AATG News

Deborah Page, AATG Liaison, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash

Fall Conference Held

The Fall Conference and Meeting were held November 7-8, 2014, in Columbus.   The program began on Friday afternoon with a meet and greet.  There were several new members attending, as well as long-established acquaintances.  Debbie Page was welcomed as the incoming president and presided over the meeting.  Kristina Wassmann, the outgoing president, was thanked for her years of service to the chapter.

The first item of business was the chapter meeting.  Members reviewed, discussed, and improved the proposed amendments to the Constitution & Bylaws.  The final proposed version will be sent to membership for ratification.  Elections for the First and Second Vice-Presidents were held.  Please join me in welcoming Julie Schönauer as the incoming First Vice-President and Gene Aufderhaar as the incoming Second Vice-President.  Darlene Lyon was reconfirmed as the chapter Testing Chair.  The chapter discussed a fundraising initiative to supper the National AATG Endowment.  Members voted to match contributions up to $500, but make at least a $500 donation.  Finally, the 2014-2015 budget was discussed and approved.

Following dinner at a nearby restaurant, Dr. Mohamed Esa began his workshop with an introduction to the topic of “Von Grimm bis Rammstein: Märchen im modernen Deutschunterricht.”  Mohamed, as the AATG National President and Professor of German was welcomed back to the chapter for another of his lively and informative workshops.  Mohamed continued early on Saturday morning and into the afternoon, breaking for a quick lunch at the hotel.  Everyone left the conference with a copy of his extensive handout, as well digital copies of all of the media files used in the workshop.

The final presenter on Saturday was Anka Fehling, Beraterin für Deutschunterricht, Zentralstelle für Auslandsschulwesen (Chicago).  Anka spoke on two topics: 1) Unterstützungsangebote der ZfA-Beraterin für Deutschunterricht in Ohio and 2) Land des Umbruchs – Schullaufbahnen in Deutschland heute.  Anka is open to working with any of the schools in her region to facilitate the teaching of German, including working with faculty and administrators.  Please contact her for additional information (chicago@auslandsschulwesen.de).  Her second topic was a much-needed update on how the education system and schools are changing in Germany.