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CLTA Online Newsletter CLTA Newsletter Summer Issue 2020
In This Issue
Message from Tanya
CLTA New Officers
Viewable Webinars
Resources
Advocacy Report
CDE Grants
In Memorial—Gloria Payette
CLTA Seeking Executive Director
Become a CLTA Member Now https://clta.net/clta-member-benefits/
Message from Tanya, CLTA Executive Director
It is Memorial Day as I write this, a time of reflection and for honoring our fallen heroes. By the time this is published, Memorial Day will be over for 2020 but the year still provides us much thought for reflection and honoring our own heroes, the men and women who have stood guard and delivered the very best encouragement and instruction they could, to our sometimes perplexed students. I have heard so many of you whose hearts are broken because you cannot be there in person for your students, not just to teach them, but to comfort them and to be a safe haven to come to when
they need one.
Our CLTA Board of Directors and Executive Board, have also been working double time; most are full-time teachers and parents. We have tried very hard to provide programs and access to helpful information and events for you, and you may have seen or heard about some of the information in this newsletter, since we tried to get out important news as it became available, through CLTA
Voices as well as other electronic means.
You may have heard of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Gloria Payette, who lived her life as the epitome of kindness and grace. Many thanks to her friend and ours, Don Doehla, who provided us with a fitting tribute for this newsletter. Even if you did not know Gloria, please consider taking the time to read the article and view the video. Her wish was that we all perform an act of
kindness in her memory.
Some of you have also heard that CLTA is seeking a new Executive Director. It is hard for us as teachers to “abandon our posts” even if it is a good time to do so. However, just as it was the right time for me to retire from the classroom, this is the right time for me to retire as your Executive Director. Our new Executive Director will officially begin April 1, 2021. Meanwhile, I will be on the job through March, 2021. Please see the flyer with the pertinent information for applying, and share with colleagues you think may be interested. Thank you so much to the Chair of our Executive Director Search, Nancy Perez, who is also our incoming president-elect, and her hard-working
committee.
With the pandemic still an unknown entity, some of us are still quarantining or social distancing and others of us are loosening our behaviors a bit as California and the nation begin to gradually open back up. For myself, I am still fairly quarantined but find comfort and purpose in my work and the many friends and colleagues I see online. I hope we meet again in person at the March Conference in San Diego. Thanks to our indefatigable Conference Coordinator, we are readying ourselves to be
able to offer to you our Plan A (San Diego) or Plan B (Conference online).
We will keep you in the loop over the summer with whatever information we have. CLTA and CWLP will be doing some self-training for Summer Seminar this year, but expect to be back even stronger
in 2021.
Two gigantic and related accomplishments are the adoption of the new California Content Stand-ards for K-12 and the Framework which is close to adoption. To be a part of this work and more, please consider joining CLTA if you have not already done so. At one point, our dues were $50 per year, and we purposefully reduced them year by year until they are now at $25. If you are able to join now, or gift a membership to a colleague, it will help CLTA represent you and our profession
better in Sacramento, among many other personal benefits.
Finally, I want to personally thank Tom Beeman, our former Advocacy Chair who has stepped down from the position. He truly transformed our work and our committee. On behalf of the CLTA Board of Directors and all of our members, it was a job well done and we appreciate you.
Stay safe and take care, Everyone.
Links to useful information:
Check out Links to useful infor-mation l isted on our website www.clta.net
CLTA takes no responsibi l i t y fo r content . In format ion f rom l inks should be careful l y v iewed by teacher before use or sharing wi th
students. .
Contact Us:
CLTA California Language Teachers’ Association
Tanya Zaccone, Executive Director Email: [email protected] Visit us on the web at www.clta.net
CLTA Changing of the Guard 2020-2022
CLTA is proud to thank the officers and committee chairs for their outstanding work in the challenging 2019-2020 year, and for their ongoing commitment and service to the profession. Normally we would have the opportunity to acknowledge and thank everyone at the conference, so sending our appreciation in written form does not seem to be enough.
