Welcome from the Program Chair
MultiTasks,
MultiSkills, MultiConnections
“Come early and stay late!” That’s your invitation to the 45th
annual Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CSCTFL)
in Columbus, OH. March 14-16, 2013, are
the dates. Beginning on Thursday, there
is an exciting array of full and half-day workshops, presented by ACTFL, OFLA
and CSCTFL. The first round of sessions
and workshops on Friday begins at 7:45 a.m., followed by Terry Caccavale’s
Keynote address and the awards presentations by CSCTFL and OFLA. After a full day of sessions and workshops,
join colleagues at 6:00 p.m. for the AATF, AATG and AATSP receptions. Saturday promises another complete schedule
of terrific workshops and sessions.
The
conference focus will focus on how we as world language teachers connect
to other curricular areas every day in every way. By working
with teachers in other departments and integrating world languages into
the entire school, we are strengthening the position of these
languages in the curriculum. I keep telling my students that everything
is connected. It is the study of another language, the people and their
customs, that creates this curriculum-wide, worldwide connection, and
helps them to develop attitudes and skills that will ensure their success as
students, as well as citizens of the 21st century. There are problems to be dealt with as
language teachers; we, as teachers and students are developing the skills
needed to surmount these challenges. Our
success depends on our ability to relate to and work with other teachers in our
school, as well as the world beyond our school walls. It is up to us to advocate for language
learning and make the case for our connection to the rest of the curriculum.
Ilook forward to joining all of you at
the 2013 Central States Conference on
the Teaching of Foreign Languages in Columbus, Ohio as we share our experiences with our new
colleagues and our long-time friends. I
encourage you to further connect to other disciplines and cultures through the
exceptional offering of more than 190 sessions, more than 30 workshops and a great selection of “multilanguage”
events for teachers of “multilevels”. Be
prepared to be renewed, rejuvenated and motivated to make connections with
students, teachers, departments, schools and cultures.
Special Events on Thursday, March 14,
2013
Ø CSCTFL
Leadership Program, a peer
mentoring program, supports development of state projects. State-nominated
representatives attend this morning workshop. To investigate possibilities and
fill out an application, click here.
Ø The
Conference Workshop/Extension Workshop(CW/EW)
provides professional development outreach. Participants apply in advance and
will be trained in the Conference Workshop (CW) on this year's topic, "Making Standards
Based Grading Work in Your World Language Classroom,” presented by Kim Lackey, Denise Pahl and Jennifer Highfill of Eureka HS,
Eureka, MO. Then the
participants will prepare to present this topic at state and local workshops
and conferences (EW) during the following year. For more information, click here.
Ø Workshops: Both half- and full-day workshops are offered
covering various topics such as teaching in the target language, technology,
common core state standards, technology, assessment and so much more. For a full listing, click here.
Ø The Delegate
Assembly provides leaders in the various state organizations the
opportunity to network, discuss policies, procedures and challenges and learn
about the current status of world language education in our 17-state region and
throughout the nation. State organizations are asked to send representatives to
this afternoon event. Please click here to submit the information about the delegates
from your state and to check the information currently listed for your state
organization for accuracy.
Ø You are invited to join the CSCTFL Advisory Council, which provides
you with the opportunity to attend the Advisory
Council Reception and Business Meeting early Thursday evening, as well as
enjoying a gratis conference registration. Find more information here.
Ø The Exhibit
Hall Opening and Wine and Cheese Gala provides a first peek at the exhibits
and the first chance to visit with vendors. This is also a fantastic
opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the region, make new
connections and explore the exhibit hall in a leisurely environment. For the
complete conference schedule, click here.
Special Events on Friday, March 15,
2013
Ø The Exhibit
Hall will be open all day from 8:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. There are designated breaks to visit with exhibitors; however, you
may want to spend time there during your lunch break or between sessions as
well. For the complete conference schedule, click here.
Ø The Awards
Ceremony preceding the Keynote address will honor the 2013 Teacher
of the Year and the other
CSC Teacher of the Year candidates and the recipients of the Paul Simon
Award, the Founders
Awardand Scholarships. The OFLA Awards will also be presented.
Ø The Keynote
speaker will be Terry Caccavale, past president of
NNELL, who will inspire, motivate and energize attendees with her speech.
Ø The
CSCTFL Report Authors' Luncheon
honors presenters whose articles are chosen for publication in the 2013 CSCTFL
Report.
Ø Friday
evening language receptions
provide another opportunity to meet colleagues in specific language groups in a
relaxing, social atmosphere. Some gatherings have a program, and others are
quite informal.
Special Events on Saturday, March 16,
2013
Ø NELL/FLES
Swapshop Breakfast highlights
elementary ideas and resources. Be prepared to share an idea prior to arriving
at the conference. Look for more detailed information elsewhere in this
Conference Preview.
Ø At the NADSFL/NCSSFL
Luncheon, district and state world language supervisors meet to enjoy lunch
and network. If you are a district supervisor, world language department chair,
or state supervisor and you don't know about these two groups, this is a great
way to get acquainted with them while enjoying a nice lunch.
Ø Our Saturday
session offerings are packed every hour to maximize opportunities for those
who have difficulties joining CSCTFL on weekdays. For the complete conference
schedule, click here.
Special Events
throughout the conference
Ø The 2012 CSCTFL and OFLA sessions and
workshops that were designated as "ALL
STAR" sessions for their outstanding quality and execution will be
returning for the 2013 CSCTFL Conference.
Ø 13 of our 17 Central States will be presenting
a presentation or workshop that their state organizations have designated as "Best of" sessions. We hope
you are able to glean some great knowledge from a different state!
Ø There are more than 30 great workshops available to attendees. Please see the workshop
descriptions and get excited to attend one or more of these outstanding
offerings throughout the conference.
The 2013 Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
is ready and waiting for you to attend. We have an outstanding program by and
for you and your colleagues. Come early
and stay late. It will be well worth it.
Program Committee Members: Leann Wilcoxen, Program Chair, St. Bede
Academy, Peru, IL; Julie Jezuit, Lincoln Middle School, Mt. Prospect, IL; Susan
Johnson, LaSalle-Peru High School, LaSalle, IL; and Linda Egnatz, Lincoln-Way
North Township High School, Frankfort, IL
Leann Wilcoxen, 2013 Program Chair Julie Jezuit, 2013 Assistant Program Chair