aatg.org/news/delta-phi-alpha-to-join-aatg-in-2024.
Aktuelles Inside Winter 2023-24 AATG President Priscilla Layne reflects on her presidency and bids farewell to AATG Members as her term comes to a close. AATG Director of Programs Veronika Burney shares information about AATG's summer study programs and honor societies AATG shares member photos from the 2023 AATG/ACTFL Convention in Chicago Congratulations to the 2023 AATG Member Award recipients!
Have regional news to share with the national AATG? Submit an AATG chapter story to www.aatg.org/newsletter
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! Submit stories and photos to: www.aatg.org/newsletter
Watch our 2024 Chicago Convention Recap Video! youtube.com/s horts/XnuQxX BEFjA
2024 AATG/ACTFL Annual Convention Submit your idea for 2024 in Philadelphia! PRESENTATION TYPES
Session Practice-oriented Paper Research-oriented Paper Roundtable Electronic Poster
PROPOSAL DEADLINE
January 26, 2024 @ 11:59 PM ET Looking for co-presenters? Connect with colleagues via AATG-Educator Forum
Are you interested in organizing a session and looking for co-presenters? Connect with colleagues via AATGEducator Forum Submit a proposal today! actfl.org/actfl-2024/call-for-proposals
President's Letter
Dear AATG Members, Stepping into the role of President, I could never
Shaughnessy, published a Code of Conduct on our
have expected the challenges and opportunities
website and has worked hard to create a process for
that these two years would bring. While there have
AATG members to report biases so that our Executive
been many joyous occasions, like the ACTFL
Committee can address any violations of our Code
conference in Boston, IDT in Vienna and the DivDaF
of Conduct.
workshop in Leipzig, the events around the world of the past few months have held so much hurt for
I have worked hard to promote our new Audre Lorde
many communities and individuals. In my letter for
Scholarship for students from underrepresented
this newsletter, I want to look back at the past two
groups. I created a video discussing Lorde’s
years and reflect on what small feats I was able to
connection to Germany and a brief history of Black
accomplish as AATG president. A lot of my focus
Germans that can be accessed on the AATG’s
has been in promoting diversity, equity and
YouTube Channel. I also enabled the MOU we signed
inclusion and increasing the visibility of BIPOC at
with the Georgiana Simpson Society for German
AATG.
Diaspora Studies, which was founded by several African American teachers of German, including
Under my predecessor, Doug Philipp, we
Janice Mitchell, a former board member of AATG
established the DEI Committee and Equity Officer,
who spearheaded Alle Lernen Deutsch. The
the latter of which serves on the board and ensures
Georgiana Simpson Society was named after the
a direct pipeline between the board and the
first Black woman to get a PhD in German, which she
committee to make it easier to make structural
received from my alma mater, the University of
changes. Next year we will have an election for a
Chicago, in 1921. The Society provides two board
new Equity Officer who will begin their term in 2025.
members who, together with two board members
On a related note, our Executive Director, Mike
from AATG, select the winners of the Audre Lorde Scholarship each year.
WATCH THE AUDRE LORDE VIDEO!
WWW.YOUTUBE.C OM/WATCH? V=TCXXMJO4IJO DOUG PHILIPP AND MYSELF AT ACTFL 2022
President's Letter In April 2022, AATG had its first ever virtual
As we head into a new year, I would like to draw your
conference which was very successful! We had a
attention to the call for session proposals for the 2024
wonderful turnout; over 300 attendees tuned in to
AATG/ACTFL Convention in Philadelphia. If you are
our six panels which included such topics as
interested in leading a session, and are looking for co-
teaching, advocacy, diversity, equity and inclusion, study abroad and cultural programming. Katrina Bauerlein started an advocacy toolkit with the purpose of supporting AATG member programs, both K-12 and post-secondary. The DEI committee created a survey for assessing the climate of the organization to identify areas where we can improve. We will distribute this next year. We started a new fund for professional development, which was based on need rather than merit. In July 2022, both Mike and I represented AATG in
presenters, please connect with fellow AATG members using the AATG Educator Forum. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of AATG Staff if you need help connecting. Proposals are due January 26, 2024 and can be submitted here: actfl.org/actfl-2024/call-forproposals
It has been a delightful two years serving as your President and I look forward to supporting Angelika Becker in her next two years as President. Happy Holidays!
Vienna at the Internationale Tagung. der Deutschlehrer:innen. At that conference, I presented a paper on multilingualism and teaching Black German poetry, which you can find here. And last July, AATG and the University of Leipzig kicked off its 3-year large-scale grant to study diversity in the DaF curriculum of the United States and Europe.
Priscilla Layne AATG President Professor of German University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill layne.aatg@unc.edu
THE AATG BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MYSELF
FELLOW AATG LEADERS, MEMBERS, AND MYSELF AT AN AATG MEMBER SESSION
Memories of Chicago
2023 AATG/ACTFL Annual Convention
November 17-19, 2023 in Chicago, IL
Memories made at the booth
AATG Fundraising Update: Herzlichen Dank! The AATG Fundraising Committee would like to extend a herzliches Dankeschön to everybody who donated to AATG in 2023! AATG could not fulfill its mission without your generosity! Why donate to AATG? AATG is the only professional organization that is dedicated to the teaching and learning of German. Therefore, donations to AATG matter. Please allow me to share why I donate. I donate to AATG to ensure that students and educators of German have the support and the resources they need to pursue their goals to learn and teach German and to engage in the transatlantic dialogue. I work with the SPARK network to strengthen German programs and direct the Goethe-Institut Sommerakademie to recruit and mentor future German teachers. Like you, I see firsthand the need for additional resources. Your donations help make dreams come true, for students and teachers who show outstanding promise and who have otherwise limited opportunities to participate in study tours and professional development. A special thank you to those who donated to make possible the matching fund challenge during our 2023 Fall Fund Drive. We reached our goal and raised more than $40,000 during our Fall Fund Drive! We know there are many AATG members who have donated on a regular basis and who continue to do so even beyond retirement. Please feel free to reach out to Mike Shaughnessy if you would like to consider AATG in your estate planning. Thank you for your continued support for the next generation of students and educators of German! We extend a special thank you to those who have donated for the first time this year. Please know that donations in all amounts are much appreciated. A special thank you to all members who shared AATG’s call for donations with their community. For some of us, asking for support, let alone money, does not come easy, and I am grateful that you did just that!