However, we are so proud of our dedicated professionals and first of all thank Alexis Frink for her kindness, steady hand and unstinting work ethic for the past six years as president-elect, president, and past president. Alexis is also our liaison to SWCOLT. Always enthusiastic and prepared to be a part of solutions, we have depended on Alexis and know she will be a continued asset to our world language community.
A special thank-you goes to our Conference Coordinator, Paula Hirsch, who is a walking memory bank of all things conference, and an endless source of energy and ideas to make
CLTA better, and always keeping the cost in mind. Paula will continue in her present position.
Other new officers are:
Secretary - Verna Verspieren
Treasurer - Veronica Vidales
Membership - Angela Martinez
Awards Chair - Edward Stanko
Exhibits Chair - Monica Garcia
Honors go to Peggy Kao, our current CLTA/California Teacher of the year, who has represented our state and our profession with grace and humility.
Appointed chairs who have agreed to continue as invaluable mainstays of our association are unsung heroes and we appreciate their contributions more than words can say. They are:
• Conference Registrar, Evelyn Bejarano
• Program Chair, Bethany Thompson
• Advertising Chair, Nadine Elwood
• Webmaster, Barbara Bowden
• Conference Chair Assistant, Paul Verduzco
Much appreciation goes to Tom Beeman, who is stepping down as Advocacy Chair, but has taken the position to new heights and will be missed as our leader in that arena.
Newly installed officers are Tonja Byrom as past president and Susan Watson as president. Welcome to Nancy Perez as our new president-elect. Each of these remarkable individuals have shown ongoing leadership and love for the profession.
CLTA is proud to announce new officers and committee chairs for 2020-2022
Become a CLTA Member Now https://clta.net/clta-member-benefits/
View CLTA Events at https://clta.net/events/
Become a CLTA Member Now—https://clta.net/clta-member-benefits/
Update your Contact Information
Have you moved? Changed Schools or email address? Or do you just want to get communications from CLTA? Keep your information up to date so you don’t miss out.
Resources for WL Teachers in Virtual Classrooms
CLTA takes no responsibility for content. Information from links should be carefully viewed by teacher before use or sharing with students. If you see a problem with information in a link please notify [email protected] CLTA members can access SWCOLT webinars at swcolt.org/webinars. Password is required. Contact Evelyn Bejarano at [email protected]. The four presentations from CLTA's Mini-
Conference Sessions still available to everyone until
the 8th of May, 2020.
Resource Site for Teaching and Learning World
Languages during COVID-19. Access this site HERE.
CLTA Member & High School Spanish teacher at
the California Vertual Academies Tom Beeman has
written an article with tips on how to be successful in
Distance Education. Access his article HERE.
Please see this excellent 12-minute, very easy to
understand Zoom tutorial. Thanks to Maria Inostroza
(from LA-STARS) who created this online tutorial to
support our teachers as they transition to delivering
instruction through online learning systems and tools.
Viewable Webinars
The California Language Teachers’ Association
(CLTA) knows that we are all in this together! In
this unprecedented time of state mandated social
distancing, hundreds of teachers have lost the
opportunity to attend annual professional
development. Given the demands of Distance
Learning that will take place nation-wide, CLTA
has featured Mini- Virtual Conferences and
Webinars by premier language teachers from the
state of California. These recordings are now
available to view on the Members Only Webpage
at CLTA.net.
Placement Information Exchange
The Placement Information exchange provides infor-mation to teachers who are seeking positions and to schools and districts which post vacancies. This is a free service provided by CLTA to members, schools and school districts.
Learn More
Nicole Naditz to partner with CDE for
FREE Webinar
CDE is thrilled to inform you that Nicole Naditz will be partnering with the CDE to facilitate a webinar, "Going the Distance with World Languages: Proficiency-Oriented Distance Learning" focused on distance learning and world languages instruction. The webinar will take place May 28 at 1:00 pm Pacific Time. You must register in advance at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/dl/.
