Hello, everyone! I hope that you are all having a wonderful school year. Having just returned from the first in person ACTFL conference in several years, I am reminded of the importance of connecting with other world language educators, the power of learning from each other, and the benefits of collaborating with colleagues. I have returned home refreshed and excited about getting back to the classroom.
The newsletter of the
I hope that you will all make plans to join us for our second conference since the pandemic struck and isolated us all. While the pandemic forced us to create new ways to interact, technology is simply no replacement for personal face to face engagement. I mean, just imagine trying to take a trip to Spain or France and never coming into contact with the people it just isn’t the same. Personal face to face engagement with our peers is just as important in keeping us all engaged in educating the next generation of language learners.
In addition, Mobile is home of the original Mardi Gras celebration which began in 1703, fifteen years before New Orleans was founded by the French. You can visit the Mobile Carnival Museum, stroll down historic streets, watch large ships come into port, and enjoy amazing food from local restaurants.
November 2022 Volume 56 INDEX
With these thoughts in mind, I want to encourage of all you to attend the 2023 SCOLT/AWLA/ SEALLT conference in Mobile, AL, March 23 25. As a native Alabamian, I am excited to welcome all of you to my home state and hope that you will find it every bit as charming as I do! We will be staying at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel and meeting in the beautiful Mobile Convention Center. Both facilities are on the water with amazing views of the historic port city of Mobile (the 8th largest port in the world!).
President’s Greeting……………………………….…...1 2
2023 Registration..…………………………………...…..2
Scholarship Recipient Update……………………….…...5
Travel Scholarships….……………..………………..…8 9
SCOLT Sponsors and Patrons …………..………….…..10
Advocacy Note……………...………….…….………….11
2022 Schedule at a Glance…………..…………………..12
Sights of Mobile…………………………………………13
2022 Pre Conference Workshops…………..………..14 15
Program Cover Contest……………………….................17
Scholarships Update………………………………….....18
Dimensions 2022……………………………….....…19 21
SCOLT at ACTFL 2022……………………………..22 25
Awards, Grants, and Student Scholarships…………..26 27 Conference Hotel Info……………………………….….27
SCOLT Board of Directors……………………………..28
Around the Region………………………………..…….29
In addition to all that the wonderful city of Mobile has to offer, the SCOLT, AWLA, and SEALLT boards have been working hard to plan an outstanding conference. We have a wide selection of workshops, conference sessions, and exhibits all designed to promote creativity and enhance your teaching skills. The theme this year is “MOBILize for Language Learning” and serves as a reminder that language skills are indeed mobile, can be taken with you anywhere, and are the key to engaging other peoples and cultures. Likewise, you can learn a language anywhere, anytime, and any place these days.
So, I hope to see you all in Mobile this coming March. I know that all who do will return home refreshed, invigorated, inspired, and empowered by this year’s conference.
Regards, Krista Chambless SCOLT PresidentThe 2023 SCOLT/AWLA/SEALLT Conference with the theme “MOBILize for Language Learning” will be held in Mobile, AL, March 23 25. Mobile is the city that is “Born to Celebrate” and is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States! This in-person conference will include over 130 sessions, presentations by the ACTFL Teacher of the Year, the announcement of the SCOLT Teacher of the year, exciting exhibits, optional pre conference workshops, and much more! Due to lack of virtual participation for the 2022 conference, there will not be a virtual option for the 2023 conference. Make your plans to be in Mobile in March! Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the region and the US!
Take advantage of the early bird discount and register today!
This scholarship consists of a two week program in the imperial city of Cuzco, Perú including a Spanish language immersion experience or Indigenous Andean Culture course or Regional Literature course; a home stay; and four (4) hours of instruction. In case no group is formed, the participant will receive three hours of private instruction per day. Teachers can apply for graduate credits through New Mexico State University. The package includes registration, tuition for two weeks, housing with host family (double occupancy), and breakfast and lunch each day. The scholarship recipient must teach in grades 11 12 or at the university level. Preference for this award will be given to non native speakers of Spanish. After completing the study abroad program, the recipient is required to submit a blog or short video highlighting the various components of the experience.
