FLAVA News- October/November 2026

Dear FLAVA Friends,

As I took a moment to pause in the cafeteria during our FLAVA Fall Conference last weekend in Richmond, I found myself simply taking it all in—the joy, the laughter, the conversations, and the genuine friendships that were so alive throughout the room. It was a beautiful reminder that FLAVA is about so much more than professional learning. It is about community, connection, and the people who make us feel supported, inspired, and understood in the important work we do every day.

Moments like these are especially meaningful as we approach the Thanksgiving season, a time when we are reminded to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people and experiences that enrich our lives. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this community and to serve as your president. Our Opening Doors for Every Voice theme felt especially fitting as we came together to share ideas, celebrate our students and colleagues, and strengthen our commitment to world language education.

None of this happens without the generosity and dedication of so many people. My heartfelt thanks go to our conference committee, executive board, advisory team, volunteers, presenters, and exhibitors, whose countless hours of planning, hard work, and support made this conference possible. I am equally grateful to each of you who joined us and contributed your energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to make the weekend so memorable.

As we celebrate not our award winners, but also all those who teach world languages each day in Virginia, I hope we carry this spirit of connection and collaboration with us. Thank you for opening doors, lifting one another up, and reminding me that the greatest strength of FLAVA has always been its people. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving season filled with gratitude, joy, and time with those who matter most. I am truly thankful to be on this journey with you! Looking forward to sharing more information about our summer conference in Roanoke with you all very soon!

With warm wishes,

Beth Marshall

FLAVA President 2026–2027

At the 2026 FLAVA Fall Conference, held October 3–4 in Richmond, FLAVA proudly celebrated four outstanding individuals whose leadership, dedication, and passion continue to strengthen world language education across Virginia.

Virginia World Language Teacher of the Year: Teresa Torgoff

Teresa Torgoff, French teacher at H-B Woodlawn in Arlington Public Schools, was named the Virginia World Language Teacher of the Year and received the David Cox FLAVA Award for Excellence in World Language Teaching, K–12. Teresa was selected for her excellence in the classroom, leadership in the field, contributions to world language education, and strong letters of recommendation. She will now advance to the regional competition sponsored by NECTFL, where she will compete with other state world language teachers of the year for the opportunity to represent the region at the ACTFL national convention in November 2027.

Reflecting on her own language-learning journey, Teresa shared, “I discovered that communication is not about perfection, but about connection.” She fosters those connections every day through her students’ engagement with Francophone cultures, with one another, and with learning across content areas. As one student noted, Teresa helps students see French “not just as a school subject, but as a key to understanding a much larger picture.”

Helen Warriner-Burke Distinguished Service Award: Katherine “Sue” Robertson

FLAVA honored Katherine “Sue” Robertson, retired Latin teacher from Chesterfield Public Schools, with the Helen Warriner-Burke Distinguished Service Award. Sue was recognized for her nearly 40-year career in Latin education, including her work building one of Virginia’s largest Latin programs and her recognition as a White House Presidential Scholar Influential Teacher.

A leader at both the state and national levels, Sue has helped shape educational standards, expanded opportunities for students through service initiatives and international travel, and devoted herself to mentoring and supporting fellow educators. Her influence has inspired generations of students and teachers and fostered a lifelong love of learning.

Novice Teacher Award: Mx. Rachel Matthews

FLAVA proudly recognized Mx. Rachel Matthews of Henrico County Public Schools with the Novice Teacher Award. This award celebrates an emerging world language educator whose dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to students demonstrate the promise of the next generation of Virginia language teachers. FLAVA is pleased to recognize Rachel’s contributions and looks forward to celebrating their continued growth in the profession.

Friends of FLAVA Award: Delegate Tony Wilt

FLAVA also presented the Friends of FLAVA Award to Delegate Tony Wilt in appreciation of his support for world language education and his commitment to the educators, students, and communities who benefit from language learning across Virginia. FLAVA is grateful for his partnership and advocacy on behalf of world language education.

