2024 AATF Elections

Meet the candidates

All AATF members (those who joined before October 15, 2024) will have the opportunity to vote for one of these candidates for national vice-president, who will serve a term of three (3) years (2025-2027).

Candidates for Vice-President

MARGARITA BOYATZI DEMPSEY	DEANNA SCHEFFER

As a first-generation American who learned English in kindergarten it's no surprise that I grew up loving languages. I knew there were different ways of saying things and I did not feel confused. I experienced first hand how quickly a young child can learn to speak a second or third language. There is no doubt in my mind that world language instruction should begin at the elementary level and be available to every child. I knew the moment I started my French instruction in the 7th grade and Spanish in the 11th grade that I would be a world language teacher. I have never regretted my choice. I think we, as French teachers, do so much more than teach students how to communicate in French. We open up a world; a world filled with different cultures, different traditions and yet a world that is defined more by what we share in common rather than what keeps us apart. As Vice-President, I will work with the board to help preserve our French programs and work to expand them. I know this is not an easy job. I have served as AATF Regional Representative for Region 1 for two terms. I was a board member for NECTFL for nine years and I served as Chairperson of the Conference in 2023 and I have served on the board of RIFLA and the AATF-RI. I will draw on these experiences to help the AATF Board advocate for French programs and the recruitment of future French teachers.	Deanna Scheffer is passionate about fostering vibrant and supportive environments for French language education at all levels. She has taught French in both private and public schools, often managing more than six preparations and navigating numerous combo classes, as well as the AP, AICE, and IB programs. She recognizes the unique challenges teachers face and believes that every educator plays a crucial role in inspiring a love for learning. Having often been a department of one, Deanna credits the AATF for providing essential support and ideas from fellow colleagues that have helped her avoid feeling isolated. This network has been invaluable in her growth as an educator, and she understands firsthand the importance of collaboration among French teachers. With a strong commitment to advocacy, Deanna served three terms as President of the Florida AATF Chapter and earned the Chapter President of the Year award. She has twice represented Region IV on the National Executive Board. She currently contributes to the Florida Chapter as its Grand Concours Director. As a curriculum designer and consultant for The College Board, Deanna has been engaged in Advanced Placement (AP) Leadership. Her experience has included serving as Assistant Chief Reader, AP Daily Lead, and an AP Consultant and Mentor. Deanna has been recognized as the Florida French Teacher of the Year and FLENEF Teacher of the Year, and she has received the title of Chevalier des Palmes Académiques. As Vice President of the AATF, Deanna is committed to supporting and growing the Association's initiatives during a time of evolving educational landscapes and shifting membership dynamics. Deanna looks forward to contributing to an organization that has helped her grow as an educator, highlighting the distinct benefits of being part of a supportive community that nurtures growth and inspiration for the next generation of language learners.
Dempsey CV

Candidates for Regional Representatives

Region II

Members who live in Region II (NY, NJ) will be able to vote for their regional representative, who will serve a term of three (3) years, 2025-2027:

DAWN FIORILLI

Candidate for re-election for AATF Region II Representative

Bonjour! My name is Dawn Fiorilli and I am running to be re-elected as your AATF Regional Representative for Region II.

I have been teaching French in Bernards Township (Basking Ridge, New Jersey) for the past 23 years. I started by teaching in a FLES program, but have spent the majority of my career as a middle school French teacher. The strong language foundations the students learn at this level prepare them for further language study. In my district’s World Language department, I am known for sharing new resources and ideas for all of our language classes, regardless of which language we teach.

For the past three years, I have been the Regional Representative for Region II which encompasses the AATF Chapters in New York and New Jersey. I have enjoyed hearing about what each chapter does for their teachers and students and communicating with them about events and opportunities provided by the AATF as well as reaching out to offer support for the chapters. I have been able to share ideas with the other Regional Representatives to collaborate on how to best support and grow our profession.

Since 2016, I have been the New Jersey Administrator for the National French Contest and in 2023 became the Assistant to the National Director for Le Grand Concours. I have also participated in the New Jersey AATF Spring and Fall meetings and workshops for many years. Communicating and meeting with other French teachers is always an amazing opportunity to share ideas. I also currently serve as the Secretary for my local National Education Association. Again, this gives me the opportunity to work with other teachers within my school district.

I currently teach at William Annin Middle School, where my French program continues to thrive. I studied at Montclair State University where I received both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I also studied in Nice, France, for two summer programs designed for international students to improve French skills. Working with students from around the globe was an experience I will always remember. I also hold a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Drexel University.

Region IV

Members who live in Region IV (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC) will be able to vote for their regional representative, who will serve a term of three (3) years, 2025-2027:

HEATHER TEDDER

My name is Heather Tedder, and I am passionate about French language and cultures! It has been my honor to serve as the current Regional Representative for Region 4 for the past term. I have also served as NC-AATF Chapter Past President (2020-2022), Chapter President (2018-2020) and as a Future Leader Fellow (Martinique, 2018).

I have had experience teaching at all levels from kindergarten to university, but my main experience is in the public high school setting. Participating in AATF programs at the state, regional, and national level have played a major role in the success of my program, and I wish to support other teachers by spreading the word!

If re-elected as AATF Regional Rep, I will continue to strengthen and unite the southeastern region by connecting teachers across the states and passing on information about opportunities for French teachers and their students. I have enjoyed every minute of my service to the AATF and hope to inspire others to join us!