PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Chers collègues,
Nous vous souhaitons une bonne et heureuse année. This past fall provided 3 wonderful experiences for teachers and students in the Philadelphia area. First, at our fall meeting at Immaculata University hosted by Kathy Clark, Rosenie Gabriel presented her memories and impressions of life in Haiti. During National French Week, Marilyn Conwell and Rosemont College hosted a lecture and book-signing by Lynn Miller, who, with Annette Emgarth, is the author of French Philadelphia: The French Cultural & Historical Presence in the Delaware Valley. Finally, Stephanie Schechner and Widener University hosted our first Journée Francophone for high school students. Un grand merci à Stephanie, Marilyn et Kathy!
In 2007, we have planned two programs that will be especially valuable and useful for the classroom. First, on January 27 at Chestnut Hill College, Janel Lafond-Paquin, will share with us her workshop on teaching Le Petit Prince, which was chosen as the best presentation at NECTFL in 2005. Janel is a dynamic teacher who generously shares materials which she has spent countless hours preparing. Please put this on your calendar and plan to attend. For our spring meeting on March 31 at Chestnut Hill College in conjunction with MLAPV , Marie-Laure Chemin (Central Bucks South High School) and Susan Zeager (retired from Wissahickon Middle School) will facilitate a sharing session on French music in the classroom.
March is the time for the Grand Concours. Sister Mary Helen Kashuba has sent out information and registration forms via e-mail. If you have not received them, please contact her at kashubam@chc.edu. Good luck to all our participants.
Félicitations to our National French Week essay contest winners and their teachers who continue to encourage them.
Amitiés,
Elaine Danford
Kim Marucci
Listserv Notice
Our listserv is exclusively for National and Philadelphia Chapter members. We send reminders of meetings and other events, as well as news that has not been included in the most recent newsletter. To read the complete Listserv Policy, go to our site, www.aatfphila.org. The listserv complements the website, and sometimes reinforces it. Members can request that open French positions be posted. If you are not on the listserv and would like to be included, please send a message to josilver@erols.com. And of course, if you would like to be removed or have your e-mail changed, you have that option.
– Joanne Silver, Secretary-Treasurer AATF Philadelphia
Message from Alice K. CATALDI
Représentante de la Région IV de l’AATF
Mes remerciements les plus sincères pour tout ce que vous avez fait au cours de l’année pour faire promouvoir la cause du français. Félicitations également à vous et à vos élèves et étudiants pour les honneurs qui vous ont été accordés. L’année 2007 s’annonce avec maintes opportunités qui vous serviront à continuer votre mission.
D’abord, je tiens à vous rappeler que nous vous écoutons et que nous sommes toujours présents pour vous donner un coup de main si vous en avez besoin. Vous aviez signalé à plusieurs reprises que votre tâche de professeur de français est devenue bien difficile à cause de l’opinion publique négative liée à tout ce qui est français. Pour répondre à vos besoins et faire face à ce défi, l’AATF, avec la collaboration importante de l’Ambassade de France se prépare à lancer une campagne publicitaire qui vise à modifier cette image de la France et du français. Au fait, Jayne Abrate a envoyé un questionnaire aux présidents des chapitres pour faire un sondage et tenir compte de vos idées. Ce projet présage de bonnes choses pour l’avenir.
En attendant, je vous prie de consulter le Bulletin National et de profiter de tout ce qu’on vous offre en tant que bourses, concours et prix. Faites vos demandes de bourses d’été aussitôt que possible. N’hésitez pas de postuler pour le prix Dorothy Ludwig et d’encourager vos collègues à devenir membres de l’AATF. Notre influence sur l’opinion publique dépend du nombre de nos membres. Il faut absolument que nous fassions tous partie de l’Association qui représente l’enseignement du français pour que les autres nous prennent au sérieux!
