View in EDS

Languages Are FUNdamental: 2026 Report of Central States Languages for All

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Languages Are FUNdamental: 2026 Report of Central States Languages for All
Language: English
Authors: Grant D. Moss, Leah McKeeman, Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CSCTFL)
Source: Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. 2026.
Availability: Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. 239 Tonkin Drive, Ishpeming, MI 49849. e-mail: csctfl.exec.director@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.csctfl.org/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 114
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Collected Works - Proceedings
Descriptors: Second Language Learning, Multilingualism, Spanish, German, English, Language Role, Code Switching (Language), Language Usage, Language Attitudes, Electronic Classrooms, Artificial Intelligence, Self Esteem, Sense of Belonging
Abstract: The 2026 Central States Conference was held in Chicago, Illinois, March 12-14. The Central States Board was delighted to welcome language educators from across the region and beyond for three days of learning, collaboration, and celebration of the profession. This year's theme, "Languages are FUNdamental," is a reminder that an essential role of languages is shaping who people are, how they connect, and what they value. Languages are the foundation of human interaction: they help people express identity, foster empathy, build relationships, and create moments of connection that stay long after the lesson ends. Educators know that learning languages isn't just academic; it's hopeful, playful, and deeply human. The 2026 conference featured over 190 sessions and workshops, along with ePosters and roundtables, offering professional learning for educators of all languages and instructional levels. Topics included immersion and cultural experiences, high-impact instructional strategies, meaningful uses of technology, and student-centered practices. This year also marked the launch of FLECS (Future Language Educators of Central States), a program designed to support and inspire students who aspire to become language teachers. Conference attendees represented 16 languages and came from 32 states.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 20260101
Accession Number: ED682576
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The 2026 Central States Conference was held in Chicago, Illinois, March 12-14. The Central States Board was delighted to welcome language educators from across the region and beyond for three days of learning, collaboration, and celebration of the profession. This year's theme, "Languages are FUNdamental," is a reminder that an essential role of languages is shaping who people are, how they connect, and what they value. Languages are the foundation of human interaction: they help people express identity, foster empathy, build relationships, and create moments of connection that stay long after the lesson ends. Educators know that learning languages isn't just academic; it's hopeful, playful, and deeply human. The 2026 conference featured over 190 sessions and workshops, along with ePosters and roundtables, offering professional learning for educators of all languages and instructional levels. Topics included immersion and cultural experiences, high-impact instructional strategies, meaningful uses of technology, and student-centered practices. This year also marked the launch of FLECS (Future Language Educators of Central States), a program designed to support and inspire students who aspire to become language teachers. Conference attendees represented 16 languages and came from 32 states.