Congratulations to Our Honorees!

FLAVA extends heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Teresa Torgoff, Katherine “Sue” Robertson, Mx. Rachel Matthews, and Delegate Tony Wilt. Their work and support help strengthen world language education throughout the Commonwealth and remind us of the power of languages to open doors, build connections, and expand understanding.

Thank you to Allison Carneiro da Silva for her all work as the FLAVA Awards chair, honoring these deserving supporters of world languages in Virginia!

The Cindie Kelly Award: Investing in the Next Generation of World Language Educators

Beginning in 2027, FLAVA will offer a new scholarship, awarded to two teachers in their first five years of teaching, in honor of Frau Cindie Kelly, who passed away earlier this year.

I had the privilege of working with Cindie in Spotsylvania County, and I also had the opportunity to attend several of her FLAVA presentations during my first few years of teaching in Virginia. Cindie was an extraordinary educator, mentor, colleague, and leader whose impact reached far beyond her own classroom.

Her husband, Matthew, shared these words about her:

Cindie Kelly dedicated her career to excellence in world language education, innovative teaching, mentorship, and professional leadership. A teacher of German, French, and ESOL, Cindie served as a department chair, mentor teacher, university adjunct, and leader in state and national language organizations.

Her numerous honors include the FLAVA David Cox Award for Excellence in Foreign Language Teaching, Best of FLAVA, Spotsylvania County Mentor Teacher of the Year, and the Duden Award for Innovation in Language Teaching through the AATG Virginia Chapter.

Through decades of service, Cindie inspired students, supported fellow educators, and strengthened the world language profession across Virginia and beyond.

It is in that spirit that we are creating The Cindie Kelly Award, honoring Cindie’s legacy by investing in the next generation of world language educators.

Beginning with the 2027 FLAVA Fall Conference, two teachers in their first through fifth year of teaching, who are committed to a long-term career in education and who have not yet attended a FLAVA conference, will each receive $500 toward conference registration and accommodations.

Our hope is that this award will open the door for beginning teachers to learn, connect, and grow professionally, while encouraging their continued engagement with FLAVA and with the world language community. In doing so, we hope to carry forward the same spirit of mentorship, leadership, and professional generosity that Cindie modeled throughout her career.

And none of this would be possible without Cindie’s family.

Please join me in thanking Mr. Matthew Kelly for his generosity and for helping us honor Cindie’s legacy in such a meaningful way—by opening doors for the next generation of language teachers across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Thank you, Matthew, for helping FLAVA ensure that Cindie’s commitment to educators will continue to inspire and support teachers for years to come.

The FLAVA Advisory Team and Conference Team is thrilled to welcome two new leaders to our team!

First, we have Alisa Smith as our Assistant to the Conference Chair. Alisa Smith has served in education for over 25 years. She is proud to be the Coordinator of World Languages for the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. Throughout her career, Alisa has worked as a Spanish teacher, Executive Director of the Portsmouth Schools Foundation, and in a variety of leadership roles at both the school and district levels. She was honored as District Teacher of the Year in two Virginia public school divisions and was named Virginia's Region 2 Teacher of the Year. Alisa is passionate about meeting students where they are, supporting teachers, creating engaging learning experiences that help every learner succeed, and student leadership. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their five children, as well as relaxing at the beach, watching soccer, volleyball, and tennis, and spending time with family and friends. Alisa is very excited to be a part of the FLAVA team!

Next, a warm welcome to Nyshae Gibson! Nyshae Gibson is a World Languages Instructional Specialist with Newport News Public Schools and has dedicated 20 years to education. In her role, she supports World Language educators through curriculum development, instructional coaching, professional learning, and the implementation of engaging, proficiency-focused instructional practices.

Nyshae is passionate about building supportive communities for educators and creating meaningful learning experiences that help both teachers and students thrive. She was recently selected to serve as Secretary of ACTFL’s Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group and is excited to join the FLAVA!