Please remember that we are in the middle of our Centennial Campaign and please consider giving the amount of $1926 during the 10-year period of the campaign to join the group of 1926 donors. We seek to raise $1,926,000 by 2026, celebrating the past and planning for the future. Achieving this ambitious goal will ensure the longevity of AATG and its programs for students, educators, and the community. We wish you all the best during this holiday season and a happy and successful 2023! Sincerely, on behalf of the AATG Fundraising Committee,
Susanne Rinner Chair, AATG Fundraising Committee
25 FUTURE GERMAN EDUCATORS PARTICIPATING IN THE GOETHE-INSTITUT SOMMERAKADEMIE IN BREMEN IN 2023
THE SPARK TEAM AT ACTFL
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT THANKS TO YOUR DONATIONS!
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Build transatlantic bonds by welcoming a CBYX student into your home, school, and community! Delight in learning about Germany, sharing your community's culture, and seeing the world differently.
Scan the code to learn more!
2023 Member Awards The American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) recognizes 16 German teachers and one German program for their outstanding contributions to the teaching and learning of German in the US.
AATG Outstanding German Educator Award AATG’s highest honor, the Outstanding German Educator Award, has been awarded to Bridget Levine-West, Assistant Professor of German at the University of Vermont, in the University/Collegiate category and receiving the honor for the High School (9-12 grade) category is Heidi Lechner, a teacher of German at Libertyville High School in Libertyville, IL. The Outstanding German Educator Award is presented in recognition of demonstrated excellence in German education and creative leadership in German language education in local, state, and national arenas.
Bridget Levine-West
Heidi Lechner
AATG Center of Excellence One German program was 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 designee is the German Program at the University High School, Tucson, AZ.
German Embassy Teacher of Excellence Charles Beattie, German teacher at Dimond High School in Anchorage, AK, Joshua Hurd, German teacher at Brooklyn Technical High School in Brooklyn, NY and Daniel Otto, German teacher at Jasper High School in Jasper, IN, will receive the German Embassy Teacher of Excellence Award. The Embassy recognizes up-and-coming German teachers for excellence in teaching, creativity, and outstanding dedication.
Charles Beattie
Joshua Hurd
Daniel Otto
2023 Member Awards The 2023 award recipients were recognized at a virtual presentation on November 12, 2023 presided over by Priscilla Layne, AATG President.
FL-A-CH Award Rae Fahrlander, German teacher at Bellevue East High School in Bellevue, NE 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.
Rae Fahrlander
Goethe-Institut / AATG Certificate of Merit Six educators were recognized with the Goethe-Institut/AATG Certificate of Merit for their achievements in furthering the teaching of German: Candis Carey, German teacher at Crown Point High School in Crown Point, IN, Peter Chase, German teacher at The Pennington School in Pennington, NJ, Alysha Holmquist-Posner, German teacher at Enumclaw High School in Enumclaw, WA, Bobbette Leu-Timmermann, German teacher at Cedarburg High School in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Annemarie McClung, German teacher at Jay County High School in Portland, IN, and Tamara Woitas, German teacher at Williamstown High School in Williamstown, NJ.
Candis Carey
Peter Chase
Alysha Holmquist-Posner Bobbette Leu-Timmermann
Tamara Woitas
Max Kade Prize for Best Article in The German Quarterly Michael Swellander, Visiting Assistant Professor at Skidmore College, received the Max Kade Prize for Best Article in The German Quarterly, for his article "Alloyed Truth: The Historiographical and Political Importance of Error in Ludwig Börne's Journalism."
Michael Swellander
2023 Member Awards AATG/Goethe-Institut Outstanding GAPP Coordinator Award Amanda Beck, German teacher at William Henry Harrison High School in West Lafayette, IN, received the Outstanding GAPP Coordinator Award. This award honors German educators who provide opportunities for their students to study abroad on short-term exchanges to Germany through the German American Partnership Program (GAPP).
Amanda Beck
Best Article in Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German Award Recognized for their contributions to the scholarly publications of the AATG are Hyoun-A Joo (Assistant Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia) and Lina Tuschling, (Research Associate at TRENDS Global in Atlanta, Georgia who also teaches at Middle Georgia State University) who received the Best Article in Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German Award for “Tesla in Grünheide:” Growing Intercultural Competence Through Role-Play Simulation”.
Hyoun-A Joo
Lina Tuschling
AATG-The German Quarterly Graduate Student Paper Award Alrik Daldrup, a graduate student at the University of Kiel received The German Quarterly Graduate Student Paper Award for “Affektive Entgleisungen. Queerer Vandalismus in Grimmelshausens Courasche”.
Alrick Daldrup
Honorary Members and Fellows of AATG Congratulations! Congratulations to Carol Anne Costabile-Heming, who at the 2023 Annual Membership Meeting of the AATG, 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. Carol Anne’s nomination was submitted by Helene Zimmer-Loew and supported by 17 additional AATG members. In a letter of support, a colleague wrote “Her tenure as a volunteer AATG leader was highlighted with her leadership of the association's strategic plan and the search for a new Executive Director as well as her representing the organization at numerous national and international conferences and meetings.” It is with great appreciation AATG honors Carol Anne for her work and service to the advancement of German studies in the US and abroad.
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 annually. Find more information at aatg.org/honorary-members.
Members Recognized in the Profession A Special CONGRATS!
Sara Lee, Associate Teaching Professor of German at Arizona State University, was awarded Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Language Association.
Ewa Siwak, Professor of German, won the 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching at Texas State University.
LEARNING GERMAN THROUGH AN LGBTQ+ LENS Article by Kelsey White, AATG DEI Committee Chair
In September, the DEI committee hosted its first event. The webinar, titled “Learning German Through an LGBTQ+ Lens”, was presented by Ben Fisher-Rodriguez (Bothell High School, Seattle, WA; PNCFL Teacher of the Year in 2023). His talk centered on the question: How can we engage with LGBTQ+ topics as we learn German, and build a common vocabulary for these discussions?