Webinar Description Nicole Naditz - Program Specialist for Instructional Technology and World Languages at San Juan Unified School District, National Board Certified Teacher, and former Chair of the World Languages Subject Matter Committee in the Instructional Quality Commission – facilitates this webinar focused on sharing ideas for engaging students o languages other than English. Ms. Naditz shares tools and resources that teachers can use in the context of distance learning to ensure students continue to develop and strengthen their language acquisition.
When: May 28, 2020 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Webinar will be on FB Live and Zoom,
Zoom registration: Register in advance for this webinar
Advocacy Report—2020 Eyes on Advocacy
Greetings from your CLTA Advocacy Team:
The Advocacy committee would like to thank Tom Beeman for his service as the Advocacy Chair. We wish Tom luck as he pursues new avenues in his career.
Tom Beeman served as CLTA Advocacy Committee Chair for the past three years and brought a new level of exemplary leadership to this role. His term was transformational for CLTA and for the members of the Advocacy Committee. The Committee is much stronger and more focused; Tom spearheaded the writing of CLTA’s Advocacy Handbook, and he was involved with outreach efforts from meeting local needs to addressing nationwide concerns. We thank you, Tom Beeman, for all you have done to protect world language programs, honor the members of our profession and mostly for being a key advocate for making the learning of world languages and cultures relevant for every learn, including those who are learning it long-distance.
As we wrap up the second year of the two-year legislative cycle, there are some recent bills that stand out as important to our professional lives as we move forward into new territory.
AB 5 is a labor bill and, as such CLTA has not made a recommendation since the issues are out of our purview; The intent of AB 5 was to protect “gig economy” workers, such as Uber and Lyft drivers, and to provide them with benefits enjoyed by other workers. We are watching what happens with AB 5 and suggested amendments, as they relate to potential impact on teaching and learning.
AB 2181. Weber. Uplift Teacher Corps Act 2020. Our CLTA letter of support reads in part:
“AB 2181 shows great promise in developing culturally responsive teachers, who will become assets to their schools and their communities. As an association, CLTA is committed to the support of world language and culture for all students, and in particular many of our students are heritage speakers or English Learners. These linguistically and culturally diverse learners offer a unique opportunity to to build rich learning contexts that parallel current California demographics.”
AB 2485, Kelra. Teacher credentialing: Subject matter competence, seeks to amend this credentialing process by providing alternative modes for demonstrating subject matter knowledge, besides the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). The alternative could include the successful passing of a commission approved program as well as other locally determined criteria to certify teacher candidates subject matter knowledge.
In these uncertain times of limited resources, please know that CLTA continues to be committed to looking out for our students, teachers and programs. At the top of our priorities is to collaborate with legislatures in the development of sound policies that support the learning of world languages and cultures and prepare students to be college, career and world ready.
For more information about any of these or other bills related to teaching and learning of world language and culture, or to ask about joining our Advocacy Committee , please contact Tanya at [email protected].
From the California Department of Education
In support of English Learners in California, CDE awards two important grants
Californians Together and the California Associa-tion for Bilingual Education (CABE) are proud to launch two complementary $5M Educator Workforce Incentive Grants awarded by the California Department of Education. Both grants are designated to support implementation of the visionary and comprehensive California English Learner Roadmap Policy.
In recognition of the need to build capacity throughout the state in order to implement the recent comprehensive CA English Learner Roadmap policy, the California legislature earmarked $10 million in Educator Workforce Incentive Grants that were awarded by the California Department of Education in March 2020 just before COVID-19 became a grim reality for our state. The result is a pivotal moment for English learner/dual language learner education in California - a moment of elevated needs resulting from lost schooling and access for English learners due to COVID-19, an urgent crossroads for groundbreaking English learner policy in a state lacking capacity to implement, and an opportunity to bring resources and research-based responses into the hands of educators as tools to address both the educational harms resulting from the pandemic and to simultaneously pursue a vision of powerful dual language schooling for our state.