New Seal of Biliteracy Resources Now Available!

The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce the release of new informational materials about the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy. A comprehensive brochure and a series of targeted pamphlets designed for families, businesses, universities, and schools are now available for download. These resources provide clear guidance on the value of the Seal, eligibility requirements, and ways stakeholders can support and recognize biliteracy in Virginia.

Visit the VDOE Seal of Biliteracy webpage to access these materials and learn more.

Advocacy Update (October 2026)

Want to network with language advocates from around the country? Consider attending Language Advocacy Days, Feb. 28 - March 2. It’s difficult for working educators, but attending at least once can energize your local advocacy efforts. You’ll hear about successes from other areas, learn how to talk with legislators and their staffs, and make the case for world languages on Capitol Hill. Check out the information at https://www.languagepolicy.org/lad27 to see how you can even bring students at highly discounted rates.

Make sure to vote! Election day is November 3, but early voting in Virginia has already begun. . Although localities may add questions to the ballot--and you should check for these with your local election board--the election for the U.S. House and Senate is absolutely vital for education funding. Listen to the candidates and ask their campaigns about education issues, particularly about funding for world language and English Language Acquisition programs. JNCL has created resources (https://www.languagepolicy.org/askthecandidates) to help you get started talking to candidates and lawmakers at all levels.

The House is in recess until after November 3, but federal rule-making continues apace, and it can greatly affect federal support for education. JNCL’s latest legislative update emphasized the need to make our voices heard about these rules. For more information, please read the press release about the rules affecting the Fulbright-Hays programs (https://www.languagepolicy.org/post/jncl-nclis-opposes-regulatory-rollback-threatening-title-vi-fulbright-hays-international-education-p) . This article contains the link where you can add your own comment (https://www.regulations.gov/comment/ED-2026-OPE-0991-0034). For more on the latest legislative update, go to https://bit.ly/4AGWfoA .

Thank you for advocating every day through your teaching!

Sharon Scinicariello, Chair - advocacy@flavaweb.org

Help Make the FLAVA Fall Conference Shine! 🌎

FLAVA’s Fall Conference brings together world language educators from across Virginia to connect, learn, and celebrate language education—and we’d love your support!

🎁 We’re Seeking Donations & Door Prizes

Consider supporting the conference by donating a door prize, gift card, product, educational resource, complimentary subscription, experience, or other item that our attendees would enjoy. Contributions of all sizes are welcome!

🌎 Your Support Has an Impact

A donated door prize may seem like a small gesture, but it helps us celebrate the educators who return to their classrooms inspired, energized, and ready to open new worlds for their students.

Will you help us make this year’s FLAVA Fall Conference one to remember?

🎁 Have something to donate?
Contact info@flavaweb.org or Pam St. Clair, psaint4413@gmail.com

Support educators. Celebrate languages. Strengthen Virginia.

We will post a location on social media, tagging "FLAVA Web"....hope that you can join us for the photo!

FLANC (Fostering Language Acquisition in North Carolina), MFLA (Maryland Foreign Language Association), GWATFL (Greater Washington Teachers of Foreign Language), WVFLTA (West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers' Association, PSMLA (Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association) and TFLATA (Tennessee Foreign Language Teachers' Association) will also host fall conferences. See below for details on their offerings. We love collaborating and supporting our neighboring states!

Let’s visit with some of our former David Cox Award Teachers of the Year. We are thrilled to hear from Heidi Trude, a French teacher in Loudon County Schools.

Since being named the FLAVA David Cox Teacher of the Year in 2017, Heidi has continued teaching French and is active in the world language field both locally, regionally, and nationally. She was named the 2018 SCOLT Teacher of the Year and later became a 2019 ACTFL Teacher of the Year finalist. For Heidi, this was truly an incredible and humbling experience.

After becoming FLAVA ToY, she became more active in FLAVA, serving in many positions including President (2022-2023). In addition, she served on the SCOLT Board of Directors ( 2019-2023) and on ACTFL committees.

