Thanks for another great CLTA Conference!
by NadineElwood-LocalConferenceChair-OrangeCounty
The suitcases are packed; the bags are crammed with handouts. Your head is probably stuffed full of new ideas too-and that’s a good thing because that was our goal during the four days that we gathered in the OC: to provide you with a fantastic educational and networking experience!
We hope you gained as much from the conference as we did. We hope that you learned something you didn’t know before you came, that you enjoyed the chance to renew old acquaintances and to forge new ones, that you acquired insights that will make you a better teacher. On behalf of the CLTA and FLA-OC Conference Committee, I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this conference’s success: our esteemed presenters and key note speakers, our member volunteers, our CLTA Board members, and, of course, you, our participants, whose commitment to the profession is evidenced simply by your attendance.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS AND AWARDS
The 2008 Conference was held at the beautiful Marriot in Irvine, California. Conference attendance was a little over 600 guests. Upon arrival guests knew they were in for a great conference just by looking at the beautiful program put together with love by Alice Bell and cover design by the students at EsperanzaHigh School. At the registration desk, guests were greeted by the tireless and kind Sue McKee and Marge Sotomayor. The Local Registration Chair, Maria Andersen and her team and Hospitality Chair, Karen Donner and her team, spent many hours greeting and guiding guests. Thursday and Friday attendees had they opportunity to attend in-depth workshops. These workshops, if you have never been to one, are wonderful. Not only do you have the opportunity to go more in depth and ask questions, the Thursday/Friday sessions are also a fantastic way to ease into the multiple one-hour sessions offered on Saturday and Sunday. A true treat to yourself and a benefit to your school!
Friday evening, I had the pleasure of greeting our guests and turning the program over to the ever-eloquent, CLTA Executive Director, Lorraine D’Ambruoso, who introduced the Palos Verdes/Long Beach area AssebleymemberBetty Karnette, friend of education and especially of World languages, who was the honored guest and speaker at Friday night’s banquet. In these difficult times of cuts in spending in education her words were hopeful and motivational. Dr. Duarte Silva was also in attendance and directed the media. Guests enjoyed a choice of two great meals: Tarragon Chicken or Vegetable Wellington with vegetables, salad, and a delicious mango sorbet. The ballroom was decorated, by local chair Krista Whyte and her team, in Tiffany blue and black with romantic white candles, carrying out the beach theme of Coastin’ the Communication Highway. The evening was highlighted by the attendance of special guests from the Department of Education-Arleen Burns,the French Consulate, the Goethe Institute-Anne Weber,the Italian Consulate, the Japanese Consulate, and the Spanish Consulate.
Teachers, Evelyn Bejarano, Shawn De Haven, Sally Everett-Beaupré, Susan Matthews, Zehra Otus, Jordanna Potter, and Beth Tudor were honored by the various countries and CLTA to study abroad. The evening closed with entertainment from the Josho Daiko Japanese Drummers from the SokaUniversity in Laguna Niguel and fabulous Bavarian dancing from the Dunaj International Folk Dance Ensemble. Among the dancers was OC Spanish teacher, Christina Garner. The entertainment was arranged by local chair Flo Martin.
Saturday morning began with a bang! The number of Interest Sessions was increased by three presentations per session to a total of 16 sessions per hour. The FLA-OC team was in place and ready to greet and help our friends from around the state. Student assistants also greeted the guests and helped to guide them to their session.The AV equipment was orchestrated by local chairs, Mike Shellman and Gabriel Cueva with team members Steve Picht and George Elwood-Miranda. The Exhibit Hall, staged by Carol Sparks, was full of energetic exhibitors. Where else can you attend professional development and shop at the same time? Maybe all of our professional development opportunities at our schools should have shopping! What an incentive! Saturday’s Plenary Sessions was informative and educational. Jean Treiman, Executive Director of the California Subject Matter Project, was the honored speaker. CLTA President, Lewie Johnson, honored Principal Dave Flynn from EsperanzaHigh School in Anaheim for his constant support of World Language teachers and professional development.
The Saturday,sold-out,luncheon was highlighted by an engaging and comical speech delivered by Dr. Yvonne Chan, Principal of the VaughnNextCenturyLearningCenter in Pacoima, California. Her dedication to the school has earned the school API scores that are amazing. Her students study global issues, take 4-year mandarin Chinese and complete 60 community college credits. Her presentation was well received by the conference participants. We thank Dr. Chan for a very enlightening presentation. Equally as impressive were the 2008 CLTA Outstanding Teacher Awards announced at the luncheon. Helene Chan and Suzanne Charlton received the Hal Wingard Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to language students and teachers. Genevieve Champness and Evelyne Charvier-Berman were honored with the CLTA Outstanding Teacher Awards and Dominique van Hooff was awarded the Glencoe/McGraw-Hill Outstanding Teacher Award. The Awards Committee was chaired by past-President, Tanya Zaconne, and local chair Tina Livingstone and her team: Robin Edwards and Susan Geery. Guests lunched on Balsamic Chicken and Cheese lasagna with Oreo cookie cheesecake for dessert.
Attendees experienced great sessions during the day and on Sunday. The presenters were especially well prepared. Veteran presenters were the best ever and many new exciting presenters were enjoyed by all. The French Consulate was gracious enough to stage a three hour immersionin the evening…with champagne…of course! Saturday night conference attendees spread out in different directions to enjoy the numerous restaurants in the OC! Ocean views, quiet bistros, and great friendships were enjoyed by all!
Sunday morning came early, guests were up and running for the 8:00 and 9:00 sessions. The Gala Closing Brunch with the indefatigable Paula Hirsch presiding, was delicious and well attended. Entertainment was arranged by local chair, Joanie Kirshenbaum, and guests were treated to a few beautiful dances presented by the Jaruti Ghardi Indian dancers. ACIS and Lynn Freeman gifted another trip to Europe…won by a first year attendee! The thank yous and farewells were bittersweet. The expertise and energy of the Sacramento group was felt with anticipation of another great conference next February.
Behind the scenes many OC teachers were stars on the conference team! Publicity was aided by Tina Matic. Goodies, freebies, and “etceteras” were put together by Megan Elwood-Miranda. Presiders were organized by Sean Edwards and Lily Jacquot. Evaluations are being tabulated by Elisabeth Strauss and Ursula Rovel.
Overheard in the hallways…
* Great conference! Keep up the good work!
* Great job once again! Thanks to all involved in planning.
* Well organized, highly useful & very enjoyable conference. Thanks to all who do the work.
* It's always a fun, well-organized conference. Thank you for your hard work!
* Excellent sessions, excellent conference overall!
CONCLUSION
The Orange County conference was very successful based on the number of attendees, the program participation, and the attendee perceptions. This provides a launch point for the next state conference. Start saving your pennies now! Don’t let budget cuts keep you from attending! We are a special group! We spend way more on our students for cultural projects than other teachers. Do something for yourself that will benefit all! Submit your proposals for consideration to be included in the conference program-your thank you? Free registration!!!
I hope you take the knowledge you learned over the long weekend and are empowered to add strategic value to your school. Please join CLTA at the state conferences in San Diego, Santa Clara, and LA. CLTA continues to provide you with conferences that are both targeted and topical.
Thanks for coming to the OC, have a great year, and an even better summer journey!
For additional information on the up-coming state conferences or proposal forms-
visit the CLTA website or contact Paula Hirsch at .