“Languages in the Mainstream” is a 12 month partnership project between the Modern Language Teachers Association of Western Australia Inc (MLTAWA) and the Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI). The project promotes the benefits language learning throughout the wider community, and was launched by the Minister of Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, Dr Mike Nahan MLA, on 20 August, 2016 at the official Closing of the MLTAWA Biennial State Conference.

The project will involve a series of public events throughout the year that promote language learning and will culminate in a revived, state-wide acknowledgement and celebration of “Languages Week” from 7-14 August 2017. This is a fantastic opportunity for language teachers to network, collaborate and showcase student achievement to the wider community. It also offers chance for a group of teachers to develop leadership capacity by taking part in a sub-committee to help drive the project.

What does it involve?

Participation in the Languages in the Mainstream sub-committee will involve 2-3 voluntary hours per week throughout the next 12 months to:

• plan, coordinate and judge the competitions leading up to Languages Week (7-14 August, 2017)
• coordinate one public event during Languages Week (7-14 August, 2017)
• work with a small team of teachers to create a resource for schools to help celebrate Languages Week and further promote language learning

The sub-committee will meet twice (after hours) and collaborate in an online capacity throughout the 12 month project.

Involvement in the sub-committee provides an opportunity for MLTAWA members to address the following AITSL standards:

1.3 Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds 2.4 Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians 2.5 Literacy and numeracy strategies 2.6 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 4.5 Use ICT safely, responsibly and ethically 6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice 6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning 7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities 7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities.

How do I get involved?

Email Kate Reitzenstein at [email protected] to express interest in being on the sub-committee or if you would like further information about the project. We are seeking involvement of 4-8 MLTAWA members from metropolitan and regional areas. Please email Kate by 23 September.