Je vous prie aussi de continuer votre engagement dans tous les domaines. Le chapitre de Philadelphie est vraiment digne de louanges car vos membres se distinguent a tout égard. Récemment, j’ai eu le grand plaisir de côtoyer plusieurs membres au Congrès d’ACTFL à Nashville et avant cela, à Milwaukee.. C’est à Nashville que j’ai eu le plaisir de passer un peu de temps avec Catherine Pétillon de l’Ambassade de France. Elle a un titre très long et des responsabilités si multiples que j’hésite de les nommer. Cela n’empêche qu’elle est prête à travailler avec nous. J’espère vous voir nombreux à Bâton Rouge en juillet! J’étais ravie de pouvoir participer à la Journée francophone à l’Université Widener le 3 novembre. Châpeau à tous ceux qui ont organisé cette activité qui a connu un succès fou ! Je sais que vous travaillez tous très dur car les résultats du Grand Concours sont témoins de vos efforts soutenus. Votre travail professional figure même hors de la classe. J’étais bien fière de voir plusieurs noms de la Région dans le French Review…Bravo!
Pour ma part, je continue à “bosser” pour la cause de la France et du français. Tandis que je commence ma troisième année dans ma fonction de Représentante Régionale de l’AATF, je suis profondément reconnaissante de la coopération et de l’amitié que vous m’accordez. C’est un véritable plaisir et même une joie de faire partie de ce groupe passionné et dévoué au service du français.
Je vous rappelle que je suis toujours à votre service. Je vous souhaite bon courage et Bonne Année!
Journée francophone
After months of planning and tireless preparation by Stephanie Schechner and the Executive é the Journée francophone became a reality. More than 300 high school students, their teachers and chaperones were welcomed to Widener University by the president James Harris. Dr. Harris recognized the importance of studying French in this age of globalization. He also encouraged students to study abroad and to learn other languages as well. The day continued with songs and skits from the various school groups. Then, students moved to 3 different sessions: study abroad, African dance and posters on francophone countries, lunch and conversation with native speakers of French. Kulu Mele, a local African-American dance group, provided entertainment and dance instruction. Philadelphia Accueil members chatted with students as they enjoyed the very special French lunch provided by Widener University. Encore un grand merci à Stephanie Schechner!! |
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| Photos by Lauren Piotti |
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Tête-à-Tête
Mentoring
The AATF has a new initiative to improve communication among teachers. If you are a relatively new teacher and would enjoy adding ideas to your repertoire, or if you are a more seasoned teacher and are eager to help the next generation, please contact Susan Zeager, our chapter’s Mentoring Coordinator at Suzea3@aol.com or at 610.277.3941.
Reminders from National
Information regarding AATF Summer Scholarships is almost complete and will be posted on the Web site in the next week or so. It will also be mailed to AATF Chapter Officers for distribution at the local level and a summary will appear in the January National Bulletin.
Don't forget the many awards and honors available to members and their students. These include: (a) the AATF Dorothy S. Ludwig Excellence in Teaching Awards (available at four levels); (b) the 2007 ISE Language Matters Award; (c) AATF Outstanding Senior in French Awards; (d) AATF Small Grants; (e) AATF Summer Scholarships; (f) the Walter Jensen Study-Abroad Scholarship (for long-term study abroad for an undergraduate/graduate student). See the January National Bulletin for information on these opportunities and more.
The AATF strives to provide professional development and professional recognition opportunities for members at all levels. We offer support for the promotion and defense of French programs and recruitment and retention of students. If you haven't visited the AATF Web site www.frenchteachers.org recently, please take a few minutes to find out about the latest developments. The Web site will be undergoing some modifications in the coming weeks to make the vast amount of content more accessible. We ask you to help us spread the word about the AATF to colleagues who are not yet members.
This is a period of transition for the Association. On December 31, AATF President Margot Steinhart finished her three-year term as President. She will be heading off to spend the spring semester in Paris. On behalf of the membership, I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her enthusiasm and creativity and the numerous initiatives she has launched, including the AATF Book Club. She has worked tirelessly to promote the association and the study of French and to support members at all levels.
At the same time, we would like to welcome incoming President Marie-Christine Koop. She already has a number of projects that she hopes to implement in the coming months and will join a long line of committed AATF Presidents who have enriched the Association with their leadership and innovative ideas.
