Northern Illinois AATG Rundbrief

Spring 2025

Vom Präsidenten

Many thanks, first of all, to Antje Perrin for her inspired and energetic leadership these past two years and for setting such a good example for me to follow! And thanks to all the Exco members. Just knowing that our chapter has such an excellent cadre of dedicated professionals running the various parts of our organization makes my present task seem much less daunting. And a warm welcome to our new Exco member (Testing and Awards), Peter Blank!

For example, I am very happy to cede to Anna Hog to task of providing an inspirational message for this newsletter! Please read below! And I do hope to continue the process of modernizing our chapter she refers to, including enhanced feedback from our membership. I’d like to treat the survey we conducted last year the starting point for an ongoing dialogue rather than as a static data point.

And in this era of declining enrollments and shuttered programs, I also hope to foster collaboration between school instructor and college instructor members. Earlier this month I was invited by Emily Gauld to Zoom into a German class at Illinois Math and Science Academy, which I did together with two UChicago German students. We had a great conversation, and while this event probably was not the most “efficient” use of my time – how many German students is our particular university going to recruit from that particular school? – it’s the sort of outreach that I think there should be more of. For high schools, events like this can stimulate interest, bolster commitment to continuing their German studies. For colleges and universities, they can keep the pipeline going. UIC has it High School Day – which is terrific! – but I think our AATG chapter is the logical organizational framework for other such efforts. What form(s) should this collaboration take? I’m really not sure, but this is something I’d like to discuss at future meetings. If you have thoughts, and I know you do, please send them to me directly at cbenert@uchicago.edu.

The Power of Professional Community: Why Being an Active Member of AATG/NOILAATG Matters / by Anna Hog

As German educators, we often find ourselves wearing many hats—teacher, mentor, advocate, curriculum designer, even event planner. Add to that the complexities of raising a family, working multiple jobs, and staying involved in broader educational efforts, and it's easy to feel isolated or overwhelmed. That’s why being an active member of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG)—both at the local and national levels—has been not only beneficial but truly essential for me.

German teachers face unique and often intense challenges. Many of us have four or more preps, teach combined or multi-level classes, and are split across multiple buildings. Since COVID, it’s become even more complicated—we are sometimes expected to teach in person and online simultaneously, balancing vastly different student needs and learning environments all at once. In these conditions, professional connection and support are not luxuries—they are lifelines.

Over the years, I have found deep value in the connections I've made through AATG. This organization has opened doors to a supportive network of like-minded professionals across the country, each one passionate about promoting German language and culture. While time and energy are always in short supply, my involvement—particularly with the Northern Illinois (NOIL) Chapter of AATG—has given me strength, resources, and camaraderie during the most challenging seasons of my teaching career.

In addition to participating, I’ve had the privilege of serving in several leadership roles: Fundraising Chair, Webmaster Chair, and Testing & Awards Co-Chair. These experiences helped me grow as a professional. I gained technical and organizational skills, learned how to navigate the inner workings of our chapter, and most importantly, developed a better understanding of how AATG directly supports not just teachers, but our classrooms, students, and families. From planning fundraising efforts to maintaining communication tools, and supporting testing and recognition programs, these roles gave me insight into how we can advocate for and enhance German programs at every level.

Has it always been easy? No. But the honest support, shared struggles, and collective knowledge of my fellow NOIL-AATG teachers have been my greatest rewards. We’ve laughed, vented, exchanged materials, and built each other up—especially during moments when the pressures of teaching threatened to take a toll on our creativity or even our mental health.

In recent years, I’ve been especially encouraged by the AATG Executive Committee’s efforts to listen and adapt. They’ve actively sought feedback from members and have worked hard to modernize the organization—from streamlining communications to updating programming, all while preserving the core values that make AATG such a vital force in our profession. But these efforts can’t thrive in isolation.

We cannot afford to lose such a necessary and supportive organization. Like many professional groups today, AATG faces the risk of decline without active, engaged participation from its members. This work—this community—depends on us. When we contribute our time, ideas, and energy, we help keep this network strong, relevant, and equipped to support the next generation of German educators.

Involvement in NOIL-AATG has also connected me with other incredible organizations that support the teaching and learning of German, including:

Goethe-Institut – offering training, grants, and authentic resources to bring German culture into the classroom.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – supporting student and teacher exchanges and study opportunities in Germany.
GAPP (German American Partnership Program) – helping schools build lasting partnerships through exchanges.
GACC (German American Chamber of Commerce) – supporting workforce development and German language skills through business and industry collaboration.
PASCH (Schools: Partners for the Future) – strengthening global German learning networks with international outreach.
ICTFL (Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) – regional networking and advocacy
ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) – national professional development and research
ISLCollective – user-created resources for German and world language teachers
Klett Verlag – excellent teaching materials and support for German instruction at all levels

Together, these organizations form a powerful web of support that not only fuels our professional growth but also elevates the visibility and importance of German programs nationwide.