DEI CORNER
Ben kicked off his presentation by setting the scene: He described research about who identifies as LGBTQ+ in Germany and illustrated some views on the equality and visibility of LGBT+ people. Ben also explained some key terminology pertaining to sexual and romantic orientations and gender expression and identity. This flowed naturally into an exploration of a variety of gender-inclusive pronouns that are used in Germanspeaking countries, along with an explanation of how some neopronouns are grammatically declined. Ben also described some best practices for replacing gendered terms (e.g., to use Lehrkraft in place of Lehrer und Lehrerinnen, and how to address a message when the gender of the recipient is unknown). Finally, Ben gave a brief overview of queer history in German-speaking countries, described some current events, and provided some resources for moving into the future. The webinar concluded with a lively Q&A session. This talk provided foundational information to empower German learners to explore personally relevant issues. Although the presentation was geared primarily toward high school and undergraduate students, it was also well-attended by educators. For those who were unable to join for the live event, the presentation slides (with clickable links) and a recording are available through the AATG website. We thank you, Ben, for your informative presentation, useful insights, and for sharing these valuable materials with AATG members and our students! The DEI Committee is excited about the prospect of offering similar events in the future, on a variety of topics pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. If you are interested in presenting at a future event, please contact the DEIC Chair, Kelsey White at kdwhite@ucsb.edu for more information.
THANK YOU! The JNCL-NCLIS Outreach & Membership Committee extends our sincerest appreciation for your continued support as we work TOGETHER to achieve our shared mission. Our mission is to ensure that Americans have the opportunity to learn English and at least one other language.
TOGETHER, we innovated new programming to empower and connect language educators and professionals across the nation. Our professional development series and leadership programming have expanded our reach, collective voice, and impact. The language needs of all 50 states and D.C. are represented during JNCL-NCLIS Language Advocacy Days. TOGETHER, we contributed to the creation and continuation of legislation to establish and expand language and international studies programs. The World Language Advancement and Readiness Grants Program (WLARA) provides over $15M in funding for language programs every year. The newly introduced World Language Education Assistance Program (World LEAP) Act will establish establish the first K-12 world language and dual language education grants program at the U.S. Department of Education in over 14 years. TOGETHER, we created and leveraged advocacy resources to support our communities and catalyze change. The JNCL-NCLIS Legislative Action Center, Advocacy Resources Page, and Live Legislative Updates Series provide our members with up-to-date information and materials. The Language at the Intersection classroom poster and interview series showcases the importance of languages across all areas of work and life. TOGETHER, we can ensure that all students have equitable access to quality language learning opportunities!
How does JNCL-NCLIS work to support language learning?
Why does membership in JNCLNCLIS matter?
Click here to learn more!
Click here to learn more!
WWW.LANGUAGEPOLICY.ORG
@JNCLINFO
@JNCLNCLIS
@LANGUAGEPOLICY
FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITORS OF
DIE UNTERRICHTSPRAXIS/ TEACHING GERMAN In 2025, Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German will feature a thematic issue on trans and non-binary identities in the L2 German classroom. Guest-edited by Daniel Walter (Emory University, Oxford College), Claire Scott (Vanderbilt University), and Katherine Kerschen (Washington University), this thematic issue aims to shed light on the intersection of human and grammatical gender. Karin Baumgartner, co-editor of the UP, spoke to Dan, Claire, and Katherine to explore how the team became interested in the topic. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Karin Baumgartner
Katherine Kerschen
Karin (she/her/sie): Can you tell our readers how you became interested in explorations of the linguistic and cultural aspects of gender identity? Dan (he/him/er): I first got interested in these issues through working with my own students. While I have been working on other minority issues in German language education for the past eight years or so, I hadn’t spent too much time with LGBTQ+ issues. However, a few years ago, a student came up to me after the first day of class after having introduced the personal pronouns with “er, sie, es,” and this student asked me what they should use if they did not identify with either er or sie. At the time, I had no idea, and told the student exactly that. However, I also offered to find out and, if the student was interested, we could conduct some research together to see what people were doing in the German-speaking world. And particularly as a linguist, the constraints and affordances of the German language and the issue of gender-just language in a heavily “gendered” language like German has been a continued source of fascination. Claire (she/they/sie): Similar to Dan’s experience, my foray into this topic started with a student asking me how to write about their non-binary friend in a class exercise. I wasn’t sure what to tell them, so I spent the next several weeks on the internet, exploring the landscape of gender-inclusive language. I was inspired by the grassroots work being done by trans and nonbinary communities on this issue, especially the detailed
Claire Scott
Daniel Walter
grammatical contributions of comic artist Illi Anna Heger (xier/they/sie). As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community myself and as a non-native speaker of German, I felt empowered by these examples of the German language evolving in real time to include a variety of gender identities. My interest and enthusiasm only grew as I started leading workshops on this topic for colleagues all over the world, and I hope that this special issue will be a similar opportunity for exploration and learning. Katherine (she/her/sie): I first started thinking about this topic when a new acquaintance in grad school introduced themselves to me with “they/them” pronouns. I had just returned from 6 years in Germany, and it made me reflect on the fact that while I had been involved in many discussions at the university there about using gender-just language (for example, “Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen” or “Liebe KollegInnen”), I had no idea how to express trans or non-binary identities in German. This led me to do more research on inclusive language practices in German and work with my colleagues to create supplemental materials for our language courses regarding pronouns, gender identity, and family relationships, as the textbook we were using contained no examples of non-binary persons or non-heterosexual relationships. I was happy when I started using Impuls Deutsch to see a variety of identities represented and to have some examples of language to talk about non-cisgendered identities but was really inspired by Dan’s research with his student, which I originally saw as a presentation at the ACTFL conference in 2022, to see this as a continually evolving space.
FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITORS OF
DIE UNTERRICHTSPRAXIS/ TEACHING GERMAN
Karin: What does the inclusion of trans and non-binary identities in the language classroom mean? A(nswer): Context matters, and so what inclusion means will look different, depending on the positionality of both instructors and students. These differences are something that we really want to explore within the thematic issue. One fairly universal idea is that we should avoid assumptions about other people and their identities. Hand in hand with this goes a careful consideration of the behaviors, people, and language that we normalize (or not) in our classrooms. If we want students to see themselves as members of a global Germanspeaking community, they must see people like themselves in German class. As educators, we also have a responsibility to continue to educate ourselves about the linguistic possibilities available to express identity. Facilitating student exploration of this topic and being able to discuss resources and options can be a really powerful way to foster a sense of belonging for all students. Karin: You claim that there is an inextricable connection between linguistic forms, cultural beliefs, and identity. Can you give our readers an example? A: I think most of our readers would agree that language is one of the most important tools people use to manifest their beliefs and identity to others. The fact that German uses masculine and feminine to separate careers, for example, is just a result of its history. If the language that exists today is not able to represent the ideas and realities that its speakers need today, like a nonbinary 3rd person pronoun to represent someone’s intention to identify specifically as not male or female, then there is an impetus for speakers to play with and change the language to suit their needs. Language is a tool for people to express their ideas, not a static list of symbols and rules written down in a book. Karin: What do you hope to accomplish with this thematic issue, considering that gender-neutral language is such a contested issue in many states?
A: This conversation is long overdue, and we need to discuss it precisely because there has been so much high-profile debate around this issue in recent years. However, there is no debate about the fact that trans, non-binary, agender etc. people are among our students and among our colleagues. If we care about creating environments where they can feel welcomed and where they can thrive, we need to continue developing the resources to support them. Through this thematic issue, we hope to provide much-needed resources for educators, especially those who (due to their professional/geographic situations) might not be able to have these discussions with local colleagues safely. By distilling our collective knowledge and experiences into one easy-to-find resource, we hope that this issue will act as a catalyst for future discussions/research/pedagogical innovations on the topic of gender identity. Karin: Thank you all. Mat and I are looking forward to working with you and help get the conversation started. The Call for Papers can be found on the AATG website. Katherine, Claire, and Dan welcome all possible submission types: Research articles, Praxis articles, Forum articles, and Book and Media reviews. The various submission types are listed in the updated “Aims and Scope” of the journal (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/page/journal/17561221/homepag e/productinformation.html). Research articles generally present new findings of original research conducted by the author(s). They contribute new knowledge, insights, and evidence to the study of German language teaching. Research articles are generally around 8000 words, including references. Praxis articles translate theoretical knowledge into practical action and bridge the gap between theory and practice by offering insight, guidance, and real-world examples to help professionals implement theories or concepts in their teaching. Praxis articles generally range from 4000 to 8000 words, including references. Forum articles, a shorter and more personal exploration of the topic (around 2000 words), and reviews of print or digital matter (textbooks etc.) are also welcome. Abstracts of 200 words are due April 5, 2024, and should be sent to unterrichtpraxis@aatg.org.
National Office News AATG Office Closure Our office will close starting December 23 for the winter holidays and will open again on January 2. If you need to leave a message for us during this time, please email the appropriate staff person: aatg.org/aatg-staff From all of us at the AATG, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. We look forward to serving you in 2024.
Executive Director Report Dear AATG Colleagues, As the year draws to a close, I wanted to express my gratitude to the teachers and students of German in the US. It is an honor to work on your behalf each day and to learn about the amazing work you do. As the leader of the staff of the AATG, I can tell you how inspired the team is to work with you and find innovative ways to support you year after year. We have new programs coming in 2024 and are finding new paths of support to engage at all levels. But no matter what our plans are, it all rests on you! We work to serve the members of the AATG and value your input, your local advocacy, and you as members of the community. AATG is an organization I'm proud of because of the teachers and students I meet. Thank you for being who you are and please remember to apply for a program in 2024!
Herzlichst,
Michael R. Shaughnessy Executive Director AATG mike@aatg.org
aatg.org/annual-programs
Save-The-Date! Upcoming AATG FLACH SIG Webinars Please save the date and plan to join the AATG FLACH SIG for two upcoming webinars. The official event invitations and meeting links will be shared with AATG Members soon. February 17, 2024 17:00 EST: Katja Anderson - In the Shadow of the Alps - Reading Franz Hohler's Contemporary Swiss Novels in German Courses March 4, 2024 18:00 EST: Beret Norman - Student-Driven Assessment with a FLACH Focus
Summer Study in Germany
Applications are open! 2024 Summer Study Program aatg.org/summer-study
for High School Students
Course Sites and Dates Schermbeck (Nordrhein-Westfalen) June 13 - July 1, 2024 Kleve (Nordrhein-Westfalen) June 13 - July 1, 2024 Hanau (Hessen) June 27 - July 15, 2024 Kellinghusen (Schleswig-Holstein) June 27 - July 15, 2024 Rutesheim (Baden-Württemberg) July 1 - July 19, 2024 Heidelberg (Baden-Württemberg) July 1 - July 19, 2024 Öhringen (Baden-Württemberg) July 1 - July 19, 2024
Application deadline: January 19, 2024
aatg.org/college-summer-program
Summer Study in Germany College Summer Program Our College Summer Program is going in its third year! Once again, AATG is partnering with the Akademie für internationale Bildung (AiB) in Bonn to send a group of college students to the Rhine region this summer. Students take classes for college credit and explore the region's rich history and culture with their academic director.
More information: aatg.org/college-summer-program
Deadline to apply: February 15, 2024
Scholarship support is available!