MLAPV/AATF Spring Meeting
Alouette? La Marseillaise? Rap? Classical? Pop? Do you know these singers: Gérald De Palmas, Miossec, Rapha&eeuml;l? How do you use French music in your classroom teaching? Don't have the music? Come learn how to get it off the Internet. Facilitators Marie-Laure Chemin and Susan Zeager invite you to bring your ideas about teaching French through music. Please bring CDs or cassettes and 25 copies of the words to a song (or several songs) to share.
AATF National Convention 2007
Baton Rouge July 12-15
Make plans now to attend. Preliminary information can be found in the National Bulletin and on the website: www.frenchteachers.org
Your Ideas
Thank you for the many responses to our request for ideas for the spring meeting. We hope to incorporate your suggestions in our plans for future programs. Please volunteer to share your expertise on any or all of the following topics: differentiated instruction, essay writing, PowerPoint in the classroom, audio and video streaming, pod casting, and interactive websites for students. Contact Kim Marucci at marucci01@comcast.net
IN MEMORIAM
Patrick Daudon, the author-conceptor of the Normandy Liberty Bell, suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage on October 26, 2006, in Cherbourg, France. He is survived by his wife Christine, and children François and Virginie. With the support of the General Council of Caen and the association Normandie Mémoire, the Normandy Liberty Bell was cast as a perfect replica of the original Liberty Bell, and produces the same E flat heard by the likes of Benjamin Franklin, before the bell cracked in 1846.
Following his family's wishes, supporters of Patrick's global visions of liberty and freedom will pursue and expand his projects in Philadelphia, Washington, DC and New Orleans, where a Normandy Liberty Bell monument is foreseen as a tourist attraction to help areas there that were devastated in 2005 by hurricane Katrina. On February 19, Presidents' Day, a Philadelphia press conference will be held, to announce details of these and other projects, particularly at the American Cemetery in Normandy. To learn much more about the Normandy Liberty Bell and to view photos, go to http://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/more/normandybell.htm.
Honors and Awards
Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques
Barbara P. Barnett is the most recent member of the Philadelphia chapter to receive the French Government's highest honor for academic achievement. The Palmes Académiques (Academic Palms), a decoration established in 1808 by Napoléon Bonaparte, recognizes those who have advanced the cause of French culture, education and the arts. Napoléon appreciated the importance of education and established the honorary titles of Chevalier, Officier and Commandeur as awards for devotion and accomplishment in the areas of teaching scholarship, and research. The Palmes Académiques are awarded to those who have actively contributed to the expansion of French culture throughout the world. Whether in the arts or the sciences, these distinctions have been a cherished award for almost two hundred years. It is the most prestigious honor a scholar or academician can receive from the French Government.
Philadelphia Chapter members previously awarded the Palmes académiques for outstanding work in their respective fields are Marilyn Conwell, Pascale Davidson, Mary Donaldson-Evans, Nancy Gabel, Sister Mary Helen Kashuba, Catherine Lafarge, Diana Regan and Maria Traub.
DELF/DALF
Congratulations are in order to five local students who have just earned a French diploma for their demonstrated excellence in French Language. The DALF Center at Rosemont College held the first session of the new DELF/DALF examinations in December. The Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française and the Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française are awarded by the French Centre International D’Etudes Pédagogiques for excellence in French and are recognized in 130 countries world-wide. The diplomas are offered on three levels of difficulty: A1&2, B1&2, C1&2; three students from the Agnes Irwin School qualified for the B1 diploma, one student from Rosemont College for the B2 diploma, and one student from LaSalle University for the C2 diploma. The examinations will be offered again in June 2007; teachers who are interested in further information should contact Dr. Marilyn Conwell at conwell@rosemont.edu.
National French Week Essay Contest Winners (National)
Middle School
Diana Radson (First Place)
Bala Cynwyd Middle School
Teacher: Ferne Liez
Aniqa Hassan (Second Place)
Bala Cynwyd Middle School
Teacher: Rodney Taylor
High School
Meng Zhang
Strath Haven High School
Teacher: Elaine Danford
Friend of French Award
Purpose: This award was created by our chapter to honor a person who makes or has made a noteworthy contribution to the promotion of the study of French and/or of Francophone cultures in the United States.
Eligibility:
- Winner must not be a current or former teacher of French.
- Winner must reside or work within the region served by our chapter.