If you’ve been hesitant to get involved—whether due to time constraints or uncertainty—I encourage you to take the leap. Even small steps, like attending a local meeting, joining a webinar, or sharing a lesson plan, can spark meaningful connections and renewed inspiration. The professional and personal rewards are real, and the community you build will sustain you in ways you never imagined.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

Anna Hog

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NoIL AATG Spring Workshop 2025

The Northern Illinois AATG Spring workshop and meeting took place on May 3, 2025 on the lovely and spacious Harper College campus. Thank you to Kim Jaeger for being such a gracious host and thank you to Melanie Mello, Ingrid Zeller, Anna Hog, Rachel Kern, and Victoria Wilson for presenting their work in the context of a hybrid teacher share! Tolle Ideen und Impulse! We also held elections and thanked outgoing NoIlAATG board members Kathy Betterman, Kim Jaeger, and Thea Roessler for their tremendous service to our chapter. Congratulations to the incoming board members vice president Matt Harring, testing and awards co-chairs Peter Blank and Eddie Gray and webmaster Anna Hog. Karina Duncker-Hoffmann will remain treasurer. Other current officers are Colin Benert, president, Antje Perrin, immediate past president, Janet Stock, secretary, Dani Katz and Cherie Lodl, program co-chairs, Ingrid Zeller, social media, and Anna Hog and Janet Stock, fundraising. Herzliche Glückwünsche und vielen Dank!!! @aatgonline @harpercollege @melanie.mello.52 @zelleringrid @rachelkern85 @speedrunner1970 @the_chicago_donauschwaben @antje_perrin

Lunch and Learn: Share and Swap at the Wochenendschule der Donauschwaben

A German Teacher sharing event will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025,11:00-12:00 pm at the Wochendschule der Donauschwaben: 625 Seegers Rd. in Des Plaines. Here is the Google Form for anyone interested in joining.

NOIL AATG GRANTS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Northern Illinois Chapter of the AATG announces grants of $250 to encourage members actively teaching to attend professional conferences, seminars, and courses which enable them to develop their knowledge and skills for teaching German. Members who have not received this grant in the preceding 12 months are eligible to apply.

Applicants should submit a statement of purpose, describing how attendance will contribute to their professional development. Evidence of registration and attendance will be expected after the event.

Applications must be received by June 15, 2025.

Please submit materials to noilaatgawards@gmail.com.

NOIL AATG GRANTS TO POST-SECONDARY STUDENT MEMBERS

The Northern Illinois Chapter of the AATG announces grants of $250 to post-secondary student members to encourage them to join professional organizations, to participate in seminars and conferences, and to travel to events or places where German is spoken.

Applicants should submit a written statement of approximately 150 words describing their purpose and a letter of recommendation from a professor at their institution. Evidence of participation will be expected after the event.

Applications must be received by June 15, 2025. Please submit materials to noilaatgawards@gmail.com.

PUBLICATIONS

Interkulturell, Band 3

The third volume of InterKulturell, co-authored by Ingrid Zeller, is now available!

Order samples here.

This is the chapter breakdown:

Mein Leben, meine Heimat
Generationen im Lauf der Zeit
Das isst die Welt
Erzähl mir eine Geschichte
Musik bewegt
Eine sinnvolle Zukunft
Kunst macht sichtbar
Tatort Kunstmusem: Wer hat es getan? (Krimi)

TESTING AND AWARDS

This year 846 students of chapter members from 29 schools who took Levels 2-4 of the National German Exam and 143 of them received gold medals. Nine students applied for the AATG-PAD NGE Scholarship, and we nominated four students to the national committee for that scholarship. Two of our nominees were among the 38 students from across the nation chosen for the trip to Germany. The Committee also recognized three students for our chapter collegiate award of excellence. In April the committee also received word that one student was among the eight students in the U.S. who received the NGE Post-Graduate Scholarship for graduating high school seniors. All these students were recognized with medals and prize bags at our chapter awards ceremony at COD on April 27, at which approximately 250 people heard from last year’s CLV and AATG-PAD scholarship winners, and the award winners are named below.

The Testing & Awards Committee expects the results of Levels 1 and 2A-4A of the National German Exam in the coming week. The medals for those students will be sent directly to their teachers by the end of May.

NOIL AATG Collegiate Award of Excellence

STUDENT EXPERIENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

GERMAN IMMERSION DAY 2025

The 12th annual German College immersion day in Northern Illinois (GID) took place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, a sunny spring day, on the blooming Northwestern University campus in Evanston. The topic was “Zeitreise ins Mittelalter: Sagen, Spiele, und Symbolik,” and this immersion experience attracted students from 8 regional colleges and universities. Kudos to all who made this special and collaborative event so enjoyable, informative and engaging, and such a delightful and inspiring success.

