Fall 2023 SCOLTalk

SCOLTalk The newsletter of the Southern Conference on Language Teaching November 2023

Greetings from the SCOLT President As I was thinking about what to write my mind was muddled with a roller coaster of so many different ideas, from the teacher shortage crisis to the latest MLA report showing a steep decrease in world language courses to the amazing ACTFL Convention in Chicago in November. My thoughts then turned to Thanksgiving, and I realized what I really want to say to everyone is that I am so very thankful to be a part of the World Language education community. We are a community of dedicated educators that play an indispensable role in fostering global understanding and cultural exchange. Our passion for languages opens doors to diverse perspectives, enriching the lives of students and communities alike. I am thankful for not only my close colleagues and friends but also for all the organizations such as ACTFL, SCOLT and the many state organizations and their work in promoting the learning of languages and support for teachers, students, and administrators.

With so many challenges facing our profession, we are lucky to have an army ready to tackle them. I invite you all to join me, your SCOLT Board and so many wonderful world language educator colleagues for the SCOLT/FLAG/ SEALLT Conference: "Elevate, Innovate, Celebrate” in Atlanta, GA, March 7-9, 2024. This year’s theme encapsulates the essence of our profession. It is a call to action to elevate our teaching practices, our profession, and the status of world languages in the curriculum; to innovate our methodologies, and to celebrate not only the transformative power of language learning, but you, the teachers who make it happen!

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We have an outstanding program for our 2024 conference. We will seek to: “Elevate” teaching practices— exploring innovative approaches to language instruction, including technology integration and learner-centered methodologies; “Innovate” for the future—delving into emerging trends in language education, such as gamification and artificial intelligence. We will take time to “Celebrate” YOU and the amazing job that you do inspiring young people on a daily basis, as well as celebrate the diversity of our languages and the cultures they represent. We will have the opportunity to collaborate with each other— building connections with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, sharing best practices, fostering a supportive network of peers, and encouraging each other. Make plans to attend today! I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta!

-Dr. Krista Chambless, SCOLT President INDEX

President’s Greeting……………………………….……..1 2023 Registration..…………………………………...…..2 Student Scholarships………..……………………….…...5 SCOLT Sponsors and Patrons …………..………….…...7 SCOLT Changes…………………………………………7 Atlanta Area………………...………….…….…………..9 Advocacy and JNCL………………………………...10-11 Call for Nominations…………………………………….10 2024 Schedule at a Glance…………..…………………..12 2024 Pre-Conference Workshops…………..………..14-15 Atlanta Hotel…………………………………………….16 Program Cover Contest……………………….................17 Proposal Information………………………………..18-19 Dimensions 2023……………………………….....…20-23 SCOLT at ACTFL 2023……………………………..24-27 Awards, Grants, and Student Scholarships…………..28-29 Fall Conference Reflections………………………….30-31 Travel Scholarships……………………..……………….31 SCOLT Board of Directors……………………………..28 Around the Region………………………………..…….29 1

Registration for the 2024 SCOLT/FLAG/SEALLT conference is now open!

The 2024 SCOLT/FLAG/SEALLT Conference with the theme “Elevate, Innovate, Celebrate” will be held in Atlanta, GA March 7-9, where we will celebrate all that YOU are as language educators. This in-person conference will include over 140 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! Make your plans to be in Atlanta 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!

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Future Language Educator Scholarships SCOLT is proud to be able to offer multiple scholarships to high school and college students.

There are two scholarships available to high school seniors and one available to a college/ university student in the amount of $1000 each. The Ken Stewart and Vista Higher Learning Future Language Educator Scholarships are available for students who wish to pursue a career as a World Language teacher. Our previous recipients have already been involved in meaningful experiences and we cannot wait to see what they will do in the future!

Encourage your students to become language educators and complete this form to apply for one of these scholarships. The application deadline is January 15.

See you in Atlanta!