News from the National Honor Societies Welcome new chapters! Est. st. August-December August-December 2023 2023 E
Delta Epsilon Phi Wilmington Christian School (Delaware Iota) Prairie Ridge High School (Illinois Delta Delta) Urbandale High School (Iowa Pi) North Point High School (Missouri Alpha Phi) Penfield High School (New York Gamma Rho) Commonwealth Charter Academy (Pennsylvania Iota Omicron) The Grayson School (Pennsylvania Iota Xi)
Dutch Fork High School (South Carolina Alpha Pi) Dreher High School (South Carolina Alpha Rho) Tivy High School (Texas Theta Nu) Heights High School (Texas Theta Xi) Vergennes Union High School (Vermont Delta) True North Homeschool Academy (Virtual Zeta)
Junior Delta Epsilon Phi Tuscaloosa Academy (Alabama Junior Beta) Sandy Run Middle School (Pennsylvania Junior Sigma)
News from the National Honor Societies Send us your Honor Society pictures & stories to be featured in an upcoming newsletter aatg.org/newsletter
Introducing the Delta Epsilon Phi Post-Graduate Scholarship Graduating high school seniors who are currently a member of their school’s Delta Epsilon Phi chapter can now apply for AATG’s new PostGraduate Scholarship.The scholarship will be awarded to seniors in the form of a cash prize to recognize their work in German studies after high school. Applications will open in January 2024. Learn more on our website: https://www.aatg.org/delta-epsilon-phi-post-graduate-scholarships
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Liebe Kolleg*innen, Mit dem Jahresende in Sicht möchten wir Ihnen besinnliche Feiertage und einen harmonischen Abschluss für 2023 wünschen. Wir hoffen, dass Tage voller Freude, Entspannung und besinnlicher Momente im Kreise Ihrer Liebsten Ihnen Kraft und neue Energie für die Abenteuer im Jahr 2024 schenken. Wenn die Vertiefung Ihrer Deutschkenntnisse zu Ihren Neujahrsvorsätzen zählen sollte, ist jetzt der ideale Zeitpunkt dafür: Starten Sie Ihr Sprachabenteuer mit unseren OnlineGruppenkursen ab Januar und sparen Sie 20% mit dem Code ONLINEUSA. Die Bewerbungsphase für die Goethe-Institut Sommerakademie: Globales Lehren und Lernen ist nun bis 15. Februar 2024 geöffnet! Die Reise geht nächstes Jahr nach Bremen. Und für diejenigen unter Ihnen, die zusätzlich zum Fach Deutsch auch Sozialkunde-Fächer unterrichten: Ab sofort können sich Sozialkunde- und MINT-Lehrkräfte für eine zweiwöchige, voll finanzierte Fortbildungsreise nach Deutschland im Sommer 2024 bewerben. Die Reise wird vom Transatlantic Outreach Program (TOP) angeboten und setzt keine Deutschkenntnisse voraus. Weitere Informationen finden Sie auf der TOP-Webseite: www.goethe.de/topstudytours. Leiten Sie das Angebot gerne auch an Ihre Kolleg*innen weiter. Sei es durch Ressourcen, Beratung oder Hilfe bei der Verbesserung Ihrer Unterrichtsmethoden und der Erweiterung der Horizonte Ihrer Schüler*innen – wir freuen uns, von Ihnen zu hören und Sie in all Ihren Vorhaben zu unterstützen. Wir danken Ihnen für Ihr Engagement und Ihre Leidenschaft für die deutsche Sprache und Kultur, die maßgeblich dazu beitragen, transatlantisches Wissen zu vermitteln und interkulturelles Verständnis zu fördern.
♥
Von Herzen D NKE für Ihren außerordentlichen Einsatz und bemerkenswerten Beitrag zur Schaffung globaler Verbindungen und der Förderung sprachlicher Exzellenz.
Anne Schönhagen
Deutsch lernen? Folgen Sie unserem neuen Kanal!
Transatlantisches Magazin: Gegenüber
Unser neuer Deutschlernkanal ist da: Folgen Sie uns auf Instagram @learngerman.usa.goetheinstitut und entdecken Sie Wissenswertes über die deutsche Grammatik und den deutschen Wortschatz. Tauchen Sie ein in interaktive Ressourcen und bleiben Sie am Ball, was neue Kurse, Prüfungen und andere spannende Projekte der GoetheInstitute der USA betrifft.
Für Ihr Lesevergnügen wie auch zum Einsatz im Deutschunterricht: das neue transatlantische Online-Magazins Gegenüber. Alle Artikeln sind in beiden Sprachversionen verfügbar, deutsch und englisch. Die erste Ausgabe befasst sich mit miteinander verflochtenen Erzählungen von Zuviel und Zuwenig. Begleiten Sie uns, wenn wir den Begriff des Fortschritts hinterfragen und über eine nachhaltige Zukunft nachdenken.
DLL-ONLINEKURSE FÜR DEUTSCHLEHRKRÄFTE Die Anmeldung für DLL 5 und 6 ist jetzt geöffnet! Melden Sie sich über das Goethe-Institut oder über unseren Partner Idioma Education & Consulting an, um bei erfolgreichem Abschluss des Kurses noch mehr Vorteile zu erhalten. Anmeldeschluss ist der 2. Januar 2024 - verpassen Sie es nicht, sich rechtzeitig zu registrieren!
Die Anmeldung über das GoetheInstitut finden Sie hier: https://www.goethe.de/usa/dll Die Anmeldung über Idioma finden Sie hier: https://www.idiomaconsulting.com/ collections/german
Youth 4 German Cinema 2024 Step Into German sucht die nächste Youth 4 German Cinema Jury für das Berlin & Beyond Film Festival, das im März 2024 in San Francisco stattfindet. Schüler*innen zwischen 14 und 18 Jahren, die in den USA, Kanada, Mexiko, Zentralamerika oder der Karibik zur Schule gehen, können sich bis 22. Dez. um 10 Uhr PT bewerben. Zu gewinnen: eine Reise nach San Francisco, mit Flug, Unterkunft und Verpflegung sowie die Teilnahme an einem Film-Workshop. Infos: www.goethe.de/stepintogerman/y4gcEnglish
Finanzielle Unterstützung für Ihren GAPPAustausch 2024 Sind Sie auf der Suche nach finanzieller Unterstützung für Ihren bevorstehenden GAPP-Austausch? Unser Bewerbungsportal für Kurzzeit GAPP-Austauschprogramme ist jetzt geöffnet! Weitere aufregende Neuigkeiten: Die gesamte GAPP-Webseite hat ein Make-over bekommen. Entdecken Sie die neue Website mit verbesserter Navigation, einem frischen Look und allem, was GAPP ausmacht, an einem Ort: www.goethe.de/gapp
International Holocaust Remembrance Day Das Jahr 2024 steht vor der Tür, und das Goethe-Institut freut sich, Pläne für eine neue Veranstaltungsreihe zur Förderung von Diversität und Inklusion im Deutschunterricht bekannt zu geben: Am 26. Januar 2024 findet eine Veranstaltung zu Ehren des HolocaustGedenktages (27. Januar 2024) statt. Bitte merken Sie sich den Termin vor. Weitere Einzelheiten folgen bald.
