In light of the recent wave of Executive Orders issued by the new Trump administration, it is more important than ever to reaffirm the critical role that world language educators serve in our multilingual communities, here and abroad.
“ACTFL is monitoring current events, and we are committed to fulfilling our mission: providing vision, leadership, and support for quality teaching and learning of languages. We are working on plans now to support our community with guidance and resources,” said ACTFL President Milton Alan Turner.
ACTFL Executive Director Lawrence M. Paska, PhD, CAE, agrees, “ACTFL is proud of its educator community and will continue advocacy and outreach to re-enforce the positive impact that language learning has as a foundation for education, workforce readiness, and active engagement in the world around us.”
Language learning strengthens skills that are invaluable in any society: critical thinking, problem-solving, cross-cultural connections, and adaptability—among many others. These are the very qualities needed to address the global challenges of today and tomorrow. As the world becomes more interdependent, the demand for multilingual and culturally competent individuals will only grow. Your efforts as educators are essential in supporting the clear impact that language learning has in the achievement of all learners.
We encourage you to seek solidarity and support within ACTFL’s broader network of language educators, advocates, and community organizations. By working together, we can amplify the importance of our work and ensure that language education remains a cornerstone of a well-rounded, forward-thinking society.
ACTFL will continue to monitor the Federal political landscape closely. We stand with you. Rest assured that we will continue to advocate for world language education as essential to a comprehensive education and cultural understanding.
For more information about ACTFL, please contact headquarters@actfl.org.