Idioma Travels to Philadelphia for the ACTFL 2024 Annual Convention and World Languages Expo
The ACTFL 2024 Annual Convention and World Languages Expo took place in Philadelphia, PA, from November 22 to November 24, bringing together thousands of language educators, administrators, and exhibitors from across the globe. The event, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, featured over 800 sessions, workshops, and roundtable discussions aimed at enhancing language education practices. This year's theme, "Connect for the Love of Languages," emphasized the power of language to build connections and foster global citizenship. Keynote speakers included Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, known for her role in Abbott Elementary, and musician Blessing Offor, whose talks inspired attendees with stories of cultural and linguistic inclusion.
The convention also hosted a bustling exhibit hall, showcasing innovative teaching resources, technology, and international programs. Specialized events like the Italian Pavilion hosted by Idioma’s partner, the American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI) highlighted cultural and linguistic diversity, with exhibitors from around the world engaging attendees in hands-on activities and product demonstrations. Idioma’s president and founder Mellissia Walles and marketing director Elisa Kirschhoffer represented Idioma at booth #712 and were joined by Idioma instructors Dr. Joseph Parodi-Brown and Maureen Lamb.
The sessions featured a multitude of important topics in world language education. Maureen Lamb presented on several topics including, “Culturally Responsive Classics Conversations” with Samantha Radovich (Cambridge University Press), and Maureen hosted a conversation in the ACTFL Digital Learning Lounge: “What the Flip? - Alternatives Now that Flip is No Longer Free.” Idioma attended several sessions and conversations including, “Using Humor to Advance Student Engagement” presented Leanna Goodrich of Pennridge School District and co-presented by Michael Garrison of Pennridge School District, Kristin Gillett of Westford Academy and ConVal High School German teacher and NHAWLT representative Cindi Hodgdon. This humorous session featured strategies for integrating humor into any world language curriculum regardless of whether or not the teacher is naturally funny, and their presentation included many hilarious examples of memes, commercials and video clips with classroom-ready activities that had the attendees laughing out loud.
Idioma’s Elisa Kirschhoffer also attended the ACTFL Sidebar conversation, “Change: It Doesn't Have to Be Challenging” hosted by Wellesley, MA teacher and MAFLA 2024 Conference Chair President Mike Travers and Wellesley, MA Department Chair Tim Eagan. This compelling conversation focused on identifying the resistance factors that departments experience when change is introduced, and what teachers and department leaders can do to respond thoughtfully to those feelings of resistance to change. In October, Tim and Mike joined Joshua Cabral of the World Language Classroom to discuss this important topic on Joshua’s podcast. Listen to this podcast episode #168, “How to Deal with Resistance to Change with Tim Eagan and Mike Travers” by clicking here.
World Language educators explored diverse topics, including equitable teaching practices, intercultural competence, and proficiency-based instruction, while networking opportunities abounded. The Professional Awards Ceremony celebrated outstanding contributions to the field, and attendees enjoyed curated social events to connect with peers. Idioma’s Mellissia Walles and Elisa Kirschhoffer were fortunate to attend receptions held by partner associations, the American Classical League (ACL) and Goethe-Institut USA where they connected with association members and leaders all working together in support of world language teachers and education.
The convention reinforced the critical role of language learning in fostering understanding and collaboration worldwide, setting the stage for continued professional growth in the field of world language education. For more details, visit the ACTFL website.