Icebreakers included introductions through the discussion in German of representative medieval objects, concepts, personalities, and historical events. Workshops for college students at all levels of German focused on different aspects of the Middle Ages, ranging from art and music to food and commerce by the titles “Meister der nördlichen Renaissance,” “Mittelalter-Menü: Was kam auf den Tisch?,” “Minnelieder und Minnesänger - Liebeslyrik des Mittelalters,” “Frauen im Mittelalter, Gesellschaft, Religion, und Politik,” “Die Hanse als Auftakt zur Moderne,” und “Wolfram von Eschenbach und die Suche nach dem Heiligen Gral.”

After the German Mittagessen, the group had the pleasure of hearing Matthew Dean, Tom Crawford, Keith Murphy, and Jenny Haworth, all members of the Schola Antigua in Chicago, sing, play, and tell them about medieval German music, and engaging with them interactively.

The games that followed were inspired by the Middle Ages and ranged from chess to “Dungeons and Dragons” and “Mensch ärgere dich nicht” and many more. We also had, once again, a roundtable discussion on “What can you do with German” with current and former students of German, including Brad Wadle, Dario Wolf, Jasmine Zimmer, and Kasia Kassner. During Kaffee und Kuchen, we were able to taste a traditional “Honigkuchen.”

The day was organized and presented by Ingrid Zeller, Kimberly Jaeger Nichols, Colin Benert, Katharina Barbe, Jessamine Cook-Plagwit, Denise Meuser, Rob Ryder, Martina Kerlova, Miglena Nikolova, Sean Gordon, and Nina Melovska. Thank you also to Franziska Trepke, Goethe-Institut Chicago for her generous support and Goethe-Institut interns Julia Hennemann and Bastian Jäschke for their participation, and to the GUAB (German Undergraduate Advisory Board) of Northwestern University, especially Mia Perkins, Kasia Kassner, Julia Davis, Morgan Cook, Monika Glück, Arely Jacobo, and Carson Schmoldt, for their input in the planning stages and their help during the event.

We are immensely grateful for the support from the Northern Illinois AATG, Northwestern University Department of German, University of Chicago, Harper College, Northern Illinois University, College of DuPage, the German Consulate General in Chicago, the Goethe-Institut Chicago, and the German Information Center in Washington DC.

Thank you to all the talented and motivated students for participating so actively, creatively, and enthusiastically, and the professors who encouraged them to attend!

International Youth Meeting Dachau 2025

Junge Leute aus aller Welt haben diesen Sommer die Möglichkeit in Dachau am International Youth Meeting Dachau 2025 teilzunehmen. Während der Zeit vom 26. Juli bis zum 8. August können die jungen Leute an einem bunten Programm aus unter anderem Filmabenden, Exkursionen, Augenzeugeninterviews teilnehmen. Diese Aktivitäten behandeln alle das geschichtliche Thema des Nationalsozialismus in Deutschland. Um an dem INYM 2025 teilzunehmen, muss man zwischen 16 und 26 Jahre alt sein. Um die Reisekosten zu decken, kann man sich auch auf ein Stipendium bewerben. Die Anmeldefrist endet für die USA am 30. Mai. Mehr Infos zur Anmeldung und dem Stipendium hier: IYM Dachau: International Youth Meeting in Dachau

Architecture Tours!

The City is Our Classroom! Ingrid Zeller, Professor at Northwestern University, and Certified Volunteer Docent for the Chicago Architecture Center, would like to let instructors know again about the possibility of taking their students on excursions involving architecture tours. Ingrid leads Combination Historic / ModernSkyscrapers and Bauhaus tours in German and English, with a focus on the German influences on the Chicago Skyline. She also gives River Cruises and the Evanston Along the Lake tours. If you are interested in planning an excursion to Chicago with your classes and would like your students to take a tour or if you are interested in materials on architecture or German heritage in Chicago yourself, feel free to contact Ingrid (izeller@northwestern.edu), or, in the case of arranging group tours through the CAC, contact the CAC at grouptours@architecture.org for more information.

NEUES VOM GOETHE INSTITUT

Jetzt teilnehmen: Essay Wettbewerb zum Thema „Solidarität und gesellschaftliches Engagement im transatlantischen Kontext“!

Teilnehmen am Essay Wettbewerb können Schüler*innen und Studierende aus den USA, um sich mit der Rolle von Solidarität in unserer global vernetzten Welt auseinanderzusetzen. Zu gewinnen gibt es unter anderem ein Stipendium für einen Sommer-Sprachkurs in Deutschland – sowie weitere spannende Preise und Möglichkeiten.

Bewerbungsschluss: 14. Oktober 2025

Weitere Informationen und Bewerbungsdetails unter: Solidarity Essay Competition - Goethe-Institut USA.

Wir würden uns sehr freuen, wenn Sie Ihren Schüler*innen von dieser Möglichkeit berichten und sie zur Teilnahme ermutigen könnten.