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SCOLT Sponsors and Patrons As always, there will be a special event for SCOLT Sponsors and Patrons during the 2024 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 to be held Friday, March 8.

Support SCOLT by renewing your status or becoming a Sponsor or Patron today!

A New Look!

The SCOLT Board has exciting news! The SCOLT logo, mission, and vision have had a makeover! The SCOLT Board members have worked over the past few months to update the Constitution and Bylaws, as well as revise the organization's mission and vision statements to better align with current practices and needs. Throughout this process, Board members have been involved in meaningful discussions about SCOLT’s purpose and how we can best serve the region. Along with the revisions to the mission, vision, and governing documents, SCOLT is getting a new look! The original logo has served SCOLT well and the Board felt it was time for a fresh face. After discussion regarding a variety of options, the Board chose a logo to recommend to the Sponsors and Patrons. There was a special called Sponsors and Patrons meeting Oct 30, 2023, at which the new logo, mission, vision, and most bylaws changes were approved. It will take some time to make all of the changes to the website to reflect the new logo, but you will start to see it on publications and communications. All updates can be found under the “About Us” tab of the website. Additional bylaws revisions will be addressed at the Sponsors and Patrons meeting in Atlanta in March, 2024.

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Did you know that only minutes away from the conference hotel is a gem of a small town with a vibrant arts district, local playhouse, cafés, and trendy bistros? Just a five minute drive or half hour stroll away, Hapeville is walkable, friendly, decorated with upbeat murals, and ready to welcome SCOLT conference goers!

When I last visited Atlanta in September of 2023, I caught up with my longtime friend, Lorenne Fey, Managing Director of the Academy Theatre, the hub of the rejuvenated downtown. Starting with brick walls and a dirt floor, Lorenne and her team, along with help from the City of Hapeville, have created a welcoming space for both small acts and impressive theatrical productions. You can bring your family to see a magic act, or relax with a glass of wine and enjoy a stand-up comedy show or a musical performance.

Consider extending your stay a day or two to catch a show! Check out the Academy Theatre website, www.academytheatre.org, for upcoming shows.

After touring the theater, Lorenne, her sister, Leanne, and I, stepped outside and popped in the Coffee Man where we were greeted by the owner. I thought - this would be a great place to grab a cup and take a break during the conference! For dinner, we walked next door to Volare Bistro, at the corner of North Central and North Fulton Avenues, for a fabulous meal of steak and chicken marsala. The elegant ambiance and attentive service belied the reasonable menu prices. If you need a change from conference food, this is the place to go!

Good to know - Hapeville is a designated Main Street City whose downtown features a Historic Depot Museum and the Historic Christ Church & Carriage House. The Hapeville Dwarf House is the birthplace of the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich, invented by Truett Cathy in 1964. If tavern fare is more to your taste, check out the Hapeville Corner Tavern. For a craft brewery experience, look no further than Arches Brewing. At historic Hapeville's center is a lively downtown park which hosts frequent familyfriendly events. Hapeville’s unique public art program includes murals and installations of butterfly sculptures throughout. For more details about this Southern gem, check out the city’s official website: https://hapeville.org/. While you are in town for the 2024 SCOLT/ FLAG/SEALLT conference in March, come out and explore the wonder of nearby Hapeville, Georgia!

-Submitted by Jen Carson

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Language Advocacy 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 2024, the JNCL Language Advocacy Day will again be virtual, allowing SCOLT to “send” multiple representatives, 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.

Call for Nominations The call for nominations for SCOLT Board of Directors members to be elected in 2024 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 along with the position of President Elect. 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.

