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Convention Workshops

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If 2025 AATF Convention Registration has already been purchased and you would like to add tickets for different events (Workshops, Evening Activities, any meals, etc.), please contact EVENTS to discuss the next steps.

Workshop Information

Workshops will be held throughout the 2025 AATF Convention

Workshop #1 - Monday, July 7, 2025 13h15-16h15

Workshop #2 - Tuesday, July 8, 2025 8h30-11h30

Workshop #3 - Wednesday, July 9, 2025 8h30-11h30

Workshop #4 - Thursday, July 10, 2025 8h30-11h30

**Each workshop requires an additional $30 ticket purchase**

Presenter - Jennifer Schwester
Scheduled - Monday, July 7, 2025 13h15-16h15
Description - Attendees will work on mindfulness strategies that they can use for themselves and their students. This interactive workshop will allow teachers to deepen their own skills, take some time for self-care, and share those techniques with students in the target language. Learning how to be in the present moment helps to create a greater sense of community in the classroom. This can also help teachers and students navigate the ever-changing world. 
This is an "active" workshop, so attendees will experience first-hand what they can do and how the different activities feel. While the workshop will be taught in English, links and examples will be provided in French so teachers can provide these skills to their students while adapting to each proficiency level.
**Each workshop requires an additional $30 ticket purchase**
Presenter - Steven Sacco
Scheduled - Tuesday, July 8, 2025 8h30-11h00
Description - World language programs are facing unprecedented challenges as we approach the end of the first quarter of the 21st century. Hundreds of K-16 French programs have been eliminated. The University of West Virginia is perhaps the most visible example. To complicate matters, world-renowned linguist and former French major John McWhorter declared that it's time to “stop pretending that French is an important language.”
We can't control the circumstances or the conditions around us, but we can control our response. Controlling our response cements our “mindset of possibility.” Controlling our response gives us a chance to save our French programs and when we have a “mindset of possibility,” our options become limitless. In this workshop, we will (1) listen to your current situation, (2) provide potential solutions via examples of untouchable programs, and (3) discuss accessible funding opportunities and the creation of on- and off-campus partnerships to secure allies in our struggle.
**Each workshop requires an additional $30 ticket purchase**
Presenter - Janel Lafond-Paquin
Scheduled - Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 8h30-11h00
Description - This workshop will introduce attendees to two activities, camping and ice hockey, that are of interest to all learners, but may be catalysts to increase male participation in French classes!
Participants will take part in hands on activities and will receive the presentation slides with all the links and activities/explanations so that they can use them in their own classrooms. Such activities will target the four skills as well as opportunities for review and enrichment. Participants will be able to work in groups, share their own ideas for activities, and discuss which theme/s would work best with their own students. Those attending will also receive suggestions for creating similar activities for their students using everyday classroom topics.
Several of the texts will be available through Les Zailées, an exhibitor in the exhibit hall who will have copies of the texts used in the presentation.  
**Each workshop requires an additional $30 ticket purchase**
Presenter - Catherine Ousselin
Scheduled - Thursday, July 10th, 2025 8h30-11h00
Description - Comment peut-on trouver, organiser et incorporer des ressources authentiques autour desquelles on pourra créer des expériences d'apprentissage qui valorisent l'engagement social? Comment peut-on soutenir les voix et l'engagement de nos apprenants aux niveaux local et mondial ? Lors de cet atelier, nous examinerons le cadre des compétences globales ainsi que les objectifs de développement durable. D'autre part, nous verrons quelles ressources authentiques sont les plus appropriées pour aborder les thèmes des Nations Unies tel qu'il est promu et organisé par l'AATF. Enfin, nous discuterons de la conceptualisation et de l'enseignement des unités, à partir du contenu, des activités communicatives et des évaluations authentiques qui encouragent les compétences interculturelles et les recherches. Des modèles d'unités, d'activités et de ressources seront partagés. 
**Each workshop requires an additional $30 ticket purchase**

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