Each year Alaskans For Language Acquisition holds a statewide conference providing an opportunity for world language teachers to expand their horizons without traveling out of state and to have access to national experts. We also use the occasion to meet our in- state colleagues. Success of the conference is dependent not only on speakers we can bring to Alaska, but on the expertise we have to offer each other.

This year we are bringing a big name in teaching language through music: ETIENNE, a Canadian teacher who has several CD's out for French, Spanish and ESL. He will be doing a concert in Anchorage for students (ask me for details). But the theme refers to more than music. As you know we can use all of the arts to expand the language experience for our students. What do you use: painting? poetry? drama? culinary arts? What would you like to incorporate?

We invite you to Discover Language Through the Arts with us at the 2006 AFLA State Conference to be held at Alyeska Prince Hotel the first weekend in October, that's the 6, 7th and 8th. If you would like to share your expertise in the form of a presentation, nominate someone for one of our awards, or simply attend, please open the attachments.