- Winner must make or have made a noteworthy contribution to the promotion of the study of French and/or of Francophone cultures in the United States.
Past Winners: A musician, a food services coordinator, a restaurateur, an AFS leader, a
high school principal, a college.
Contact Kimberly Riviere for more information or for a nomination form--skriviere@comcast.net. Deadline is March 31st.
Professional Development Award
To encourage new or returning teachers of French to become active members of the American Association of Teachers of French and to continue to grow professionally by attending workshops and conferences, the Philadelphia chapter of the AAYF sponsors a Professional Development Award, given annually.* The recipient receives a one-year complimentary membership in the AATF and reimbursement of up to $200.00 for language conference registration fees. The winner is also honored in a ceremony during the Grand Concours Distribution des Prix at Chestnut Hill College in May. In addition, a letter announcing the award is sent to the recipient’s school.
*If there is no qualified candidate in a given year, the Philadelphia Chapter of the AATF reserves the right to not offer the award that year.
Eligibility: Nominees must be teachers or professors of French at a school in the area served by our chapter, having taught no less than one academic year and no more that six academic years.
Judging: The nominees credentials will be judged on the following criteria:
- knowledge in the field
- planned active teaching status
- potential for leadership
- promotion of French studies
- long range professional goals
Expectations: The recipient of the award:
- must use the stipend during the 2007-2008 academic year.
- is expected to write an article for the chapter newsletter within three months of attending the subsidized conference.
- will be reimbursed for AATF membership and conference fees upon receipt of proof of payment and article for the chapter newsletter.
Nominations: Nominations packets should include:
- a letter of nomination from a colleague explaining how the candidate meets the criteria and the nominator’s relationship to nominee.
- an updated professional résumé of the nominee.
- a brief personal statement from the nominee, including permission to be considered for the award, describing his or her contributions to the profession to date and explaining how this award would help him or her develop professionally.
Please send the nomination packet to Emily Z. Wagner, Germantown Academy, 340 Morris Road, Fort Washington, PA 19034. It should be postmarked no later than March 1, 2007. For further information, please contact Emily Wagner at ewagner@germantownacademy.org.
LES ELECTIONS: Call for Nomination of Candidates!
It is time to nominate officers (President or Co-Presidents, Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer) of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French. According to our Constitution, the current officers may continue in their roles for anther two-year term and the Secretary-Treasurer may continue in that position indefinitely.
Please help nominate candidates for the 2007 election of officers. Here are some guidelines as per our Constitution, Article IV, 4, and 5.
Section 4.
Selection of nominees to office. A nominating committee shall accept nominations from the Chapter membership for the respective offices during the winter preceding each election. All nominees shall have been AATF members for the two consecutive years preceding the election. The nominating committee shall verify the eligibility of the nominees and ascertain their willingness to serve.
Section 5.
Elections. Elections shall be by ballot sent by mail to all individual members of the Chapter prior to the spring meeting. A simple majority of affirmative votes shall be required for election.
Please note:
- Offices open for nomination are: President (or Co-Presidents), Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer.
- Be sure that your nominee is willing to run. The Term of office is two years, beginning in April 2007. Nominees for President and Vice-President should be willing to write the Newsletter and plan meetings. Nominees for Secretary-Treasurer should be willing to oversee and manage the Listserv and the Web site.
- Contact your nominee and gather some background information (address, teaching experience, years in the classroom, affiliations, interesting facts, etc.
- Self-nomination of candidates is welcome.
- Nominations shall close on February 15, 2007. A ballot will then be
prepared and mailed to the membership for voting.
If you have any questions, please contact the nominating committee:
Barbara Barnett bbarnett@agnesirwin.org
Emily Wagner emily.wagner@germantownacademy.org
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PAGE FOR NOMINATING CANDIDATES.
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Calendar of Events
Saturday, January 27, 2007, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Janel Lafond-Paquin will share her award-winning workshop on Le Petit Prince.
Snow date Feb. 3
(maps and directions at www.chc.edu)
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February 15
Deadline for nominations for chapter officers.
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March 31
MLAPV/AATF Spring meeting at Chestnut Hill College.
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April 12-14, 2007
Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, New York City
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July 12-15
AATF National Convention in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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