From
The PresidentFrom
The PresidentHere is some very good news! It's now official in our nation! Senate Resolution 28 declares Year of Languages for 2005! Now onto the House of Representatives. It seems that some politicos are getting itlistening, learning, acting, in favor of what's right. Woo hoo! Meanwhile, in California, Governor Schwarzenegger has sent a letter in support of our efforts. I have written him asking him to go the full mile and to support Year of Languages in California with a full Proclamation. I hope everyone has been heavily promoting Year of Languages in your schools and communities. Members have sent YOL student essays to be evaluated, and it is heartening to see the effort and thought that many students have put into their writing. Look for great things coming out of Sacramento through the efforts of Nicole Naditz, YOL California Chair. At this moment, student work shown at the County Fair, and a partnership with the Library system (students reading to young people) come to mind. These could become models for others to adapt locally, so stay tuned. We are so proud of Nicole and her leadership in the state.
Conference is just around the corner, and here's hoping that you
all have found a way to attend. There is so much happening, and
the IEFLA members have outdone themselves. Be a part of "The
Inland Empire Strikes Back!" I am counting on the Conference
to give me that extra push, as it always does, to get through
the last part of Spring Semester! And, as always, I am looking
forward to the awards, and to see who are chosen as Outstanding
Teachers. Also, it should be a great night out on the town, with
your choice of three venues for Saturday night. It's not too late
to sign up, and it's not too late to invite someone to join you!
More CLTA and affiliate members mean more teachers get the many
benefits of CLTA and affiliate membership. It also means more
clout in Sacramento in support of world language teaching and
learning. In this era of No Child Left Behind, and standardized
testing with emphasis on Math, English, and Science, clout in
Sacramento (and in the nation) is a VERY GOOD THING. Have a wonderful
spring, and I hope to see you at Conference!
Tanya
By Marge Sotomayer, Membership Chair
At the CLTA Board meeting on March 5th, the board members voted to increase CLTA dues beginning with the 2006 membership year. This action was taken reluctantly, as the board members strive very hard to keep down costs for all members. Dues have been at their current level for four years. However, increasing costs of everything from gasoline to postage during that time period made this move necessary. Dues will increase $10 in each category as of January 1, 2006. Members who also belong to one of our regional affiliates will pay $45; non-affiliated members will pay $50; and students and retirees will pay $40. Notice that the dues increase takes place on January 1, 2006. That means that those of you who renew for 2006 prior to January 1, 2006, can pay on the old rates! When you get your renewal notice next fall, don't just file it away to be paid later; save yourself $10 and renew right away before the increase takes effect. In fact, members will be encouraged to pay for both 2006 and 2007 at that time, thus saving double, or $20 total.
By Lorraine D'Ambruoso
For the past few years, Carol Moir has been doing triple duty in the CLTA family. Not only has she chaired the Management Committee and represented her affiliate, CCALP, but she also took on the role of Chair of the Futures Committee. Now she adds another responsibility, as she has just been elected to a three-year term representing CLTA on the Board of SWCOLT. We are delighted that CLTA will finally have representation in our regional association, and we know that Carol will most ably represent our interests. Congratulations, Carol, and many thanks for all the great work you do for our association and for our profession. At the same time that we were rejoicing over Carol's election, we also learned that Anne Fountain, CLTA member and FLASCC Board member, was also elected to the SWCOLT Board. From no representation to two membershow fortunate we are! Congratulations to you also, and thank you for representing CLTA at the SWCOLT Conference as the "Best of California."