Becoming the FLAVA and SCOLT ToY has been an amazing, life-changing experience for Heidi. One of the best things about these experiences was the educators she met and the connections she’s made. Heidi also had the chance to share her story and passion with others as she was invited to speak at various conferences across the US, give guest lectures to graduate students, present webinars, and serve as a keynote speaker. She also wrote articles and blog posts, participated in podcast interviews, and spoke with legislators to advocate for languages.

Heidi’s message to new teachers is: As you begin your journey, remember this: you do not have to teach like anyone else. Be your authentic self. Your students need you—your personality, passions, quirks, and enthusiasm…. Take ideas from other teachers, but make them your own. Build community first. Before students are willing to take risks with language, they need to know that your classroom is a place where they belong… Infuse joy into your classroom. Play the music. Be silly. Celebrate the random moments. Find reasons to laugh together... You don't have to do everything your first year. You don't need the perfect lesson, the perfect classroom, or the perfect activity. Focus on creating opportunities for students to hear the language, understand it, use it, and connect through it. Experiment. Some lessons will be amazing. Some will completely flop. Laugh, learn, adjust, and try again tomorrow. Your students don't need perfection. They need connection. They need joy. Most importantly, they need you—the authentic you.

Thank you for sharing, Heidi, and we wish you all the best in your teaching and presenting!

(Special shout out to Lynne Hendrick, our historian, for gathering this information!)

New teachers, career switchers, world language experts - know that FLAVA has a mentoring program where teachers from every district of Virginia are represented and willing to help or give ideas regardless of the language you teach. Reach out to @ jcdelamatta@gmail.com if you would like a mentor.

Mark your calendars for the "I'm new, what do I do?" session specifically for first-time attendees to FLAVA, which will take place from 8-8:45 am on October 3rd at J.R.Tucker High School during our FLAVA fall conference. Zach Neumann and JoEllen Delamatta will be sharing insights, tips and tricks for those who are beginning their teaching careers or are new to a FLAVA conference. Hope to see you there!

• Sept 19 at 11am: Free webinar and Senegalese lesson swap with ideas from 6-10 educators who traveled to Senegal in recent years. https://vivelexperience.com/event/webinar-pour-la-rentree-shared-lessons-all-about-senegal/
• September 28 at 7pm: Come learn about AATF's Pre-Convention Excursion in Senegal June 30- July 4, 2027. Join the free Discovery Meeting on Zoom to learn more. Sign up here: https://vivelexperience.com/discovery/
• September 29 at 7pm: Vive Senegal Educator Trip: Vive will be leading an educator trip to Senegal June 19-27, 2027. This trip has a unique focus for Virginia as we will continue an exchange with Senegal’s Seydy Ly from the Ministry of Education who came with a team of educators in 2025 and visited with schools and educators across Virginia. Join a Discovery Meeting - sign up here: https://vivelexperience.com/event/senegal-discovery-meeting-summer-2027-summer-2028-french-teacher-trips/
• Sept 29 at 8pm: Vive Tunisia Educator trips: Sign up here for the link to the next Discovery Meeting: https://vivelexperience.com/event/march_june_2027/
• Oct 14 at 7pm EST: Free webinar to hear about novels and poetry in French. Three of the six guest authors are from Virginia. Michelle Fournier of Manie Musicale will also be presenting: https://vivelexperience.com/event/vive-francophone-authors/

Dear colleagues, We are excited to invite you to Tech Slam 8! This online event, hosted by MAALLT – the Mid-Atlantic Association for Language Learning Technology – will explore the ethical considerations and accountability of students and their instructors in CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning). 🗓️ Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 🕖 Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time A Tech Slam is similar to a poetry slam, but instead of poetry, it features a series of 5-minute micro-presentations highlighting practical tools, strategies, and ideas you can bring directly into your teaching. Slams will focus on the theme "Ethics and Accountability in CALL," as well as other topics related to language learning technology. 🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/maallt-tech-slam-8 The live session is open to the first 100 registrants. A recording will be shared afterward with MAALLT members who are unable to attend live. Attendance and MAALLT membership are both free. Please feel free to share this announcement with your colleagues. We hope to see you there! Best wishes, Errol M. O'Neill President of MAALLT

