ACTFL in Chicago? AATF San Diego? Not gonna lie. Those fancy (read: expensive) destinations give me pause. But Daytona Beach? Count me in!  

It’s that time of year again, and maybe you are on the fence about attending FFLA. It means finding the funds, writing substitute plans, or simply spending time away from your family. But if it’s something that you can do—at all—please consider attending this once-a-year opportunity to (re)connect with language educators across the state. Whether you need to recharge your batteries to make it to June or you need to find kindred spirits with whom to commiserate, FFLA has the potential to be the professional highlight of your year. Dr. Stephen Krashen will present virtually, and a number of our members will share ideas and activities in workshop sessions. Some are general to the language-learning classroom, while others are specific to French (details below). You’re sure to find something to love.

Lastly, and much more selfishly, AATF will hold its annual meeting, and I hope to meet you there.  

On behalf of my colleagues on the board of FFLA, I’ll close with a heart-felt venez nombreux! 

– Tam Caudill

Planning is in the works for the 2024 Congrès de la Culture Française en Floride, the state French competition for middle schools and high schools! It will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton at the entrance to Universal in Orlando, March 7-9, 2024. This year’s theme is “la musique du monde francophone”. Teachers of students in grades 7-12 are invited to register a team to participate in this memorable and meaningful community-building experience.

Want to learn more? Attend the informational Zoom meeting this Wednesday, September 27 at 7 pm.

The Line-up

As always, we’ve got a great line-up of French presentations, many by our wonderful members.

• “Le nouveau jeu de cartes entre élèves et entre amis” by Marcellus Mario
• “Une salle de bains Hi-Tech? Entrez dans la danse!” by Béren Sacra (2021 French Teacher of the Year)
• “Application of MyAI to Facilitate Spontaneous Discourse”by Memry Rasch
• “Ma Boule D’apprentissage pour L’année Scolaire en Français” by Juniace Etienne
• “Le Bouillon d’ Awara” by Sandrine Collomb
• “Discutons les examens d’IB/AP/AICE French!” by Deanna Scheffer (AATF Grand Concours Administrator)
• “AATF National French Week: Invite the community in the classroom to take the classroom out in the community” by Gerline Smith (FLAATF Vice-President)
• “Translation and Interpretation as a Profession” by Dawnielle Jacobson (FLAATF Treasurer)
• “Eradicating Zombiism in the World Language Classroom” by Dr. Tara Ellsley (2022 French Teacher of the Year)
• “Focus on Form and Social Issues with Online Advertisements” by Dr. Geraldine Blattner

Special Offers

Never been to FFLA?

The FFLA Board is offering a special $100 discount for first-time attendees. Send them an email to get the promo code. FLAATF will match this discount for the first 5 participants! Show us a copy of your receipt at FFLA and we’ll write you a check. Email us for additional information. And remember to ask your school if they have the funds to support your trip.

Already signed up?

Don’t forget to book your hotel by September 27 to get the FFLA discounted rate. If you live nearby and are planning to commute, FFLA is offering complimentary half-day pre-conference sessions if you stay at the hotel instead. See the details here.

Note: FLAATF Vice-President Madeleine Flanagan is the director of this competition.

Ce concours international, à destination des apprenants de 8 à 18 ans et de leurs professeurs, a un double objectif : développer chez les apprenants la prise de conscience de la problématique du climat et l’exprimer à travers la langue française, langue de la défense de l’environnement, sous toutes ses formes écrites (reportage, bande dessinée, affiche publicitaire, slam, poésie…).

Check out the website for more information. 

Kristen Phillips, AATF teacher in New Jersey, has organized an opportunity for teachers to win tickets to GIMS’ concerts in the U.S. From Nov. 3-13 there will be shows in DC, NYC, ATL, LA, Las Vegas and Miami. She proposed a contest for teachers to win tickets and the promoters of the tour agreed. They will choose a winning teacher for the show in each city who has posted about the tour on their social media. They are also willing to offer a promo code for some shows for student groups. All of the venues are “all ages with an accompanying adult”. The contest is scheduled to end October 1, but so far very few teachers have entered. Don’t miss your chance to win or buy tickets.

Kristen has graciously offered all her materials for her project on teaching with GIMS as a free resource on her website. GIMS has been very supportive of her project over the past five years and even mentioned AATF in a recent radio interview while in Quebec. Kristen plans to do a student friendly interview with him when he’s in NYC and hopes he will make a little video for AATF as well. He is truly enthusiastic about students learning with his music.

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity today. Check out the details on the contest here.