Martha E. Castañeda, OFLA President Elect

As I enter a year into the presidency of the Ohio Foreign Language Association (OFLA), I took a moment to review and reflect on OFLA’s past, present and future as well as its commitment to the profession. Founded in 1962, OFLA serves as a forum for elementary, secondary and university level foreign language teachers in Ohio. At the core of its foundation, OFLA unites foreign language teachers who have common methodologies for teaching languages. Today, OFLA serves as a nationally recognized organization that supports as well as disseminates state-of-the-art language teaching practices.  To this end, OFLA provides professional development, grants scholarships, recognizes leaders in the profession and distributes essential information regarding the language teaching profession.  Each year, these endeavors all culminate at the annual conference.

In 2016, the OFLA conference will be held in conjunction with the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CSCTFL). Given the regional nature of the OFLA/CSCTFL 2016 conference, attendees can participate in sessions designed to enhance teaching practice while they learn about current trends in language teaching and assessments. Additionally, they have opportunities to share language teaching experiences and to network with experienced and beginning language teachers from Ohio and the Midwest region. The regional nature of the conference will give breadth and depth to the annual meeting.

We, the OFLA executive officers, committees, consultants, affiliates, and alliances, are committed to ensuring the academic year is filled with professional development, that we communicate news and policies related to language teaching and learning, that we identify leaders in the profession and that we promote and work toward tangible goals advancing the profession. During the 2015-2016 academic year leading to the annual conference, we want to encourage each and every one of you to participate in the organization through workshops, nomination of colleagues for deserving awards and recognition, voting, as well as engagement in social media. At the end of the 2015-2016 academic year, we want you to join us at the annual conference to celebrate the yearly accomplishments and to participate in exceptional professional development. Mark your calendar for the 2016 CSCTFL/OFLA March 10-12 in Columbus, Ohio – one of our culminating projects.