Teacher Reflection: Making Time for It is Key to Success in the Classroom

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Cardinal Editor

Rebecca Wiehe, PhD, Spanish Teacher, Hudson High School

Self-reflection is at the heart of teacher improvement. Devoting focused time to analyze one’s work and effectiveness in the classroom can be difficult, but the results are well worth the effort. We can only improve our practice if we find where it is lacking. So, as we head into a new year, let’s make time to not only be grateful for what we have, but to also reflect upon how much more we have to offer ourselves and our students. Continue reading →

Posted in OFLA News: Association, Vol. 53, No. 2 - Winter 2015 | Leave a comment

Ohio Foreign Language Initiative for University System of Ohio Institutions

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Cardinal Editor

Printed with permission of the Ohio Articulation and Transfer Network, Ohio Board of Regents

Great progress was made on the development of statewide learning outcomes for beginning and intermediate language courses I and II during the Academic Year 2013-2014. Ohio has statewide learning outcomes for American Sign Language, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Endorsed learning outcomes and course alignment guides for these languages are available on the Ohio Foreign Language Initiative website at https://www.ohiohighered.org/transfer/foreign_language_initiative_documents. Continue reading →

Posted in OFLA News: Association, Vol. 53, No. 2 - Winter 2015 | Leave a comment

Ursuline High School Celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast and Three Kings’ Day

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Cardinal Editor

Ursuline High School Celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast and Three Kings’ Day

Paulina Montaldo, Spanish Teacher, Ursuline High School, Youngstown

Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean celebrate the Epiphany, or what is also known as Three Kings’ Day, with traditions that originated with Spanish settlers.   The Epiphany marks the celebration of the day on which the Magi arrived bearing gifts for baby Jesus. Continue reading →

Posted in OFLA News: Association, Vol. 53, No. 2 - Winter 2015 | Leave a comment

Teacher Education and Licensure

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Cardinal Editor

A Sneak-Peak on LangCred: Website to Be Launched in February

Gaby Semaan, University of Toledo, Assistant Professor, Director of Middle East Studies and Coordinator of Arabic Program

In the June 2014 issue of the Cardinal, we mentioned that HADI (Human Assistance and Development International) received a grant from StarTalk to work on developing a free online resource for all language teachers with the goal of directing them to become certified and licensed. Teachers seeking licensure will be happy to know that this website will be launched in February 2015. The website has been published and is in the testing phase with hopes to fix any bugs before it opens to the teachers. The web address for the site is LangCred.org. Here is a sneak peak of the website with some pictures of its different features. Continue reading →

Posted in Committee News, Vol. 53, No. 2 - Winter 2015 | Leave a comment

Letter from the President

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Cardinal Editor

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 7.11.56 PMRichard Emch, North Royalton High School, OFLA President 2014-2015

Each school year often brings new challenges to the evolving landscape of foreign language teaching and learning.  As we navigate some uncertain waters, I have found that a professional association, such as OFLA, can be a beacon of guidance on the horizon.  Members helping and encouraging members to focus on the students through teaching for proficiency will strengthen Ohio’s position as one of the national leaders in language acquisition.  Be an advocate for yourself and for your language program and start by joining your professional associations.   Continue reading →

Posted in Executive News, Letter from the President, Vol. 53, No. 1 - Fall 2014 | Leave a comment

Awards

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Cardinal Editor

OFLA Awards Call for Nominations

Martha E. Castañeda, OFLA President Elect

Do you know an outstanding teacher or administrator who is deserving of recognition from OFLA for their “above and beyond” contribution to the world language community in Ohio and beyond?  If so, nominate this well deserving teacher or administrator today! Continue reading →

Posted in Awards, Executive News, Vol. 53, No. 1 - Fall 2014 | Leave a comment

Board Elections —Would You Like to be a Part of It All?

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Cardinal Editor

Teri Wiechart, OFLA Past President

Being on the OFLA board is a wonderful, collegial experience.  It is a Professional Learning Community like no other.

The slate for the February election is nearly complete.  Soon we will be publishing information about each candidate.  Please take the time to read and become informed and then vote.  Voting will be open to every Professional member of the organization. Continue reading →

Posted in Executive News, Vol. 53, No. 1 - Fall 2014 | Leave a comment

Why OFLA is Worth It!

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Cardinal Editor

TurnerMilton Alan Turner, Saint Ignatius High School, OFLA Executive Treasurer

At a cost of less than $4 a month, OFLA membership is a great bargain! Being a member of OFLA allows you to keep informed about changes in our profession in several different ways: the OFLA web site, the OFLA Listserv, the resource rich SLO Weebly website, and our excellent electronic newsletter The Cardinal. In addition, your dues allow OFLA to provide you with high quality professional development opportunities on relevant topics such as SLOs, IPAs, comprehensible input, staying in the target language, and technology integration, at the lowest cost possible. Continue reading →

Posted in Executive News, Vol. 53, No. 1 - Fall 2014 | Leave a comment

Membership

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Cardinal Editor

People, People Who Need People…

Julie

…Are the luckiest people in the World Language teaching profession

Julie Frye, Lexington High School French, OFLA Membership Chair

Do I have you singing yet? I used to work in another organization that met weekly for professional development, new product introductions and encouragement. One of the most memorable quotes I have taken with me through the years is, “If you had a bad week, you need us. If you had a good week, we need you!” Continue reading →

Posted in Executive News, Vol. 53, No. 1 - Fall 2014 | Leave a comment

2015 Central States Conference

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Cardinal Editor

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.21.47 PM

For additional information on the 2015 Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, please visit http://csctfl.org/conferences/2015conference.html!

Posted in Conference, Vol. 53, No. 1 - Fall 2014 | Leave a comment