Ihre Meinung ist gefragt Wir möchten auch nächstes Jahr einen einzigartigen und erfolgsversprechenden virtuellen Karrieretag anbieten. Was würden Sie sich für Ihren Schüler*innen im Jahr 2024 dafür wünschen? Haben Sie Anmerkungen oder Ergänzungsvorschläge? Wir freuen uns, von Ihnen in unserer Umfrage zu hören! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3BQ7SST
Das bekannte und beliebte Social Game „Lern Deutsch – die Stadt der Wörter“ ist wieder online! Das Update des kostenlosen Angebots zum Deutschlernen auf A1-Niveau ist abgeschlossen und das Spiel ist wieder verfügbar. ‘Learn Deutsch - die Stadt der Wörter’ ist ohne Download am Desktop oder als App auf Tablet oder Smartphone spielbar, im Einzelmodus für Selbstlernende oder im Multiplayermodus, um gegeneinander anzutreten.
Goethe-Institut Sommerakademie: Globales Lehren und Lernen Deutschlehrende in den USA tragen wesentlich dazu bei, das Deutschlandbild in den USA zu prägen und den Dialog zwischen Deutschland und den USA zu gestalten. Das Projekt Goethe-Institut Sommerakademie: Globales Lehren und Lernen wird in den nächsten drei Jahren (2023-2025) 75 Studierende für den Beruf Deutschlehrer*in rekrutieren und umfassende Qualifizierungsmaßnahmen anbieten, um Studierenden den Übergang in diesen anspruchsvollen Beruf zu erleichtern. Zu diesem Maßnahmenkatalog gehören Stipendien für vorbereitende Deutsch- und Fortbildungskurse, die Teilnahme an der Sommerakademie: Globales Lehren und Lernen in Deutschland und virtuelle Vorbereitungs- und Nachbereitungsworkshops, die den Aufbau eines Netzwerks ermöglichen, um den Dialog zwischen Deutschland und den USA im Bereich Deutsch lehren und lernen nachhaltig und zukunftsträchtig zu gestalten. Anfang August fuhren 25 angehende Deutschlehrkräfte aus den USA im Rahmen der Goethe-Institut Sommerakademie: Globales Lehren und Lernen nach Bremen. Dort beschäftigte sich die Gruppe mit den Themen Nachhaltigkeit, Migration und Armut und trat im Dialog mit Partnern vor Ort ein in den transatlantischen Dialog. Im Rahmen einer dreitägigen Fortbildungsveranstaltung lernten die Teilnehmenden grundsätzliche Aspekte der Methodik und Didaktik des Deutschlernens und -lehrens kennen. Im nächsten Jahr geht die Reise nach Dresden. Thematische Schwerpunkte der Reise sind die Themen Nachhaltigkeit, Migration und die Gegenwart der Vergangenheit in Deutschland. Wir freuen uns auf Bewerbungen von qualifizierten Studierenden und stehen bei Fragen gern zur Verfügung. Mehr Informationen und die Bewerbungsunterlagen finden Sie hier: www.goethe.de/usa/summeracademy Bewerbungsfrist: 15. Februar 2024 Das Projekt wird durch das Transatlantik-Programm der Bundesrepublik Deutschland aus Mitteln des European Recovery Program (ERP) des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK) und dem Goethe-Institut gefördert. Ein Großteil der Kosten sind gedeckt; es wird erwartet, dass Teilnehmende einen Anteil der Kosten (rund $500 USD) selbst beitragen.
NOVEMBER 2023
Klett World Languages Newsletter for AATG members
Dear AATG Members, As another Fall semester starts winding down, the team here at Klett World Languages is busier than ever getting everything ready for the new year! On the following page, you’ll find information about three titles that are new to our German programs for Higher Education offering: Aspekte Beruf Die neue Linie 1 Kontext We’re excited to continue to provide you with several, high quality options that meet your and your students’ needs. Should you want to learn more about these titles or request a free sample, please contact german@klettwl.com.
GERMAN PROJECT DAY AT OSU We're proud to have sponsored The Ohio State University's first ever German Project Day. This innovative event brought together undergraduate and high school students, showcasing vibrant language skills and cultural insights. It was a fantastic display of academic excellence and a stepping stone for future world language learners. Once again, we would like to extend our congratulations to all participants!
Our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season! Viele Grüße, The Klett World Languages Team german@klettwl.com
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New titles for Higher Education
NOVEMBER 2023
Die neue Linie 1
This series for university courses and adults streamlines teaching by offering well-structured chapters, adaptable exercises, and inclusive learning sequences to meet different learning needs.
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Kontext This
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Aspekte Beruf Our new textbook specifically developed for German language courses for the professions. It leads learners from B1+ to C1 in the vocational context, integrating knowledge and skills necessary for the 21st-century job market, and preparing them for the examination Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2 and C1. Click here to learn more.
