1. Local Travelers
When preparing for a trip to the Dominican Republic, I required all of my Level I students to write introductory postcards on large index cards. I took their pictures and pasted them on the postcards. When I arrived in the Dominican for a mission trip, I worked with the local organization to plan a “Postcard Day” for the neighborhood organization. Neighborhood kids each took a card and wrote a response. Upon my return, I had the responses and a description of the community. Our school then sent back a gift of school supplies for the neighborhood organization.

2. Connection Services
Organizations like Reach the World and Skype in the Classroom pair you up with travelers or classrooms in other countries allowing you to question and discuss cultural understanding.

3. Book Clubs
Help your local and school library to provide literature that has a global connection. Plan activities that engage learners such as sampling food described in the text or using Google Earth to see the locations in the text.

4. Listen Up
Listen to music and news from other countries. One of my favorite global connections is Playing for Change. PFC unites musicians from around the world in phenomenal performances in multiple languages. PFC also provides documentary videos about the creation of the music. The documentary collections directly addresses global impact and understanding.

5. Take a Trip
Travel with students can be an intimidating proposition. Plan well. When possible, work with other schools from your region. Consider using a service like EF Tours or Explorica if you have never led a trip before. Remember that even with tours, you can actively seek opportunities to use the language. Make your expectations clear to both parents and students. Most importantly, have the students keep logs and report back in real time through social media or a website. When they return, encourage the students to be your ‘experts’ and to speak about the experience.

Lincoln Council for International Visitors
Promotes global understanding through citizen diplomacy in Lincoln.

Nebraska Fulbright Alumni Association
Advocates fro the Fulbright Program and promotes international education.

Nebraska Youth Institute at University of Nebraska
Engages high school students with local leaders and experts on critical global challenges.

George Mason University defines global understanding as the ability to see the world from multiple perspectives, reflect upon our positions in a global society, and to be prepared for future engagement as global citizens. Kent University adds that global understanding includes intergroup relations, intercultural communications, conflict mitigation, and global development and sustainability. Both the U.S. Department of Defense and the PeaceCorps promote the importance of intercultural communication as a way of building relationships. In this issue, we’ll explore why global understanding is both an integral element and a goal of world language education.

Los Desconocidos
Migrant Quilt Project
International Quilt Study Center and Museum
Lincoln
March 15-June 27
♦
Art and Culture of Japan Artist Reception
Prairie Arts Center
North Platte
May 18
♦
Miss Saigon
Orpheum Theater
Omaha
May 28-June 2
♦
Picasso at the Lapin Agile (A Steve Martin Play)
UNK
June 6
♦
Omaha Summer Arts Festival
Omaha
June 7-9
♦
Swedish Festival
Stromsburg
June 14-16
♦
Please email event information to
stephanie.call
@nebraska.gov

In 2007, I participated in a Fulbright exchange to Uruguay with nine other US teachers. At that time, 109 full time schools offered 8 hours of school time and three meals day. 24 of those schools were dual-language English/Spanish or Spanish/Portuguese. Schools did not typically have computers, internet or photocopiers. Yet, Uruguay was willing to think globally. A national team examined problems, consulted with various experts, worked to understand the cultural needs of the communities, and considered sustainability. In 2009, President Tabare Vazquez finalized “Plan Ceibal” which gave laptops to all grade school students and their teachers. Now 319 full time schools offer second language from dual language to immersion. Uruguay continues to think globally as it analyzes its needs and prioritizes how to address them.

♦
The CI Buzz: Creating an I+1 Experience with Authentic Materials
ESU 13
Scottsbluff
April 24
♦
“The Hearts of Foreigners: How Americans Understand Others”
Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture Series with live webcast
UNL
April 25
♦
Binational Educational Week
Mexican Consulate of Omaha
April 29-May 3
♦
Día del Niño
El Museo Latino
Omaha
April 27
♦
Umonhoniye The Omaha Speaking
Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center Van Brunt Visitors Center UNL
April 27
♦
Ikebana Exhibition
Omaha Botanical Gardens
May 3-5
♦
Cinco de Mayo
Omaha
May 3-5
♦
Spanish Heritage Language Workshop
COERLL Language Center
Texas
June 10-11
♦

Please email event information to
Stephanie Call at stephanie.call
@nebraska.gov

The following positions are posted on the Teach in Nebraska website at www.nebraskaeducationjobs.ne.gov