The International Association for Language Learning Technology (IALLT) is a professional

community dedicated to advancing language teaching and learning through the thoughtful use of

technology. IALLT connects educators, researchers, language technology professionals, and

others through professional development, mentorship, publications, conferences, and

opportunities to collaborate and share ideas.

Looking for mentorship, professional connections, or an opportunity to support another

educator? IALLT's Scenic Route Mentorship Program pairs mentors and mentees for a year of

professional conversations, collaboration, and growth. Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are due August 20. The Scenic Route is an IALLT member benefit. Interested in participating? Learn more about IALLT membership and membership rates here:

https://iallt.org/about/membership-information/

Learn more about the Scenic Route and apply:

https://iallt.org/iallt-the-scenic-route-mentorship-program/

Curious about the experience? Read an interview with Scenic Route participants in The

FLTMAG, a free online publication devoted to language learning and technology:

https://fltmag.com/interview-project-episode-7-mentoring-program/

The FLTMAG is free and open to everyone, so we invite you to explore its many articles,

interviews, and practical ideas for language educators, or propose to publish an article. Check

Learn How to Publish with The FLTMAG for more details.

Learn with IALLT — Free Monthly Webinars

IALLT also offers monthly online webinars that are free and open to everyone, featuring

practical ideas, emerging technologies, research, and innovative approaches to language

education.

Missed our August 10 webinar? The session was recorded, and the recording is available to

IALLT members. And there is more to come! Join us live for our upcoming September and

October webinars, both free and open to everyone.

Explore upcoming webinars and learn more:

https://iallt.org/webinars/

We hope to see members of the FLAVA community at upcoming IALLT events!

Share Your Ideas at IALLT 2027! The International Association for Language Learning Technology (IALLT) invites language educators to submit proposals for the 2027 IALLT Conference, taking place June 16–19, 2027, at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Under the theme Ripple Effects: Where Human Connection Creates New Currents, IALLT 2027 will explore how technology can deepen cultural understanding, strengthen human connection, and create thoughtful, inclusive, and accessible language-learning experiences. Have you experimented with AI, emerging technologies, innovative classroom practices, online or hybrid learning, gamification, accessibility and Universal Design for Learning, open educational resources, or other creative approaches to language teaching and learning?Consider sharing your work with the IALLT community!

Proposals may include workshops, 25- or 50-minute presentations, digital posters, panels, and exhibitor sessions. Proposal deadline: October 16, 2026 Learn more and submit your proposal: https://iallt.org/conferences/iallt-2027-conference/

Applications are now open for the 2027–2028 Lafayette Fellowship, an exciting opportunity for up to 30 outstanding American students to pursue one year of master’s-level study in France. Applications are open through December 1, 2026.

The fellowship is open to both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates and includes study at leading French universities and grandes écoles in fields ranging from STEM and the humanities to social sciences and the arts. Fellows also participate in the French-American Leadership Program, featuring mentorship, cultural experiences, and opportunities to explore French and European innovation, culture, and public policy.

Learn more and explore upcoming informational webinars: [Lafayette Fellowship website]

Questions? Contact Florence Botello at lafayettefellowship@villa-albertine.org.

Beth Marshall - president@flavaweb.org

Carie Hatfield - presidentelect@flavaweb.org

Chantel Kushner-Samuel - treasurer@flavaweb.org

Virginia Kibler - conference@flavaweb.org

Holly Fitterer - communications@flavaweb.org

Jen Carson - teachered@flavaweb.org and parliamentarian@flavaweb.org

Sharon Scinicarello - advocacy@flavaweb.org.

Website: https://flavaweb.org/