Transatlantic connections

I am preparing for my first extended stay in Germany in nearly 5 years, and I am surprised at how anxious and excited I feel. Why anxious? Because I haven't seen friends and cities in so long, I am wondering how they have changed. Why excited? I love the rush when I get off the plane and that switch flips in my brain. Everything switches to German (the way I talk, the way I walk, the way I eat), and I marvel at the fact that I can feel so comfortable in a different culture. Not only do I feel comfortable, but I am also accepted.
How did this come about? I suppose from years of travel and immersion in the German language, literature, and culture, but it really dates back to my very first study abroad experience (a 6-week immersion program in Freiburg offered by the University of Pennsylvania). It was then that I fell in love with all things German related.
Recently, I corresponded with several former students, some who use German in their professional lives and others who don't. Each of these students emphasized their study abroad experiences as foundational, whether they use German today or not.
I constantly hear about threatened programs, and as we all scramble to explain why German is an important language and encourage schools and institutions to offer a palette of languages, we should also reflect on the way that study abroad enriches one's life. It is through the language that we connect with people, and it is these connections that will help our global society through the myriad challenges it faces.

Sustaining Programs is Hard Work

Originally, I had planned to update this blog every two weeks or so. Somehow, the work of the semester got in the way, and more than three months have passed! During those three months I followed the status of German programs very closely. The economic crisis is impacting pre-collegiate and post-secondary education in unprecedented ways. Sustaining programs has become a full time job. Still, I trust that it is a job that you find rewarding.

Last week I was invited to give a speech at the German Festessen at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. The German program there, in the able hands of Linda Zins-Adams (2009 SCOLT Teacher of the Year), is thriving. All students who had participated in the Northern Kentucky World Language regional festival and the Kentucky World Language state festival were acknowledged, as were students who had participated in German Day at the University of Cincinnati, and the Freedom Without Walls events at Northern Kentucky University. Here are additional highlights from the Festessen awards: 44 students were awarded AATG Certificates of Merit for outstanding performance on the National German Exam; Rebekah Agard was recognized as a Study Trip winner; 22 students were inducted into the German Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Phi; an additional 9 students were inducted into Jr. Delta Epsilon Phi; 9 graduating seniors were presented with Honor Cords. Frau Zins-Adams also honored and thanked those 9 seniors for, in most cases, 5 years of hard work studying German through the AP level (and they had to get up early the next morning to take the AP test). She created a stirring tribute to her students:
http://animoto.com/play/uS6xP99qEHfhiO74M0b0IA

It is clear that Frau Zins-Adams has put in countless hours to help her students excel in German. As a witness to this wonderful celebration of student achievement, I honestly can say that it is rewarding work for all parties.

There's no place like home

For me, home provides a sense of comfort, security and well-being. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the AATG headquarters in Cherry Hill (along with Mark Himmelein and Kathy Fegley) and discovered what I would consider a home away from home. For those of you who have never had the opportunity to meet the staff in Cherry Hill, I can assure you that they are the most dedicated professionals you will ever want to meet. Their primary concern from the moment they entered the office was for the well-being of the membership and the organization. They are truly dedicated to supporting German teachers across the country. The AATG is an efficient and effective organization, and we can truly marvel at the high quality programs and services that the organization offers us. Helene and her staff work hard to find alternate sources of funding for our programming; it is astounding that membership dues cover less than 30% of the cost of services. The next time you have a chance, take a moment to thank Helene, Anita, Mercedes, Martha, Debbi, Barb and Pamela for all that they do. Oh, and while you're at it, check your status to make sure that your membership dues are up to date so that the staff can keep those home fires burning.

A New Year, a new resolution!

In an effort to keep AATG members apprised of the various initiatives in which AATG is involved, I intend to provide members with a blog about items of interest. Like many of you, I make my share of New Years' resolutions, very few of which I actually remember after a month or so has passed.
This year, my resolution involves keeping the status of German and the importance of studying German at the forefront of everything I do. The first step is membership in professional organizations. I hope everyone remembered to renew their AATG membership. If it slipped your mind in the holiday rush, you can still renew at the online store. Please take a moment to check your membership status. While you're at the store, why not pick up some materials for you class...
And don't forget about yourself! There are plenty of professional development opportunities for teachers at all levels.
As the year progresses, I will use this blog to update you about the status of German and to alert you ways that you can get involved.