ACTFL 2018 New Orleans!

I'm fortunate to have become friends with two amazing, inspiring language professors through another beloved, talented language professor friend, Kelly. I've presented with Anne and Kelly a few times and always enjoyed it but this year the conference was especially satisfying because it offered
excellent mentorship, professional development and socialization against a francophone backdrop I ACTUALLY GOT TO ENJOY!

MENTORSHIP:
I got a good deal on a plane ticket by arriving a day early. I had ample time on my hands and a dear friend I met through Kelly who met her through Anne, Sue, generously shared her time with me. We sat and talked at length about our current professional projects. Besides publications, invited speaking gigs, earning accolades with her students, serving on the ACTFL board, taking aim at the EdTPA standards, and a slew of other things, she is among the most sincere, kind and thoughtful people EVER. I felt fortunate to have spent several hours immersed in chewy conversation.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• My conversations with Sue inspired me to apply to read proposals for the Teaching and Learning of Culture SIG (Special Interest Group)
• I attended several sessions on LGBTQX identity in language classrooms and how to be inclusive-I felt like I was good at this already, but I can do more
• I attended a session on online teaching which will help with possible changes to beginning and intermediate French at RU
• I attended a session on weaving social justice themes into low level classes, something I've just started that holds promise for development
• I attended a session on designing units without a textbook as the foundation, something I'm doing in the Beyond the Textbook project. The presenters shared a helpful template I may adapt for my own purposes
• Anne, Kelly and I presented "Teacher's Toolbox: Strategies for Interacting with Authentic Texts" 

• I was awarded a prize by the Teaching and Learning of Culture SIG for study abroad photos I am incorporating in my classes. I gave a small talk about it at their meeting. 

SOCIALIZATION:
Anne arrived next, several hours before the conference festivities started so we had time to walk all over the French Quarter and talk while strolling. She balances a sizable research agenda that includes a recent book with two kids and a spouse. She embodies discipline, drive, and growth mindset. If Anne respects you, you feel proud of yourself for earning it from a tough judge of character. I still marvel that she thinks I'm worthy.

Last to arrive was Kelly, someone I've known for over 20 years and who has seen all of me. Besides our presentation with Anne, she also presented for a publisher. She also serves on a regional board and was elected secretary to an ACTFL special interest group on top of managing the expectations of a tenure track job. She manages to juggle all of that and sizable adulting tasks that would make the most competent of us cry. I'm so grateful to her for introducing me to these accomplished women and being one of my best friends.