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2024 SCOLT/FLAG/SEALLT Conference Schedule at a Glance Thursday, March 7 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Registration [onsite AND preregistration] 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Exhibits set up 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AM Pre-conference workshops 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM Leadership Luncheon and Session [by invitation only] 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM PM Pre-conference workshops 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM SCOLT Teacher of the Year Interviews

Friday, March 8 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Registration Open 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Exhibits Open 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Continental Breakfast and Exhibits Break 8:00 AM – 8:20 AM SCOLT First Timers Session 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM Opening General Session and Awards 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Exhibits Break 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Round #1 11:30 AM – 12:40 PM Lunch – Pick up in Exhibitor Area; Meeting rooms available for topic collaboration and discussion 12:40 PM – 1:40 PM Round #2 1:50 PM – 2:50 PM Round #3 2:50 PM – 3:10 PM Exhibits Break 3:10 PM – 4:10 PM Round #4 4:20 PM – 5:20 PM Round #5 5:45 PM – 7:45 PM Sponsors and Patrons Reception and Business Meeting [by invitation only] Saturday, March 9 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM Registration Open 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Continental Breakfast and Exhibits Break 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Exhibits Open 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Round #6 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM Round #7 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Affiliate Sessions 10:10 AM – 10:50 AM Exhibits Break 10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Round #8 12:00 PM – 1:10 PM FLAG Luncheon and Exhibits Break 1:20 PM – 2:20 PM Round #9 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Round #10

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Thursday, March 7

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Extend your learning! Add an optional pre-conference workshop when you register for the

conference. The hardest part will be deciding which one to choose!

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Atlanta Conference Hotel The 2024 SCOLT/FLAG/SEALLT conference will be held at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel. The hotel is in a convenient location with a free shuttle to/from the airport. Hotel guests receive complimentary parking. The discounted conference hotel room rate is $139/night, plus tax. The discounted rate is available until February 21 OR until the group of rooms is fully booked.

Don’t miss out on the conference rate - reserve your room today!

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2024 Conference Program Cover Contest 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 2024 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.

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THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUBMITTED A PROPOSAL FOR THE 2024 SCOLT/FLAG/SEALLT CONFERENCE! ALL NOTIFICATIONS WERE SENT IN EARLY NOVEMBER. If your proposal was accepted, the next steps are: •

First, congratulations!

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Read the email and attachment received entirely.

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Notify your co-presenter, if applicable.

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Check your calendar to confirm your availability to present either March 8 or 9, 2024.

Confirm your intention to present by completing the Conference Presenter Confirmation Form found in the email communication.

Register for the conference by December 4th, 2023.

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If your proposal was not accepted, there are many possible reasons.

Please see below, and submit a proposal again for a future conference!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING PROPOSALS: 1. Why wasn’t my proposal accepted?

A. Volume: There is a limited number of session slots. Due to the large number of proposals received, the Program Committee had to reject many excellent proposals.

B. Lead Presenter: Presenters are limited to one hour-long session as a lead presenter to allow for a wide variety of presenters.

C. Balance: The Program Committee strives to present a diverse and well-rounded program. If there are an abundance of proposals on a specific topic, not all will be accepted.

D. Description: The session description may have been incomplete or unclear. Consider having a colleague read your description prior to submission.

1. Why can’t I receive feedback about my proposal?

A. Volume and Time Constraints: Again, due to the abundance of proposals, it is not feasible for the Program Committee to provide individual feedback. All are full-time language teachers and are volunteers as members of the SCOLT Board.

B. Fairness: The Program Committee is committed to a fair reviewal process. Providing feedback may unintentionally create disparities in the future.

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SCOLT Dimensions Greetings from SCOLT Dimensions!

Please know that the descriptions below are for articles included in Dimensions 2023, as we are currently hard at work to bring to you Dimensions 2024 Special Issue: Focus on Bridging Language Education Fields where co-editor, Dr. Jason Kemp (University of Wisconsin), and I have brought together articles and interviews with experts from the language education fields of Bilingual, Dual Language Immersion, Heritage Language, and World Languages Education. The focus of the special issue is on the ways in which these language fields share knowledge, theories, and best practices. Arguably, at the heart of each field there is a common goal to foster learners’ ability to function across languages and cultures in spoken and written communications, and as editors, we look forward to sharing with readers these points of intersection. Since taking the lead editorship in 2016, this journal has offered special issues every other year, with an expert coeditor on the special topic, and offered free and open access to publications on our website at https:// www.scolt.org/scolt-dimensions-volumes/.

