Be an Advocate for Language Education

ACTFL is working to raise public awareness on the benefits of language learning in order to influence the direction of US education. Our goals include: maintaining existing language education programs, diversifying instruction to new languages, and reaching more middle and elementary school students with foreign language instruction. Now, more than ever, advocacy in support of language education is critical.

Call to Action

We often hear our leaders talk about the importance of a 21^st Century education, and the need for our future graduates to compete in the global marketplace.  Foreign language education is a critical component of the nation’s future competitiveness. Your Senators and Representative need to hear from you. If Congress doesn’t act, major cuts to foreign language and other vital education programs will take effect in January.

Take action now!

ACTFL Sends Letter to President on Foreign Language Learning

In September, a coalition of national, regional, and state organizations sent a letter to President Obama urging his support for foreign language programs such as Language Flagships, STARTALK, the National Security Language Initiative for Youth, the Critical Language Scholarships program, and Title VI language programs.

Read the full letter to President Obama. Don't see your organization's name on the list of sponsors? Request that it be added. To learn more about these programs, visit our resources page.

2012 ACTFL National Language Teacher Visits with Arne Duncan and Congressional Staff

Yo Azama, ACTFL’s 2012 National Language Teacher of the Year visited Capitol Hill and the US Department of Education earlier this year, reminding policymakers of the importance of foreign language instruction. Read more about the visit.

Learn more about Yo Azama and the ACTFL Teacher of the Year competition.