Other expenses not included: Airfare to Peru, dinners, laundry service, side trips or activities outside school and personal expenses.
Centro MundoLengua:
Centro MundoLengua is an international Spanish school and educational tour operator based in Seville, accredited by the Cervantes Institute, that offers study abroad and authentic Spanish immersion opportunities in Spain for students from across the world of all ages & levels. We provide options for individuals and customizable group programs for middle school / high school, university, adults, and Spanish teachers.
Centro Mundolengua is providing Spanish teacher trainings in Seville, Madrid, and Cadiz. The scholarship recipient can choose whichever program he/she prefers, although some conditions apply. The 3 different options are:
The scholarship recipient can only opt for this option if they are a high school teacher who is currently teaching AP® Spanish Language and Culture, or who plans to teach it in the near future.
The scholarship includes:
• 30 hours of AP® Spanish development
• Full room and board with a host family
• Cultural activities
• 24 hour support
• Class materials
• College Board certificate
Centro MundoLengua AP® Spanish Language and Culture Summer Institute has been officially endorsed by the College Board. College Board, AP®, Advanced Placement®, Advanced Placement Program®, AP® Vertical Teams, Pre AP® and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
Dates: June 25 July 1, 2023.
The scholarship recipient can only opt for this option if he/she is a high school teacher who is currently teaching AP® Spanish Literature and Culture, or who plans to teach it in the near future.
The scholarship includes:
• 30 hours of AP® Spanish development
• Cultural activities
• 24 hour support
• Class materials
• College Board certificate
Centro MundoLengua AP® Spanish Language and Culture Summer Institute has been officially endorsed by the College Board. College Board, AP®, Advanced Placement®, Advanced Placement Program®, AP® Vertical Teams, Pre AP® and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
Dates:
June 25 July 8, 2023: for Spanish teachers without previous experience or prior training, or those who wish to teach students at a novice level.
July 9 July 22, 2023: for Spanish teachers with experience or prior training, or those who wish to teach students at an advanced level.
These Spanish teacher trainings are available for Spanish teachers as well as future Spanish teachers in middle school, high school, colleges, and universities.
The scholarship includes:
• 50 hours of training (including face to face training and individual studying)
• Full room and board with a host family
• Cultural activities
• 24 hour support
• Class materials
• University certificate
• Airport transfer from/to Jerez de la Frontera
Check the SCOLT website to apply for scholarships and for updates regarding other scholarship opportunities. January 31 is the application deadline.
As always, there will be a special event for SCOLT Sponsors and Patrons during the 2023 conference! Be sure your Sponsor/Patron membership has been renewed so that you don’t miss your invitation! You can become a Sponsor or Patron when you register for the conference, or by completing this form. Not sure of your status? See the current list of Sponsors and Patrons. Our Sponsors and Patrons are a vital part of the organization, as they are the only people who can be nominated for board positions and vote for officers and bylaws changes. Additionally, the registration fee is reduced for Sponsors and Patrons, and you will be invited to an exclusive reception at the Mobile Carnival Museum!
Support SCOLT by renewing your status or becoming a Sponsor or Patron today!
The call for nominations for SCOLT Board of Directors members to be elected in 2023 will be sent soon! This call goes to SCOLT Sponsors and Patrons only. In accordance with SCOLT bylaws, members of the Board of Directors must be elected from current Sponsors and Patrons. There will be two seats on the Board to be filled this year. If you are interested in serving on the Board and wish to be able to participate in the voting process, be sure your SCOLT Sponsor/Patron membership is up to date! See the current list of Sponsors and Patrons to know whether you need to renew when you register for the conference or by completing the Sponsor/Patron form
SCOLT is a proud member of JNCL, the Joint National Committee on Languages. JNCL is our national advocacy organization, keeping abreast of funding and legislation issues related to language education and language professions. For 2023, the JNCL Language Advocacy Day will again be virtual, allowing SCOLT to “send” more representatives than usual, due to the reduced cost. The SCOLT Board will have several representatives in attendance, which means more congressional visits and a greater virtual presence on Capitol Hill, as each person attends meetings with their own Senate and House of Representative offices. To learn more about JNCL, and to sign up for the JNCL newsletter to be informed regarding language advocacy, visit www.languagepolicy.org
Calling all student artists!