Dimensions is SCOLT’s double-blinded, peer-reviewed journal, publishing national and international authors once a year. Although the journal started as a conference proceedings under the name Dimension (no “s”) in 1967 with the inception of SCOLT, 55 years later the SCOLT Board voted to change the journal’s name to Dimensions, recognizing the multiplicity of dimensions concerning the teaching and learning languages represented by authors in the journal. During this change we also established a new email address for the journal, Dimensions@SCOLT.org where we welcome journal submissions and publication queries. SCOLT Dimensions remains dedicated to the advancement of the teaching and learning of world languages and cultures, specifically languages other than English. The journal is indexed with the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education. Bi-annual ERIC metrics reports reveal over 5,500 views and downloads of Dimension(s) publications per year.

Dimensions 2023 contains five articles that provide readers insight to a wide range of research on the dimensions of teaching and learning of languages and cultures across grade levels, university settings, and geographic regions of the U.S. Contributing chapters address aspects of language learning including (1) L2 peer collaborative writing development; (2) transformative identity experiences in beginning Italian classrooms with social justice materials; (3) the use of word analysis to identify target culture perspectives toward word use practices; (4) an analysis of language practices in online textbooks and their companion workbooks; and (5) teacher perspectives about the multi-level world language classroom.

The volume begins with the chapter, Collaboration and Writing Development in L2 Spanish: A Microanalytic Perspective, in which author Brian Olovson (Kennesaw State University) reports on his investigation of collaboration and writing development in L2 Spanish classrooms with a microanalytic perspective. The author presents a case study that focused on how two learners positioned themselves as partners in a collaborative writing activity in a Spanish Writing course utilizing a micro-discourse analytic approach (Eskildsen & Markee, 2018; van Compernolle, 2015, 2018) to highlight the situated nature of collaboration and the dynamicity of the collaborative writing process as it unfolds turn-by-turn during their interactions. In so doing, the researcher explores how learners orient to their partners and to the language they are producing, and what learners do with their talk (Markee, 2000), so that researchers can observe learners’ competence-in-action (Pekarek Doehler, 2013). The discursive practices of the pair suggested that they viewed collaboration as a way to trade off the role of being expert based on whether their attention was focused on content or language.

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In Chapter 2, Transformative Experiences of Beginner L2 Learners in the Italian Classroom for Social Justice, authors Giulia Negretto (University of Arizona) and Borbala Gaspar (University of Arizona) offer insights into the transformative experiences of beginning Italian language learners in a social-justice oriented curriculum. Focusing on two beginning Italian courses, this study demonstrated participants’ perceptions about and engagement with social justice topics and materials in a semester-long project. Using a quantitative and qualitative analysis of surveys, triangulated with interviews and artifacts, such as comments by students during lessons and in their video responses, the authors provide an understanding of students’ initial expectations, perceptions and experiences with learning Italian; their background knowledge on social justice; and their reactions to the activities implemented throughout the course. The authors’ findings indicate that learners value the types of activities and learning tools in the classroom that allow them to share, collaborate and reflect together while engaging with multiliteracies approaches and social justice material. The researchers found that most learners changed their perceptions of Italy and Italian identities by altering their frames of reference and changing their mind-sets and habits.

Next, in Chapter 3, Word Analysis: Contemplating the Word La Madre to Develop an Approach for the Instruction of Cultural Perspectives, author Gregory De La Piedra (St. Petersburg College) describes a Word Analysis approach for the instruction of cultural perspectives, exemplified with an analysis of the use of the word la madre [mother] in Mexican Spanish. The author describes Word Analysis as an approach to teach second language (L2) students about cultural perspectives, understood collectively as the ideas, values, beliefs, and experiences many native speakers have regarding cultural domains within their own cultures. The author a practical method that language instructors easily could incorporate within their materials to teach L2 culture, or that publishers could integrate within their textbooks. The author claims that the primary purpose and goal of Word Analysis is to improve learners’ cultural awareness, sensitivity, and overall competence.

