FSU to Host West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers Association Conference

 Fairmont State University will host the West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers Association conference on Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2011. Foreign language teachers from across the state and representing a variety of world languages and grade levels will attend this annual meeting, which focuses this year on Fostering a Culture of Global Proficiency.

The featured guest speaker is Norah Lulich Jones of Gladys, Va. Jones is a consultant and trainer with the National Council of State Supervisors of Foreign Language. Dr. Jorea Marple, the West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, also will be a guest speaker. Other guests will be representatives from RESA VII, Fair Trade and textbook publishers. Break-out session topics vary.

“The WVFLTA is important to foreign language educators at all levels across the state. It is an honor for FSU to have been asked to host the WVFLTA conference this year,” said Julie A. Sellers, Assistant Professor Spanish at FSU.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Fostering a Culture of Global Proficiency: Let’s Talk with the World.” Presenters and poster displays will cover topics on issues facing new teachers, effective pedagogical practices, world language opportunities beyond the K-12 and high education classrooms and study abroad experiences from travel scholarship winners.   

Presenters include some of the state’s best teachers from K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to come to the conference at Fairmont State. It’s going to be great!” said Blanca Skaggs, Co-president of the WVFLTA.

WVFLTA promotes the study of world languages by facilitating collaboration among K-12 and higher education professionals to reexamine the practical aims and research-based methods of instruction in second-language and global literacy acquisition. For more information or to register for the conference, visit http://wfflta.org. Conference fees include a one-year membership in WVFLTA.

West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers Association ConferenceJulie SellersfacultySpanishJorea MarpleBlanca Skaggs