SCOLT loves to showcase student artwork for the cover of the conference program! Encourage your artistic students to design and submit an entry for the conference program cover contest! Download the 2022 Conference Program Cover Contest form for information and to submit an entry. The student with the winning entry will receive $50 and the student’s teacher will receive a free SCOLT Sponsor membership.
SCOLT has a long history of publishing a peer referred, academic journal, with the first volume of Dimension being published in 1965. Given the growing outreach of the journal, the multiple aspects of language teaching and learning, and the desire to be increasingly inclusive in practice, the SCOLT Board of Directors voted to change the publication’s name to Dimensions. This name change will be effective with the 58th volume of the journal in 2023.
Articles from previous volumes of Dimension are widely accessed. According to ERIC records, there were approximately 1500 views of various articles in the first 6 months of 2022, and approximately 1600 views in the last six months of 2021. Dimension(s) articles are relevant for language educators as they must show significant implications for language teaching and learning.
Information regarding Dimensions, submission guidelines, and previous volumes can be found at scolt.org/ dimensions. Please note that the website address also reflects the journal name change.
Dr. Victoria Russell, ACTFL President and former SCOLT Board member, presided over the 2022 ACTFL Convention. Victoria told the beautiful story of her professional journey and shared inspiring stories of providing experiences abroad for students who might not have had access otherwise. She expertly facilitated a conversation with chef and philanthropist, Jose Andres, which had to be conducted unexpectedly via Zoom due to his current work in Ukraine. Victoria is an Associate Professor Spanish and Foreign Language Education at Valdosta State University.
Claudia Elliott, 2022 SCOLT Teacher of the Year, represented the organization well at ACTFL! SCOLT is proud of her work! Claudia is a Spanish teacher at the Paxon School for Advanced Studies in Jacksonville, FL.
SCOLT President, Dr. Krista Chambless, is the 2022 recipient of the Excellence in Online Teaching Award from the Distance Learning Special Interest Group (SIG) at ACTFL. Krista is an Associate Professor of French and Spanish at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She teaches foreign language methods as well as French and Spanish courses. The Distance Learning SIG provides a forum for language teachers engaged in distance learning to collaborate and develop best practice principles, and supports research in this field.
Dr. Leslie Baldwin, SCOLT Executive Director, received the 2022 Supervisor of the Year Award from the National Association of District Supervisors of Foreign Languages (NADSFL). The award, sponsored by Carnegie Learning, was announced at the annual NADSFL conference in Boston. In addition to her role with SCOLT, Leslie is the World Languages Director in Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools in Winston-Salem, NC.
World language educators dedicate their lives to building competent global communicators and SCOLT works to ensure that these efforts are recognized. Each year at the annual conference, SCOLT selects the world language teacher of the year from our region, a post secondary education educator of excellence, one leader among K 12 teachers, as well the Bostick award for two distinguished new teachers. Do you know educators that you believe deserve to be recognized? Celebrate your colleagues by nominating them for an award!
Each state may submit one candidate with an endorsement from the state organization. State organizations may submit a candidate to only one regional organization. State nominees must submit a portfolio to be received no later than January 15, 2023. SCOLT waives the registration fee for the state nominee participating in the selection process at the 2023 conference and will pay $100 honorarium to each candidate. Candidates will be requested to share their portfolios via Google Drive with Amanda Hajji at scoltawards@gmail.com.