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Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)
Liebe Kolleginnen, liebe Kollegen, wir möchten unsere neue Kollegin Anna Busch in New York willkommen heißen. Anschließend berichten wir von einer gelungenen Fortbildung in Los Angeles, einer erfolgreichen DSD-Absolventin und dem Finale von Jugend debattiert. Wir wünschen allen Kolleginnen und Kollegen schöne Feiertage und einen guten Start ins neue Jahr! Herzlichst, Susanne Dreyer, houston@auslandsschulwesen.de
Willkommen in den USA! Susanne: Anna, Du bist die neue Fachberaterin Deutsch der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen in New York und für die Schulen im nordöstlichen Bereich der USA zuständig, die das Deutsche Sprachdiplom anbieten. Kannst Du uns etwas über Dich erzählen? Anna: Vielen Dank für die freundliche Begrüßung! Ich habe die letzten 10 Jahre in Freiburg im Breisgau gewohnt, das ist im Dreiländereck in der Nähe zu Frankreich und der Schweiz. Ursprünglich bin ich Gymnasiallehrerin für Deutsch, Englisch und Ethik, habe aber die letzten Jahre in der Schulaufsicht gearbeitet. Dort war ich unter anderem für die Vorbereitungsklassen an Gymnasien zuständig, wo Schülerinnen und Schüler, die neu in Deutschland sind und noch kein Deutsch können, Deutsch lernen. Susanne: Was ist Dein erster Eindruck von Deiner neuen Tätigkeit? Anna: Von der netten Aufnahme durch die Schulleitungen und Lehrkräfte bin ich überwältigt! Die Schulen, die ich bisher kennenlernen durfte, habe ich als lebendige Orte erlebt, in dem die Lehrkräfte und Schulleitungen sich sehr engagieren, um den Kindern und Jugendlichen zu ermöglichen, Deutsch zu lernen. Die Schulgemeinschaften der Samstagsschulen haben einen engen Zusammenhalt, da die Familien sich seit vielen Jahren kennen und das gemeinsame Ziel haben, eine Gemeinschaft zu bilden, in der ihre Kinder Deutsch lernen und ein Stück deutsche Kultur erleben können. Susanne: Was sind Deine Aufgaben in Deiner Region? Anna: Ich betreue die Schulen im Nordosten der USA, die das Deutsche Sprachdiplom anbieten. Die Prüfung für das Deutsche Sprachdiplom zum Abschluss eines mehrjährigen schulischen Deutschunterrichts ist das einzige schulische Programm der Bundesrepublik Deutschland für Deutsch als Fremdsprache im Ausland. D.h. ich bin für alle Aufgaben rund um die Prüfung verantwortlich. Wir Fachberatungen in den USA unterstützen die Schulen außerdem dabei, dass der Unterricht inhaltlich und qualitativ auf die Prüfungen vorbereitet. Auch mit den Schulleitungen bzw. Programmleitungen arbeiten wir eng zusammen. Über die Koordination des Deutschen Sprachdiploms hinaus ist unsere Aufgabe, die deutsche Sprache und Kultur in den USA zu stärken. Hierfür arbeiten wir unter anderem mit dem AATG zusammen. Susanne: Was ist Dir bei Deiner Tätigkeit wichtig? Anna: Es ist mir ein zentrales Anliegen, die Schulen bestmöglich zu unterstützen. Die Schulen leisten tolle Arbeit und es ist nicht einfach, Deutsch als Fremdsprache an einer Schule anbieten zu können bzw. als Samstagsschule eine ganze Schule darauf auszurichten, die deutsche Sprache und Kultur zu vermitteln. Hierzu möchte ich nah an den Schulen sein, d.h. im engen Austausch mit den Schulleitungen und Lehrkräften, und im Unterricht, um zu erfahren, was sie benötigen. An den
Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)
Schulen und im Unterricht erlebe ich, wofür wir alle arbeiten: Den Schülerinnen und Schülern die Möglichkeit zu geben, über das Erlernen der deutschen Sprache nicht nur Perspektiven zu geben, indem sie eine Fremdsprache lernen, sondern auch ihren Horizont zu erweitern, indem sie Einblicke in deutschsprachige Kulturen erhalten. Interview: Susanne Dreyer, houston@auslandsschulwesen.de Anna Busch, newyork@auslandsschulwesen.de
Gelungener Start in das neue Schuljahr: Der Samstagsschulverband GASA lädt zum Schulleitertreffen und Lehrerseminar nach Brea, Los Angeles ein Am 9. September 2023 fand wieder das jährliche Schulleitertreffen und Lehrerseminar 2023 im Phoenix Club in Brea statt. Rita Reiff und Silvia Doelker organsierten ein hochkarätiges Programm, das mit dem Schulleitertreffen aller Samstagsschulen des Samstagschulverbands GASA begann. Im Anschluss gab es viele Vorträge und Workshops sowohl für die Schulleitungen als auch für interessierte Lehrkräfte. Bernd Nuss, Language Consultant der Immersionsschule South Academy of International Languages aus Charlotte referierte über Leseförderung im Primarbereich, Simone Pannebeker, Schulleiterin aus Mission Viejo bot einen Workshop zum Thema “Comprehensible Input“ – Strategien und Aktivitäten im Unterricht an. Für die ganz jungen Deutschlerner informierte Ilka Sternberger, Direktorin der Tivoli Rainbow Garden Preschool, über Methoden für den Kindergartenunterricht. Susanne Dreyer, Fachberaterin aus Houston von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen, stellte Möglichkeiten des Einsatzes von ChatGPT im DaF-Unterricht vor und bot einen Workshop zum Thema „Methodentraining für Präsentationen zur Vorbereitung auf das DSD“ an. Zugeschaltet per Zoom war Melanie Mello, die über effektive Methoden zur Unterrichtsvorbereitung berichtete. Das abwechslungsreiche Tagungsprogramm bot Informationen und Material für alle Lernniveaus und nicht zuletzt der persönliche Austausch zwischen den Lehrkräften trug zu einer sehr guten Stimmung bei. Abgerundet wurde das Meeting mit einem geselligen Beisammensein im El Cerrito Restaurant. Am Ende waren sich alle einig, dass dieses Schulleitertreffen und Lehrerseminar einen äußerst gelungenen Einstieg in das neue Schuljahr darstellte. Die Teilnehmer:innen freuen sich schon auf das nächste Treffen und gehen beschwingt in das neue Schuljahr. Die Tagung wurde finanziell und personell unterstützt durch die Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen, ZfA.
Die TeilnehmerInnen des Workshops Foto: Christina Reiff
Bericht: Susanne Dreyer, houston@auslandsschulwesen.de
Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)
Die Erfolgsstory - mit Deutsch zum Erfolg! Natalie Hildebrand absolvierte in der Schule zunächst erfolgreich die Internationalen Vergleichsarbeiten (IVA 1 und 2), anschließend die DSD I und danach die DSD II Prüfungen. Zusätzlich nahm sie an „Jugend debattiert“ teil und qualifizierte sich für das erste „Jugend debattiert“ Nordamerika Finale. Doch das ist noch nicht alles. Sie erhielt ein CBYX Stipendium und verbrachte dadurch nach der High School ein Jahr in Deutschland, wobei sie ebenfalls Einblicke in die Arbeit des Deutschen Bundestags erhielt. Es lag nahe, dass Natalie sich gut vorstellen konnte, im Anschluss an das CBYX Jahr in Deutschland zu studieren. Mit dem DSD II hatte sie bereits das „DSDStudienticket“ in der Tasche, welches die nötigen Deutschkenntnisse auf C1 Niveau für ein Studium an einer deutschen Hochschule nachweist. Auch wenn der Bewerbungsprozess für ein Studium in Deutschland zunächst sehr kompliziert erschien, Natalie war erfolgreich und erhielt zum WS 2023/24 einen Studienplatz an ihrer Wunsch-Universität, der Technischen Universität München (TUM). Natalie aus Charlotte in North Carolina lebt nun ihren Traum und studiert BioÖkonomie in München. Hier hat sie sich bereits als PASCH Alumni registriert, so dass sie nun auf ein breites Netzwerk von „gleichgesinnten“ ehemaligen PASCH Schülerinnen und Schüler zurückgreifen kann. Natalie hat dadurch auch die Möglichkeit, das PASCH Mentoring Programm zu nutzen, ebenso wie an Alumni Veranstaltungen zwecks besserer Vernetzung teilzunehmen. Als Fachberaterin für die Region USA Südost habe ich Natalie auf ihrem Weg begleitet und bin sehr stolz auf ihre Leistungen. Mit Deutsch als ein wichtiger Bestandteil ihres Weges hat sie es am Ende erfolgreich an eine renommierte deutsche Hochschule geschafft.
Natalie Hildebrand vor der TUM Foto: privat
Herzlichen Glückwunsch, wir freuen uns für Natalie und sind gespannt darauf, wie diese Erfolgsgeschichte weitergehen wird. Bericht: Nicolette Gahleitner, atlanta@auslandsschulwesen.de
Jugend debattiert Nordamerika - Der dritte Finalsieg geht nach Kanada Benedict Glesius von der Alexander-von Humboldt-Schule in Montréal hat es geschafft: Er hat das dritte Nordamerika-Finale von Jugend debattiert am 27. Oktober 2023 in der Deutschen Botschaft in Washington gewonnen und darf sich nun über eine Reise nach Berlin zum deutschen Bundesfinale im Juni 2024 freuen. Im Finale der besten Vier setzte er sich gegen eine starke Konkurrenz durch. Lars Karcher (Bay Area Kinderstube, BAKS+ in Berkeley), Thomas della Vigna (ebenfalls BAKS+), Helena Ballarino (DSS Scarborough, Kanada) und Benedict Glesius debattierten die Frage „Soll eine Altersobergrenze für höchste Staatsämter eingeführt werden?“ Lars Karcher und die fünfzehnjährige Helena forderten eine Altersobergrenze. Ihnen zufolge können jüngere Staatsoberhäupter globale Herausforderungen wie den Klimawandel besser bewältigen, da sie direkt von deren Auswirkungen betroffen seien.
Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)
Benedict Glesius und sein Mitstreiter Thomas della Vigna hielten dagegen: Eine Altersgrenze sei undemokratisch. Die Wählerinnen und Wähler seien souverän genug, sich ohne eine Altersbegrenzung für oder gegen ein Staatsoberhaupt zu entscheiden. Die vierköpfige Jury war von Aufbau und Darlegung der Argumente der Contraseite besonders überzeugt und kürte Benedikt einstimmig zum Sieger. Die vier Finalisten hatten es schon im Vorfeld mit einer starken Konkurrenz zu tun: Im Regionalwettbewerb im Mai hatten 50 Jugendliche von 18 Schulen aus den USA, Kanada und Mexiko teilgenommen. Die besten 16 Schüler:innen hatten sich schließlich für die Finaltage in Washington qualifiziert. In den Qualifizierungsdebatten am Finaltag in der Deutschen Schule in Washington DC zu den Themen „Soll Reiten als Leistungssport verboten werden?“ und „Soll Künstliche Intelligenz zur Bewertung von Schülerleistungen eingesetzt werden?“ wurde kontrovers und mitunter leidenschaftlich, aber fair gestritten. Zuvor wurden sie von der Jugend-debattiert-Alumna Charlott Hallier aus Berlin, die 2018 selbst in Berlin auf dem Siegertreppchen gestanden hatte, auf die Debatten vorbereitet. Die vier Finalisten v. l. n. r.: Lars Karcher, Helena Ballarino, Benedict Glesius und Thomas della Vigna Foto: Gabi Maiss-Minkler
Daneben war genügend Zeit, um bei aller Konkurrenz neue, länderübergreifende Freundschaften zu schließen und um unter anderem auch das politische Washington durch einen Besuch des Capitols kennen zu lernen. In der Deutschen Botschaft fieberten auch die Mitstreiterinnen und Mitstreiter, die es nicht ins Finale geschafft hatten, mit Lars, Helena, Thomas und Benedikt mit. Elisabeth Niejahr, Geschäftsführerin der Gemeinnützigen Hertie-Stiftung, die den Wettbewerb betreut, betonte die Bedeutung der Debatte für die Demokratie. In Zeiten von Fake News und Verschwörungserzählungen sei das faire Streitgespräch, das Abwägen von Argumenten wichtiger denn je. Claudia Guarneri, stellvertretende Leitung des Kulturreferats der Deutschen Botschaft, dankte den Fachberatungen und den Lehrkräften für ihren Einsatz. Ohne sie hätten die Jugendlichen nicht die Chance gehabt, an diesem Wettbewerb teilzunehmen. Insofern wären auch Benedikts Erfolg und seine bevorstehende Reise nach Berlin ohne das unermüdliche Engagement der Lehrkräfte nicht möglich gewesen. Bericht: Gabi Maiss-Minkler, sanfrancisco@auslandsschulwesen.de
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