In Chapter 4, A Review of Language Practice Exercises within Commercially Available eBooks and Electronic Companion Practice, author (Carolyn Gascoigne (University of Houston) provides a review of language practice exercises within commercially available eBooks and their electronic companion practice workbooks and online learning platform practices. Using Aski’s 2003 typology, five post-secondary eBooks and accompanying electronic practice are reviewed in order to examine their use of mechanical drills, meaningful drills, communicative drills, and communicative practice. Two structures were targeted for review across all formats. Electronic workbook and learning platform practices were found to be both more mechanical in nature and more drill-focused than what has been recommended in the literature.

In the final chapter, Multi-Level World Language Classes: Teacher Perspectives and Practical Solutions, authors Christina Huhn (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) and the late Patricia Davis-Wiley (University of Tennessee) share findings from their exploratory study using a national survey of U.S. K-16 world languages teachers who currently teach or have taught multiple levels or multiple languages in the same class period (n=124). The authors define multi-level classes as classrooms that incorporate multiple levels of learners simultaneously. The authors purport that this common practice has received little scholarly attention with respect to world language programs. The authors’ findings confirm the long-standing existence of multi-level classes in the U.S. educational landscape and echo suggestions to support teachers confronted with this challenge.

As editor-in-chief, I worked collaboratively with the Dimensions Editorial Review Board in the doubleblinded, peer-review process and I would like to extend my gratitude to members of the board for having shared their knowledge and expertise reviewing the articles for Dimensions 2023. These individuals are leaders in the field and I greatly appreciate their time and energy. On behalf of the editorial team, I believe that readers will find the articles in this edition informative and inspiring. I would like to extend my gratitude to (1) the authors for contributing their work to Dimensions, (2) members of the Editorial Review Board for assisting their colleagues in the preparation of the articles, and (3) the SCOLT Sponsors and Patrons for their ongoing financial support that makes Dimensions possible.

The Editor, Paula Garrett-Rucks Georgia State University 21

Dimension 2023 Editorial Board

Michele Back

Lara Lomicka-Anderson

University of Connecticut

University of South Carolina

Mansfield, CT

Columbia, SC

Melisa (Misha) Cahnmann-Taylor

Linwood J. Randolph Jr.

University of Georgia

University of Wisconsin

Athens, GA

Madison, WI

Kelly Davidson

Victoria Russell

Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA

Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA

Stacey M. Johnson

Sheri Spaine Long

Vanderbilt University

Executive Director of AATSP

Nashville, TN

- Birmingham, AL

Jason Kemp

Paul D. Toth

University of Wisconsin

Temple University

Madison, WI

Philadelphia, PA

Shuai Li

Manuela Wagner

Georgia State University

University of Connecticut

Atlanta, Ga

Mansfield, CT

With gratitude to proofreader April Remey

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Dimension 2023 Articles 1.

Brian Olovson Kennesaw State University

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Collaboration and Writing Development in L2 Spanish: A Microanalytic Perspective

Giulia Negretto

Transformative Experiences of Beginner L2 Learners in the Italian Classroom for Social JusUniversity of Arizona tice Borbala Gaspar University of Arizona

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Gregory De La Piedra

Word Analysis: Contemplating the Word La Madre to Develop an Approach for the Instruction of St. Petersburg College Cultural Perspectives

Carolyn Gascoigne A Review of Language Practice Exercises within Commercially Available eBooks and Electronic University of Houston Companion Practice

Christina Huhn Multi-Level World Language Classes: Teacher Perspectives and Practical Solutions Indiana University of Pennsylvania Patricia Davis-Wiley The University of Tennessee

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Faces of SCOLT at ACTFL 2023!

