Dear FLENJ members,

Glimpses of the beautiful fall foliage have given way to winter weather warnings, the deeper work of implementing SGOs in the classroom and eagerness for a winter break! You are now in the thick of the school year and you now know better what you need to propel your teaching … remember FLENJ stands ready to assist! We have had an amazing fall season of professional development and there is more in store for winter into spring, 2015. Remember- your state network is your go-to source for the highest quality professional development – a tradition of success for teachers across NJ.

  1. News from ACTFL! There are several great, new initiatives coming from our national organization: the mother ship, if you will. I make it a point to check the website at the beginning of each quarter – to get the latest and to get inspired to reach for more in the classroom. What is happening nationally informs my local work in the classroom.
    www.actfl.orgIt felt great to participate in the Assembly of Delegates at the ACTFL national convention, recently and to see that our efforts in the classroom mirror what is happening in other states. NJ can play a key role in the future of language education, we just need to harness the power in our state. FLENJ partners with ACTFL on these new initiatives and one that stands out is the building champions campaign. Each state has a state action team and builds from the team leader, who develops a strong inner circle, supported by grassroots shakers and movers and finally community validators. Stay tuned for more actions coming from NJ. We need a new champion in our legislature because Rush Holt is retiring from Congress. He has been an unwavering champion of world languages education and now we need someone to fill those important shoes!Additionally- 2015 Lead with Languages – this is ACTFL’s new campaign, which will roll out in the new year. Get the word early! – check out the video here: http://www.leadwithlanguages.org/

  2. FLENJ Annual Conference: Register today! http://conference.flenj.org/2015/
    Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, NJ: February 27, 28 2015. The excitement builds!
    The FLENJ board, led by Shannon Lorenzo and her team, has built a fantastic two-day annual conference: Friday- 5 varied full-day workshop choices, Saturday- an inspiring keynote by Stephen Krashen, exhibitors with the latest materials, and 15 worthwhile breakout sessions- something for everyone! Where else would you rather be? Make it even easier- commute by train: the conference site is one block from the New Brunswick NJ Transit station. As the NECTFL conference will not take place in 2015, this is your last big opportunity for building community, sharing ideas in a common space and benefiting from the professional learning atmosphere. Come for one day or both, as we all learn the newest to make the second half of the school year the best we can make it. How great- the chance to come together as a community and learn from and with each other! We look forward to seeing you there!

  3. Deadlines approaching- don’t miss out!
    December 31- Teacher Mini-grants http://flenj.org/awards/mini_grants/
    Just what you need! Support from FLENJ for that outstanding new idea you have to make your classroom an even more success-driven environment for your students. This FLENJ initiative is led by FLENJ board member Carol Coe.December 31- Teacher of the Year http://flenj.org/forms/normal/nj_toy/
    FLENJ is pleased to promote this program of the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages regional recognition of teacher excellence. Whom do you wish nominate? Check out the details and take those minutes to recognize that deserving colleague. This FLENJ initiative is led by FLENJ board members Raquel Williams and Nathan Lutz.January 10, 2015- Student Video Program http://videocontest.flenj.org/
    Students can showcase their proficiency, have fun completing the project and win a great prize. This FLENJ initiative is led by FLENJ board member Lucy Lee.January 30, 2015- Teacher Awards http://flenj.org/awards/teacher/
    You can recognize the dedication and excellence of a colleague or teacher who inspired you with a FLENJ Teacher Award. How great to promote excellent teaching by recognizing these outstanding teachers in New Jersey. This FLENJ initiative is led by Nathan Lutz and Raquel Williams.Other great FLENJ initiatives on the horizon:
    FLENJ Mentoring program. http://flenj.org/mentoring/ Check out the new video which explains the entire program. The inaugural cohort is finding great meaning in the partnering and reports professional growth well beyond what is available in a traditional mentoring program. This FLENJ initiative is led by FLENJ board members Shannon Lorenzo, Doug Crouse, Nathan Lutz and Marie-Laure Hoffman.Education Abroad Scholarship http://flenj.org/epa/ Ready to get back into the target culture to enhance your language proficiency and sharpen your cultural awareness? Then the new FLENJ Education Abroad Scholarship program is for you. Supporting NJ teachers of world languages, who are FLENJ members so that they can take their teaching to that higher level, empowering students to reach for more. FLENJ board member Liliana Lopez leads this new FLENJ initiative.NJ Seal of Biliteracy http://flenj.org/biliteracy/ Biliteracy is the ability to speak, read, and write in two or more languages at a proficient level. The Seal of Biliteracy honors graduating seniors who have attained multiple language proficiencies and signals this achievement to colleges and potential employers. Check out the site to get all of the details. Your district can sign on as a pilot in this new initiative, which is gaining momentum quickly across the USA. This new FLENJ initiative is led by FLENJ board member Jean Modig.

But there is more! - no I will stop, here, for today but there is always more. Your FLENJ board works tirelessly (and quite collaboratively, I might add) to bring you the best there is in world language educational practice so you can make the most productive classroom environment for your students. We are a click away- reach out to us, share your ideas and ask your questions. We would love to hear from you!Each day in the classroom holds the promise of possibility, that moment you never see coming. Just the other day, I received a Christmas card from a former student, who now lives in Germany, is married to a German and has chosen to raise her family there. She wrote to credit me with leading her down this path. What a nice moment- to read these words! We never quite know which seeds we plant.

A restful and nurturing winter break to you! See you in 2015!All the best,
Christopher Gwin
FLENJ President