ABOUT US

Our History

The oldest Bulletin in our archives is for October, 1956. However, the oldest copy of the minutes of the annual meeting is dated November 6, 1931. At that time, we were known as the Kansas Modern Language Association (KMLA). In 1968, our name officially became the Kansas Foreign Language Association (KFLA), in order to include teachers of Greek and Latin and to affiliate with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Most recently, in October 2004, we voted to change the organization's name to the Kansas World Language Association (KSWLA). This is intended to diminish the 'foreign-ness' of language learning, to extend membership to teachers of North American native languages, and to encourage teachers of English to speakers of other languages in becoming members.

WHO WE ARE

Our Mission

To promote and improve the teaching of world languages and cultures;

To provide continuing professional development; and

To encourage the spirit of cooperation among world language educators in Kansas.

To advocate for languages.

KSWLA Constitution & Bylaws

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Language Teaching and Learning

Board Approved - January 17, 2023

The Kansas World Language Association (KSWLA) values the role that diversity, equity and inclusion play in education through processes, practices, and outcomes supported by evidence-based research.
KSWLA recognizes that the richness of diversity within the Kansas language education community is beneficial to individual lives as well as the global community. We value centering the voices of historically marginalized people. Teaching languages through a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion promotes a society where cultural and linguistic diversity are viewed as assets that enrich the lives of all.

KSWLA believes strongly that students should have equal access to language study as well as equitable opportunities to develop linguistic and cultural competence. These are key skills to succeed in the global economy and to develop the ability to interact respectfully with others locally and around the world. In addition, we believe that language teachers should have equitable opportunities to develop pedagogical knowledge and skills.

No student or teacher should be denied access to learning and teaching opportunities because of attributes related to age, belief system, disability status, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, language identity, national origin, race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and any other visible or non-visible attributes.

This position statement was adapted from ACTFL’s Position Statement on Diversity and Inclusion in World Language Teaching & Learning.

Executive Council

Support of the Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Nonconforming Communities

Board Approved - January 17, 2023

The Kansas World Language Association (KSWLA) stands in solidarity with individuals that identify as transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming. We unequivocally condemn any belief, act, or piece of legislation that discriminates against these communities. This type of discrimination is born out of hate and is antithetical to the values of KSWLA and our profession as language teachers.

KSWLA supports our colleagues and students who have been marginalized by anti-transgender hate and ignorance. Our classrooms must be safe spaces that are equitable, inclusive, and free from discrimination and violence, as referenced in the KSWLA Position Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Language Teaching & Learning (2023).

This position statement was adapted from ACTFL Position Statement in Support of the Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Nonconforming Communities.