Read more
Become a CLTA Member Now https://clta.net/clta-member-benefits/
View CLTA Events at https://clta.net/events/
GLORIA PAYETTE
We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend and CLTA/CWLP family member, Gloria Payette. Gloria was a dedicated professional and perhaps more importantly, a true and kind spirit who left us with humility and grace. As we share some memories of Gloria, she left us with the best memory of all - the final wish that we all go out into the world and be kind. Rest in peace and tranquility, Gloria Payette.
Don Doehla sent the following on Wednesday, May 20, 2020:
It gives me great sorrow to pass on the news to you that our beloved friend, colleague, and sister-in-spirit, Gloria Payette, left us last night, ending her month-long journey with cancer whilst resting peacefully. The time since her diagnosis went by so very quickly, and it was far too short a time. Nevertheless, I am very thankful that her suffering is now over, and that she is fully at peace now.
I want to pass on to you the message from Gloria’s daughter, Shannon, who relates the final moments so well.
Shannon is a wonderful person, so much like her mom, and yet her own person in every way, of course. She tells the story far better than I ever could. I am thankful that she passed with her daughter nearby, and as she was resting.
I think Gloria would love the suggestion Shannon asks of us at the end of her note. It is a fitting tribute! Let us all remember Gloria by doing acts of kindness in her memory today, and in the days and years to come. As often as I think of her, this is how I will celebrate the life of my dear friend, my sister-in-spirit, my forever co-presenter, and clever creator of ways to teach the languages and cultures we love so deeply! Gloria will always be with us, even as others we have loved so much abide with us as well. She will be missed, but as for me, I will see her hand in every moment I present ideas she developed, or that we created together. They will all be a tribute to her and her abiding friendship.
And so, though I am sad that she is gone, I will give thanks for all the ways she shared with me her life, her joy, her happiness, her encouragement when I have been down, or in pain, her kind and gentle way of helping me to know it will all be ok, and most of all, her unconditional love. She shared these qualities with me, with others, with you as well, I am sure! Peace be with you, dear Gloria! And also with all of you, my friends. With all my affection and friendship,
Don
Last night I dreamed about Gloria and how we shared ideas and experiences. I woke up this morning with a heavy heart, a premonition. She was truly a dedicated teacher, mentor and friend. All of us will miss her. There truly is no replacement for her. We will remember her spirit, her enthusiasm, her perseverance in sad times, her dedication to education (both giving and receiving). We will remember HER and all that she taught us. I can hardly type this because the tears are clouding my vision. I know that she would not want us to be sad but to continue doing what we and she loved--working with languages, with students both willing and reluctant to learn, with BWLP. With a
hole in my heart, ~Carol Sparks
This just breaks my heart to read. It all happened way too fast, but I am thankful
she is finally resting in peace and with no pain. ~Angela Martinez
One thing that comes to mind when I think of Gloria, is that she was an inspiring example of a life well-lived. What a wonderful friend and colleague. ~Nancy
Salsig
May Allah continue to bring peace to her sol, family and all her loved ones. May she rest in peace. She will be missed greatly, yet she will be remembered for her glory, smiley face, and kindness and many more. Love you all and wish you
safety, health, and peace.~Tagreed Badwai
I was so sorry to hear the news about Gloria's passing, however, her daughter's tribute to her was very moving. I have so many fond memories of Gloria and know that everyone in the world language community will miss her greatly. Rest
in peace Gloria! ~Anne Jensen
Thank you Don for delivering this hard message, but in a way uplifting. It brings peace to the soul knowing that she left in peace, like you said, and is no longer suffering. May God continue to bring peace to her family and all her loved ones. May she rest in God's Grace and I know she will continue to light our spirits with
her GLORIA (Glory). Love you all and may peace be with you. ~Anna Chavez
I was thinking about Gloria when I woke up this morning. What a tremendous
loss. ~Jennifer Reid
The following are a few thoughts shared by Gloria's colleagues and friends:
Editor's Note: Jennifer also shared a video in which a student interviewed Gloria about her imminent retirement. SEE VIDEO