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SCOLT Shines at ACTFL 2023 SCOLT Teacher of the Year Dr. Ke Peng, SCOLT Teacher of the Year, represented the organization well at ACTFL! Dr. Peng is a professor of Chinese and Director of the Chinese Flagship Program at Western Kentucky University. We are proud to have Dr. Peng represent SCOLT!

The SCOLT Board of Directors nominated candidates for several ACTFL awards.

The number of recipients is a testament to the strength of the SCOLT region!

SCOLT congratulates all of the award recipients.

ACTFL/IALLT Award for Excellence in World Language Instruction Using Technology (K-12) Christina (Chrissy) Roe is the recipient of this K-12 technology integration award. Ms. Roe is a Spanish teacher at Spain Park High School in Hoover, AL. She also teaches virtual courses for the Alabama State Department of Education. Ms. Roe incorporates a variety of tools and strategies to help her students gain proficiency. She shares her skills as a frequent conference presenter.

ACTFL/Cengage/IALLT Postsecondary Award for Excellence in World Language Instruction Using Technology Dr. Bobby Hobgood is the recipient of this prestigious award. Dr. Hobgood is the Director of the Language Resource Center at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is the immediate Past President of SCOLT. Dr. Hobgood is well-known for his integration of technology and for sharing with colleagues. He is a frequent presenter at state, regional, and national conferences.

ACTFL Florence Steiner Award for Leadership in World Language Education (K-12) Dr. Mark Linsky is this year’s recipient of the Steiner Award. Dr. Linsky has been recently named the Program Specialist for World Languages and Global Workforce Initiatives at the Georgia Department of Education. He served ten years as the World Language and Dual Language Immersion Specialist for Savannah-Chatham County Schools in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Linsky is a former SCOLT Board member and has a leadership role with ACTFL’s Leadership Initiative for Language Learning (LILL).

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Awards and Student Scholarships 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!

The SCOLT Teacher of the Year 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, 2024. 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 the Awards Co-Directors at scoltawards@gmail.com.

The Educator of Excellence Award for Post-Secondary Educators 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, 2024.

The SCOLT Leadership Award 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/leadershipaward/. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2024.

The Bostick Award The Bostick Award recognizes teachers in their first to fifth year of teaching who are dedicated to a longterm 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, 2024.

Student Scholarships 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-languageeducator-scholarship/. Applications are due January 31, 2024.

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Center for Urban Language Teaching and Research Grant SCOLT is pleased to announce a special opportunity for the 2024 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, 2024.

See all conference, award, grant, and scholarship information at scolt.org!

Don’t miss the January deadlines for applications and nominations!

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Fall Conferences in the Region We asked some SCOLT members reflection questions about participation in their state’s fall conferences and this is what they said: Q1: Why is it important to you to attend and/or present at state and regional conferences?

Kelly Scheetz (TWLTA) I have attended since I first moved to Tennessee over 20 years ago, and I have gained so much from the professional network I’ve created through TWLTA. After each conference, I feel rejuvenated and know I can make it through the end of the semester.

Albert Fernandez (FFLA) It is important for building community in the world of world language teaching and for learning new ideas from practitioners around your state or region.

Jennifer Kennedy (KWLA) KWLA conference has been such a big part of my growth as a teacher through the years and it's important for me to not only continue growing in my own teaching practice by attending each year but also to give back by presenting and connecting with new teachers.

Q2: What made the conference that you attended special? What was a highlight?

Kelly Scheetz (TWLTA) I got to co-present a workshop with one of my former students! Later that day, another former student, attending her first conference, and I attended a session led by the first. Then we got to reminisce about their senior year during happy hour.

This was our first year to have a Past Presidents meeting, and it was good to discuss what the association meant to us and what we could do to support it.

Albert Fernandez (FFLA) FFLA and other conferences are very special to me because they give me the chance to talk about what I do with others who do the same thing. I am the only language teacher in my school. I don’t get to share ideas, ask questions, or learn new techniques from colleagues unless I’m at a conference.

