Vermont Foreign Language Association

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

VFLA Conference News

Save the date:

Friday, March 17th, 2023

Lake Morey Resort. Fairlee, Vermont.

More details soon!

Lake Morey Resort - Home | Facebook

Lost in Translation Poetry Event

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

April 3rd-7th, 2023

Students recite from memory one pre-selected poem in the target language on the virtual platform FlipGrid.

Open to K-12 students; prizes awarded by language and age.

See previous honored 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

November 1st - December 16th, 2022

"The beauty of our world is the diversity of its people"~Unknown

Students create an 11x14” artistic representation of this quote to submit by December 15. Submissions will be judged and awards will be sent to the recipients.

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

Are you a BIPOC educator in Vermont?

The VT Educators of Color Association is a group of educators of color in Vermont. The mission of the group is to support educators of color in Vermont to connect, heal, and organize for change! We do this through regular online meetings, occasional in person gatherings, and shared organizing projects.

Our group is primarily K-12 educators but is open to all educators including those in early childhood education, higher education, and out of school education.

If you are a BIPOC educator and would like to join this group or learn more please reach out to the co-facilitators Mikaela Simms or Alyssa Chen.

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.

Equity and Inclusion

November is National Native American Heritage Month

Celebrate the culture and heritage of individuals who deeply enrich the United States.

In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.

Five myths about American Indians

Curriculum – Abenaki Arts & Education Center

Education – Vermont Abenaki Artists Association

Learn Western Abenaki on Memrise App

Exploring Indigenous Languages