French 9-12 (Part-time), Lincoln Pius X Catholic High School, Lincoln
French 9-12, Duchesne Academy, Omaha
German 7-8, Westside Community Schools, Omaha
Spanish 1-12, Lindsay Holy Family, Lindsay
Spanish 7-12, Ansley Public Schools, Ansley
Spanish 7-12, High Plains Community Schools, Polk
Spanish 7-12, Maxwell Public Schools, Maxwell
Spanish 7-12, Morrill Public Schools, Morrill
Spanish 7-12, St. Mary’s Catholic School, O’Neill
Spanish 9-12, Arthur County Schools, Arthur
Spanish 9-12, Falls City Public Schools, Falls City
Spanish 9-12, Fillmore Central Public Schools, Geneva
Spanish 9-12, Grand Island Public Schools, Grand Island
Spanish 9-12, Lourdes Central Catholic School, Nebraska City
Spanish 9-12, Wilber-Clatonia Schools, Wilber
Spanish Distance Education, ESU 5, Beatrice
Spanish K-8, St. Thomas More School, Omaha
World Language K-12, Cedar Bluffs Public School, Cedar Bluffs

Francophone Film and Literature Course French 4950/8956 at University of Nebraska Omaha

In fall 2019, UNO will offer Francophone Film and Literature Tuesdays from 4:30-7:10 with Dr. Patrice Proulx. Some of the films to be discussed include Incendies, Persepolis, L’Ange du Goudron, and Black Girl. The course focuses on a selection of contemporary films and short readings dealing with the Caribbean, Africa, North Africa, and Quebec. One of the primary objectives is the development of critical viewing and reading skills that will allow students to reflect more productively on the social and aesthetic themes in these works. Critical issues to consider are immigration, the construction of identity, the effects of colonialism on different societies, and the geo-political and cultural contexts of the films and the literary works. For more information, contact Dr. Patrice Proulx at 402-554-4839 or pproulx@unomaha.edu.

The World Language Distinguished Scholar Award recognizes Nebraska students for their leadership in language learning, commitment to language study, appreciation for cultural diversity, and communicative competence. Students were nominated by their teachers then completed a submission portfolio.

High Honors

Josephine Anderson
Spanish
Crete H.S.
Teacher: Angela Wagoner

Turner Blick
German
Fremont H.S.
Teacher: Brenda Schiermeyer

Alma Dimas
Spanish
Meridian H.S.
Teacher: Maria Nieves Ruiz Garcia

Miah Hoppens
Spanish
Ogallala H.S.
Teacher: Rosa Zimmerman

Sukanya Kennamthiang
French
Brownell Talbot School
Teacher: Michael Recker

Angela Kwambamba
French
Lincoln Southwest H.S.
Teacher: Alexandra Van Zandt

Nae Mae
Chinese
Omaha Central H.S.
Teacher: Wang Li

Brianna Nelson
Spanish
Millard West H.S.
Teacher: Candida Kraska

Matthew Neville
Spanish
Ralston H.S.
Teacher: Jamie Honke

Lucy Peterkin
Spanish
Millard North H.S.
Teacher: Theresa Jensen

Hannah Rethmeier
Spanish
Crete H.S.
Teacher: Angela Wagoner

Ricards Umbrasko
Chinese
Omaha Burke H.S.
Teacher: Ching Yuk Lam

Honors

Samantha Aguilar
Chinese
Omaha Burke H.S.
Teacher: Ching Yuk Lam

Emily Baier
Spanish
Syracuse Dunbar Avoca H.S.
Teacher: Jacqueline Mohr

Corrin Day
French
Norfolk H.S.
Teacher: Martha Thompson

Justin De Haai Badilla
French
Millard North H.S.
Teacher: Ryan Foehlinger

Sadie Finch
Spanish
Fort Calhoun H.S.
Teacher: Anita Saalfeld

Carly Fortune
Spanish
Leyton H.S.
Teacher: Ashley Lndholm

Paige Gowing
Spanish
Nebraska City H.S.
Teacher: Kevin Mohr

Elizabeth Hernandez
French
Douglas County West H.S.
Teacher: Mary Clare Liescheski

Rayna Hladky
Spanish
Tekamah-Herman H.S.
Teacher: Luis Fernandez

Kirby Hughes
Spanish
West Point Senior H.S.
Teacher: Meghan Schneider

Andrew Johanningsmeier
French
Westside H.S.
Teacher: Anne Johnson

Madison Jones
Spanish
Mullen Jr./Sr. H.S.
Teacher: Kelly Garcia

Ryder Kennedy
German
Bellevue East H.S.
Teacher: Gwen Steele

Antonia Krasser
German
Crete H.S.
Teacher: Julie Schumacher

Amanda La-O-Cartaya
German
Crete H.S.
Teacher: Julie Schumacher

Theresa Nguyen
Chinese
Omaha Burke H.S.
Teacher: Ching Yuk Lam

Mia Ortiz
Spanish
Syracuse Dunbar Avoca H.S.
Teacher: Jacqueline Mohr

Chanakya Pandya
Spanish
Sidney H.S.
Teacher: Brett Avila

Hailey Phipps
Spanish
Mullen Jr./Sr. H.S.
Teacher: Kelly Garcia

Josie Reid
Spanish
Ponca H.S.
Teacher: Jill Camargo

Tate Schmidt
Spanish
Hastings Catholic H.S.
Teacher: Mikayla Niederklein

Savanna Vacek
Spanish
Omaha Central H.S.
Teacher: Melissa Kuskie

Julia Weill
Spanish
Afonza Davis M.S.
Teacher: Catherine Scurlock

Columbus High School Spanish teacher Liliana Velasco led Columbus High Schools first Spanish Competition Day. Velasco credits her department for their work, Principal Steve Woodside for support and encouragement, and Band teacher Jeff Peabody who worked with students to co-create musical performances and to provide technical support.