Jennifer Kennedy (KWLA) I love connecting with World Language friends from all over the state, hearing what they are doing in their districts and classrooms, and finding new ideas and inspiration for my own teaching practice.

Q3: What was something that you learned that you are looking forward to implementing in your classroom or share with your colleagues or teachers?

Kelly Scheetz (TWLTA) I learned more about the assessment we are going to start using this year from my co-presenters, so now I can better prepare my students.

Albert Fernandez (FFLA) Techniques for stations in the classroom Jennifer Kennedy (KWLA) I attended a session that highlighted a collection of Spanish resources from right here in Lexington and around the state of Kentucky. It really showed that Spanish is not a foreign language but a language used widely within our community.

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Q4: What advice would you give to someone who hasn’t participated in state or regional conferences?

OR What advice would you give to a first time conference attendee?

Kelly Scheetz (TWLTA) Try it! Once you’ve tried it, remember, a state conference and association is what its members make it. If you’d like to see more of something, volunteer, and don’t be afraid to share.

Albert Fernandez (FFLA) I would advise them to strike up as many conversations with new people as they can. Everyone at a conference like FFLA or SCOLT is there to connect with and learn from others. I promise, people at a conference way to hear from you!

Jennifer Kennedy (KWLA) You should go! As elective and specials teachers we are often neglected in our buildings but being at conference allows you to connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals. I tell people that going to conference means I get to hang out with "mi gente." Talk to the people sitting near you. Go to social events like trivia night or wine and cheese reception. Exchange emails, share ideas, celebrate & commiserate together!

-Submitted by Michelle Olah

Travel Scholarships for Teachers SCOLT is proud to offer several scholarships for teacher travel this year.

• Latino Schools is offering 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.

• The Cemanahuac Educational Community is offering SCOLT conference attendees a 20% discount on any two week or longer program at Cemanahuac Educational Community in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Cemanahuac Educational Community offers a variety of programs for K-12 teachers.

• Centro MundoLengua is offering a scholarship for Spanish teacher training with options in Seville, Madrid, and Cadiz.

See details and the application form on the SCOLT Awards and Scholarships page.

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Faces of SCOLT: Board of Directors

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Stay Connected Around the SCOLT Region SCOLT: The next conference will be in Atlanta, GA March 7-9, 2024. Web ·Facebook ·Twitter AWLA: The Alabama World Languages Association Spring Conference will be held Feb. 16-17, 2024. Updates can be found here: Web · Facebook · Twitter AFLTA: The The Arkansas Foreign Language Teachers Association updates can be found here: Web · Facebook FFLA: Florida’s Updates for Florida summer learning opportunities can be found here: Web · Facebook · Twitter FLAG: The Foreign Language Association of Georgia is co-hosting with SCOLT for the 2024 conference! Updates can be found here. . Facebook · Twitter KWLA: Kentucky World Language updates can be found here: Web · Facebook · Twitter LFLTA: Louisiana’s conference will be held Jan. 18-19, 2024 in Baton Rouge. Information here: Web · Facebook · Twitter MFLA: Mississippi Foreign Language Association’s updates can be found on website: Web · Facebook · Twitter FLANC: North Carolina Best of FLANC will be held March 2, 2024, in Greenville, NC. Information here: Web · Facebook · Twitter SCFLTA: South Carolina’s Foreign Language Teachers’ Association Spring Conference will be February 10, 2024. Web · Facebook · Twitter TWLTA: Tennessee World Language Teaching Association information can be found here: Web · Facebook · Twitter · Instagram TFLA: Get Texas language updates here: Web · Facebook · Twitter FLAVA: Virginia Spring conference information available soon. Updates found here: Web · Facebook · Twitter WVFLTA: West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers Association information can be found here: Web · Facebook · Twitter

Don’t miss exciting announcements from SCOLT! Follow SCOLT on social media!

Web ·Facebook ·Twitter · Instagram

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