Teri Wiechart, OWLA Parliamentarian & Bylaws Chair
Retired, Delphos Jefferson High School

In a year when many educators feel stretched thin, it’s easy for the joy of teaching languages to get buried under paperwork, shifting district priorities, and the constant pressure to justify our programs. Yet across Ohio, world language teachers continue to create spaces where students discover connection, curiosity, and confidence—often in ways that go unnoticed outside the classroom.

Joy in language learning isn’t accidental. It’s built through thousands of small choices: the moment a teacher slows down to make input comprehensible, the risk a student takes to speak in front of peers, the cultural insight that sparks a new perspective, the laughter that erupts when communication finally clicks. These moments are not extras—they are the heartbeat of our profession.

But joy also requires protection. As programs face cuts and teachers navigate increasing demands, it becomes essential to name the value of what we do. Language classrooms are among the few places where students practice empathy daily, learn to navigate ambiguity, and build the intercultural competence that employers and communities desperately need. When we advocate for our programs, we are advocating for these outcomes—not just for seat time or course offerings.

This semester, consider capturing one joyful moment each week: a quote from a student, a breakthrough in proficiency, or a cultural connection that resonated. These small snapshots become powerful evidence of our impact and remind us why our work matters. They also help us tell our story to administrators, families, and the broader community with clarity and confidence. Share these on OWLA’s social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

OWLA is committed to supporting you in this work—not only through professional development and advocacy, but by celebrating the everyday victories that define world language education in Ohio. As we move forward together, may we continue to protect the joy in our classrooms and elevate the voices of the teachers and students who make it possible.