The event was open to any student currently enrolled in Spanish 3 or higher. Teachers submitted registration to Columbus High School. Students competed in Drama, Folk Dance, Music, Poetry, and Poster/Art.

Fourteen schools registered to attend with 210 students. Unfortunately, the original event date was rescheduled due to flooding in the area. The nine high schools able to attend on the rescheduled date were Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca, Wilber Clatonia, York, David City, Columbus, Cornerstone Christian, Platteview, Plainview, and Norris.

The American Association of Teachers of French Nebraska chapter hosted twenty teachers and sixty students at Camp Carol Joy Holling on March 30-31, 2019. The students choreographed and lip synced French videos. As teams, they competed in a Ratatouille-themed breakout room and various French games. The chefs prepared French meals, and the students ended the night with a bonfire and s’mores.

If you would like to participate, visit the AATF Nebraska Facebook page (NATF Nebraska Association of Teachers of French) or email AATF Nebraska President Cara Heminger at caraheminger@gmail.com.

The American Association of Teachers of German Nebraska chapter hosted German Students’ Convention April 6, 2019 at School Middle School in Lincoln. The students competed in skits, music videos, spelling, trivia contests, poetry, cake baking, art, poster, and directed dialog.

This year’s participating high schools were Bellevue East, Bellevue West, Columbus, Gretna, Lincoln East, Lincoln High, Lincoln Southeast, Millard North, Omaha Burke, and Westside. Millard North Middle School also competed. A total of 200 students participated, honoring the theme Wunderbar Together, that was established by the German Embassy.

If you would like to participate next year, visit the AATG Nebraska website at http://aatgnebraska.weebly.com/

There are many places on campus to use language skills, and not all are in the Modern Language Building. Here are some places to know at the University of Nebraska Lincoln.

• Office of Global Strategies: OGS coordinates and supports global activities throughout the campus and abroad. It is the oversight office for the following offices.
• International Student and Scholar Office: The function of ISSO is to supports international students. However, ISSO often provides opportunities for international students to connect to Nebraskans.
• Education Abroad Office: EAO works with all departments to provide resources before, during, and after experiences abroad.

The University of Kansas is pleased to announce pre-registration for the first annual World Languages Fair to be held Saturday, October 19th, 2019. The event will bring high-school students to the Lawrence campus for a day focused on exploring world languages and cultures. Sessions will include mini-lessons in a range of languages, presentations on target cultures, and discussions of how intercultural competence can enhance different fields of study. During an extended lunch period there will also be information booths where students can learn more about language-related scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and internationally-focused student organizations on campus.

The event is free for all participants. All registered attendees will receive a free lunch and the opportunity to win a free t-shirt and other prizes. Schools are responsible for their own transportation costs to the event, but schools unable to afford those costs are asked to contact the Open Language Resource Center (olrc@ku.edu) about possible support.
While there are plans to expand participation in the coming years, we can only accommodate 300-350 students for the 2019 event and will be choosing schools to ensure some degree of geographical balance. Please fill out the online form —— to place your school into consideration for one of these limited spaces. Individual students, including those being home-schooled, are also invited to contact the Open Language Resource Center about participation. All applications for pre-registration must be received by Friday, May 3, 2019.

Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by the end of May. Additional information, including the specific sessions that will be offered during the event, will be sent out in the latter part of the summer. Updates will also be provided on the Open Language Resource Center website (olrc.ku.edu) as they become available.

Katy Cattlett, Vice President
Supervisor of Dual Language and World Languages
Omaha Public Schools
katy.cattlett@ops.org

What was your motivation to become a language teacher?
My path to becoming a language teacher was unexpected. Originally, I wanted to teach English as a Second Language. My university required extensive coursework in a language other than English and I chose to study Spanish in order to hopefully communicate with my future students’ families. Eventually, I became bilingual and started teaching in bilingual programs. I found dual language and found my passion!
In five words or less, describe your classroom approach.
Enriched education for all!
What power do you find in speaking another language?
I have authentic access to others’ perspectives and experiences. With that access comes great responsibility. It is my responsibility to treasure the gift of a language that has opened so many doors for me. I must use this gift to increase equity for all.