The Vermont Foreign Language Association envisions a Vermont of multilingual global citizens who collaborate and connect to the world as a result of meaningful world language experiences.

The Vermont Foreign Language Association condemns any form of bigotry or hatred. Indeed, the learning and teaching of world languages is rooted in the belief that we are enriched by our exchanges with those who are different from us, and that diversity is a beautiful, vital part of our world. Our domain values diverse voices and perspectives; we further commit to elevating those that have been marginalized. Our learning environments reflect our diverse world through our choice of literature, cultural curriculum, and classroom materials. In our classrooms, students and teachers must examine their own biases as they gain knowledge of other cultures, so that we respond to difference with empathy and respect and recognize and expose patterns of discrimination. Ultimately, the work in our classrooms should dismantle ignorance and empower our students to stand up against injustice.

VFLA joins the ACTFL statement about the tragic events at Robb Elementary School:

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Dear colleagues,

Yesterday, we witnessed another horrific, violent tragedy in a school in the United States. The community of Uvalde, TX, has been torn apart by a school shooting at Robb Elementary School. My heart is broken. I think back to Columbine and Sandy Hook and Virginia Tech and Marjory Stoneman Douglas—and recent attacks on our communities. I’m left despondent, angry, and utterly exhausted.

I know that many of you are feeling a wide range of emotions right now. We see you. We’d like to think that our schools are safe spaces for our entire teaching and learning community, so events like yesterday are heartbreaking. Now, more than ever, we need to be intentional about fostering learning environments where everyone feels connected to each other and their school community. This profession is uniquely positioned to serve in this important role.

In addition, we recognize that you’re under a tremendous amount of stress right now, so please know that we’ve begun collating some free resources on addressing trauma and tragedy, which we’ll share shortly, along with some extensions on our award and Board nomination submission deadlines. We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to support you today and into the future.

I had some very difficult conversations with my kids last night. I suspect many of you had those same conversations. We so appreciate your dedication to your students and to the profession. Please look out for one another. Support one another. Be kind. ACTFL will be here when you need us.

In solidarity,

Howie Berman, MA, CAE
Executive Director

Spanish Teacher job openings

Vermont Day School (VDS) is a PreK-8 school in Shelburne, Vermont. The school offers exceptional instruction in core academics, along with a project-based approach to learning that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration.

VDS is seeking a part-time Spanish teacher to plan, develop and implement instruction in all aspects of language acquisition and Spanish cultural studies for elementary and middle school students. Candidates must have experience developing hands-on curriculum that is engaging, interdisciplinary and interactive.

Our elementary Spanish program seeks to build enthusiasm and confidence with students’ command of the language, and to develop fluency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. At the Middle School level, the curriculum moves into more advanced study of language structure. Students broaden their vocabulary knowledge and learn more complex grammar structures enabling them to participate in fluent dialogue, and read and write confidently and accurately in Spanish.

Our hands-on, interdisciplinary approach incorporates games, role-playing, skits, discussion, group projects, art, music and movement into everyday learning. In Middle School, students also read novels, short stories and poems by Spanish-speaking authors, and engage in interdisciplinary studies of Spanish-speaking cultures.

To apply for the Spanish Teacher position, please email cover letter and resume to Sage Bagnato, Head of School (employment@vtdayschool.org). This position is part-time, approximately 3-4 days per week, with opportunities to increase to full-time.

Please visit www.vtdayschool.org to learn more about our school and contact Sage Bagnato (employment@vtdayschool.org) with questions.

Hinesburg Community School has an opening for a 1.0 FTE dynamic Spanish Teacher. A successful candidate is likely to possess the following qualifications:

Licensed in Vermont for K-12 Spanish, with demonstrated fluency in reading, writing and speaking.
A team player who is flexible and collaborative.
Strong background in planning, implementing and assessing a standards-based curriculum.
Thorough knowledge of the ACTFL national standards.
Ability and desire to integrate world language instruction with other curricular areas.
Ability to motivate each student to cultivate an appreciation for the learning of a world language and the cultures of the peoples who speak them.
Ability and desire to successfully collaborate with special educators and integrate students with all abilities into world language classes.
Desire to effectively integrate 21st-century technology into the world language classroom.

If you are a dynamic, energetic, collegial and innovative individual, we would love to talk with you about joining the Hinesburg Community School. If interested, please apply via SchoolSpring to PK-4 Principal Suzan Locke and 5-8 Principal Tim Trevithick and include a cover letter, resume, proof of certification, transcripts and three current letters of reference.

CVSD is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring that all of our students achieve our mission - which means we are also committed to developing a faculty and staff that represents the inclusive, welcoming environment we seek to develop for students and families.

We seek applicants with diverse experiences who share this commitment and strongly encourage Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, women, and LGBTQ

candidates to apply. CVSD Equity Policy

Look for more teaching opportunities in Vermont

VFLA Conference News

The 2022 VFLA Spring Conference at Castleton University was a success. We had more than fifty participants from all over Vermont. Our keynote Darcy Rogers, founder of Organic World Language (OWL), presented two sessions filled with movement and ready to use strategies. In the afternoon, we had three different sessions: Seal of Biliteracy, Migrant Justice, Community Building, and the always famous Swap shop where teachers exchanged activities and resources. We celebrated the awarded students in the poster's contest and a moving ceremony honoring the 2022 VFLA Distinguished teacher.

Lost in Translation Poetry Event

"Poetry is what is lost in translation." ~ Robert Frost

Congratulations to the participants.

Find more information about the awarded students here

Check our VFLAPadlet

Find ready to use resources from our members.

News from The Seal of Biliteracy for

VT High School seniors!

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award to recognize students who have attained proficiency in English and any other language(s), by high school graduation. In Vermont, the Vermont Foreign Language Association (VFLA), has partnered with the Agency of Education to award students who demonstrate these proficiencies.

For more information visit Vermont Seal of Biliteracy

VFLA Poster Contest Event

“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” ~ Chinese proverb

We were amazed bu the quality of the submission. Congratulation to the awarded students' posters. For more information click here

VFLA Distinguished Teacher award

Congratulations To

Lori Dow-Moore

2022 VFLA Distinguished Teacher!

World Language teacher at South Burlington High School.

Learn more about Lori here

The VFLA presents the Distinguished Teacher Award to a world language teacher who:

- is innovative and creative in the classroom
- reflects on his/her practice and strives for professional growth
- inspires and encourages students to become active global citizens
- shares expertise with colleagues
- exceeds professional expectations

We want to hear your stories!

We welcome contributions to our e-newsletters.

Share, adventures, traditions, resources, recipes, and more!

Send us ideas or contributions here

Become a VFLA member!

Click here to learn more about the benefits of being part of VFLA

Click here to join the VFLA!

Our membership runs from January 1st -December 31st

The VFLA Board of Directors

Without volunteers, VFLA would cease to exist.

Have you ever wanted to help advocate for World Languages on a statewide level? How about becoming a member of the Vermont Foreign Language Association Board of Directors?

Becoming a Board member is a unique opportunity to support and strengthen your profession in Vermont and beyond. In addition to having an influence on the future of world languages in VT and helping to guide the VFLA in serving the professional needs of its members, benefits of being on the VFLA Board include free membership, free conference, and you can apply to your LSB for PD hours based.

For more information about being a VFLA board member click here.

Black History resources:

Learning for Justice

Teaching for Change

Black Lives Matter at School

Members Benefits

VFLA

PO Box 66

Taftsville, VT 05073

Vermont Foreign Language association

"Poetry is what is lost in translation." ~ Robert Frost

VFLA Distinguished Teacher award

The VFLA Board of Directors