This award recognizes educators at the community college, college, and university level who have demonstrated excellence in language teaching, active participation in SCOLT, and leadership and advocacy at the local, state, and/or regional or national level. Find out more about this award here https:// www.scolt.org/educator of excellence/ The deadline for applications is January 15, 2023.
This is given to K-12 educators who have demonstrated excellence in language teaching through service to the school, community, active participation in SCOLT, and leadership and advocacy at the local, state, and/ or regional or national level. Find out more about this award here https://www.scolt.org/leadership award/. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2023.
The Bostick Award recognizes teachers in their first to fifth year of teaching who are dedicated to a long term teaching commitment and have not yet attended a SCOLT conference. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to future conference participation as part of their professional development. Two teachers will be awarded conference registration during each annual SCOLT conference. See this page for more information https://www.scolt.org/bostick award/. The nomination deadline is January 15, 2023.
SCOLT is now able to offer multiple student scholarships! The Ken Stewart and Vista Higher Learning Future Language Educator Scholarships are available for high school seniors. These $1,000 scholarship are intended for high school seniors who plan on a career as a world language educator. The scholarships are sponsored by Ken Stewart, retired Spanish teacher, former SCOLT Board member and 2006 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year, and by Vista Higher Learning. Also, Vista Higher Learning is sponsoring a $1000 scholarship opportunity for a college or university student who is pursing a language education career! For more information, please visit https://www.scolt.org/ken stewart future language educator scholarship/. Applications are due January 31, 2023.
SCOLT is pleased to announce a special opportunity for the 2023 conference! CULTR is providing three grants for teachers in their first to fifth years of teaching who have not yet attended a SCOLT conference. Each grant provides $300 to the recipient to offset conference expenses. Find out more about this award here https:// www.scolt.org/awards and scholarships/
The deadline for applications is January 15, 2023.
See all conference, award, grant, and scholarship information at scolt.org!
Don’t miss the January deadlines for applications and nominations!
The 2023 SCOLT/AWLA/SEALLT conference will be held at the Mobile Convention Center and Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel. These beautiful facilities have great views of the city and the river. The hotel is in the heart of downtown activity, in short walking distance of restaurants, museums, and lovely plazas. The discounted conference hotel room rate is $145/night, plus tax. The discounted rate is available until March 1 OR until the group of rooms is fully booked.
Don’t miss out on the conference rate reserve your room today!
SCOLT: Next year’s conference will be held at the Mobile Convention Center in Mobile, AL from March 23-25, 2023. Web ·Facebook ·Twitter
AWLA: Alabama will hold its annual conference in partnership with SCOLT in Mobile, AL, March 23 25, 2023. Web · Facebook · Twitter
AFLTA: The Arkansas Foreign Language Teachers Association held its annual conference October 14, 2022. Web Facebook
FFLA: Florida’s conference was rescheduled due to a hurricane. It has been rescheduled for January 2 4, 2023. Web · Facebook · Twitter
FLAG: Georgia’s 2023 conference will be held in Atlanta March 10-11, 2023. Facebook · Twitter
KWLA: Kentucky will hold the next conference September 29 30, 2023. Web · Facebook · Twitter
LFLTA: Stay tuned for more information about upcoming events in Louisiana. Facebook · Twitter
MFLA: Mississippi’s annual conference will be November 3 4, 3023. Web · Facebook · Twitter
FLANC: North Carolina’s annual fall conference was held October 8 9, 2022. Web · Facebook · Twitter
SCFLTA: South Carolina will hold a conference February 25, 2023. Web · Facebook · Twitter
TWLTA: Tennessee’s next conference will be Nov 3 4, 2023 in Franklin, TN. Web · Facebook · Twitter
TFLA: Texas will hold the next conference in Fall 2023 in Austin, TX. Web · Facebook · Twitter
FLAVA: Virginia held its annual conference October 6 9, 2022. Web · Facebook · Twitter
WVFLTA: West Virginia held its annual conference Oct 20 21, 2022. Web · Facebook · Twitter
