Reflections on my time as an OWLA Board member

Dawn N. Michael, OWLA Recruitment and Retention Chair
Reynoldsburg City Schools

In spite of personal circumstances that have hampered my ability to participate fully in the way that I would have liked, I have greatly valued my  time over the past year interacting with the leadership team of OWLA. I wanted to share some of my insights in the hopes of encouraging other members to engage with all that our organization has to offer.

CAMP OFLA IS REALLY, REALLY COOL

I am leading with this because I had absolutely no idea how amazing this language camp is before learning about it from the inside. Reading a flyer or email about it is not sufficient to convey the enthusiasm of the staff and campers. I wish that I would have sent my son when he was of an age to go, but since that opportunity has passed, I will actively promote this summer experience both in my home district and my employing district. I would love to see some videos recorded this summer that we could use to share with our districts when enrollment time comes for next year (hint hint Camp OFLA staff!).

PASSIONATE PEOPLE MATTER

It is a very difficult time to get engagement in optional professional activities, whether  online or in person. Teachers are increasingly burdened with non-instructional responsibilities (Science of Reading training, for example) as well as preparing lessons, grading, and maintaining their licensure. The challenges of post-COVID student (dis)engagement and behavioral struggles also create a more exhausting atmosphere in the classroom for many. In spite of all this, volunteer board members have worked hard to create opportunities for the membership to learn from and lean on each other. Alexis Blum, Professional Development Chair, is an example of a board member who worked diligently to provide times for members to do just this, in spite of low engagement in sessions. Maria Herman, the Membership Chair, applied for and earned the OWLA 2025 Teacher of the Year. Not only did OWLA proudly promote Maria in Ohio but we were excited to send her to the Central States Conference this past March for this important advocacy position. All of the educators who took the time to present at our Fall Mini Conference and Spring State Conference are an inspiration to continue to share our work and promote language study. 

If you are able to share your talents or voice in any way – whether on a committee, participating in a session, leading a conference presentation or applying for Teacher of the Year – your energy and enthusiasm will help maintain and grow our profession in the State of Ohio.

MILLE FOIS MERCI

A big thank you to all on the board who have shared their thoughts and practices, I have learned a lot from watching you work. Thank you for your service to language education in Ohio.