The Cardinal

A Grant to Develop a Nationwide Licensure and Certification Guide

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

Nationwide, new foreign language teachers many times find themselves lost when it comes to finding out the requirements for certification and licensure in their states. Many times they consult with other “seasoned teachers” only to find out that requirements have changed. Some may email licensure departments in their states and never receive answers. For all those teachers and others in the field there is some good news. Continue reading →

OFLA Technology & World Languages Committee 

Theresa Minick, Technology Integration Chair 

Thanks to everyone who registered for the Thursday afternoon workshop, Changin’ Technologies for Changin’ Times, at the OFLA Conference in Columbus! I know that all of us – Rebecca Bias, Bryan Drost, Julie Frye, Beth Hanlon, Ann Marie Radefeld and Theresa Minick – really enjoyed interacting with all the participants. What always makes it even better is that participants as well as presenters are willing to share their ideas and experiences. Continue reading →

In the Good ‘ole Summer Time!

Debbie McCorkle, Unioto High School
Chair, Secondary Language Learning Committee

Summer! For World Language teachers this season brings reflection, revamping and rejuvenation.  During the summer there is time to reflect upon World Language curriculum. Using Ohio’s New Learning Standards for World Languages, Linguafolio “I Can Statements” and Intercultural Competencies “I Can” statements, it is easy to think about and insure that Ohio’s World Language students are acquiring all the competencies necessary to make them citizens of the 21st century. Using these tools and researching the many excellent curriculums across the state, revamping curriculum is a stimulating endeavor. Rejuvenation occurs during this season also. World Language teachers spend time traveling abroad. Traveling gives us energy, enthusiasm and reminds us and underscores the importance of what we do the other nine months of the year. Continue reading →

My Reflections on the Past Few Years

Lucas Hoffman, Beginning Teachers Committee Chair

Serving as the Beginning Teachers committee chair has been a great privilege of mine.  I will echo what many other colleagues will say in that it has truly been an honor to get to know and work with such a dedicated and engage group of professional language educators.  Working on the board has been the greatest professional development tool of my teaching career.  I strongly advise anyone interested to join the committee! Continue reading →