Language Leaders Unite: Notre Dame Faculty Foster Connections and Innovations at ACTFL

In November, Notre Dame High School’s World Language Department, including Claire Grimonprez (French), Elena Grianti, Georgia Savarese (Italian), Regina Demaree (Latin), Norma Lopez, Cynthia Sabogal, and Marilyn Ward (Spanish), had the opportunity to deepen their professional education by attending the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Convention in Philadelphia.

The ACTFL Convention is a widely recognized professional development event for language educators in the United States. This conference unites language educators from all teaching levels to address the needs of today's learners and educators. It focuses on innovative programs, emerging trends, and research-informed practices, fostering a strong sense of community, and supporting educators in their efforts to help all students succeed in their language learning journey.

Key Takeaways:

Sense of Belonging: Many teachers felt a revitalized passion for their profession, connecting with a more extensive network of educators who share their commitment to language teaching.
Quality Offerings: The convention impressed attendees with its high-quality sessions and participants' palpable enthusiasm, creating a relaxed yet professional atmosphere for sharing ideas.
Learning Opportunities: Teachers appreciated the chance to learn and exchange innovative teaching techniques, ample access to over 200 vendors, and teaching resources that reinforced the impact of their work in Notre Dame's classrooms.
Networking: The event allowed 6,000 educators to meet colleagues in person, strengthen professional relationships, and celebrate their students' achievements, enhancing their motivation to teach.
Cultural Insights: Discussions with multilingual educators highlighted the importance of cultural perspectives in language learning, a principle that our teachers strive to instill in their students.
Curriculum Development: Engagements with publishers and discussions on novel curricula provided actionable insights to inform future instructional practices with a digital learning lab and round tables.

Acknowledgment of Support
The language department would like to express its heartfelt gratitude for your generosity at last year's Spring Fling, which made this transformative experience possible. Your contributions allowed our teachers to attend the convention and return with renewed inspiration and practical strategies to enhance their teaching. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative!