KAT Updates

Scroll down for KATF and KATSP updates.

KATG

In September KATG recently held a fun, informative, and engaging Deutsches Wochenende, the annual workshop for KATG members.

Preparations are in progress for the upcoming their annual Schülerkongress, a state-wide competition for high school students of German on Saturday, February 28, 2026!

KATG is an eager group of passionate German educators and they are looking to grow their members! Please check out the KATG Facebook page for more information or contact Meagan Meneley to join!

President - Chris Siedler, Olathe East HS

Vice President - Elke Lorenz, Manhattan HS

Past President - Kaylee Barber, Washburn Rural HS

Treasurer - Rhett Neuer, Olathe South HS

Secretary - Liz Musil, Junction City HS

Testing - Christine Hanks, Olathe North HS

Membership - Meagan Meneley, Abiline HS

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KATF

Join French educators from across the KC area for a dynamic day of French immersion, professional growth, and francophone culture—right here in Kansas City!

While final details on venue and schedule are still to come, you can expect:

• Engaging, teacher-centered discussions that spark ideas for your classroom

• Meaningful connections with colleagues from across the metro area

• Rich cultural experiences that highlight the diverse francophone influences in KCS

Save the date now for this energizing event designed to build community, inspire your teaching, and celebrate our shared passion for French.

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KATSP

There is currently no chapter of AATSP in Kansas (Girasol Chapter). If you are interested in joining and reorganizing the Girasol Chapter, please contact Claudia Katchkian at ckatchkian@aatsp.org

From Lisa Berry lberry@aatsp.org

Stay Connected with the AATSP Community!

Spanish and Portuguese teachers are invited to be part of an inspiring year ahead with the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). If you haven’t joined our vibrant professional community yet, now is the perfect time—AATSP membership offers exclusive benefits, including access to our student exams, scholarship opportunities, publications, and a network of passionate language educators.

We’re now accepting proposals for the 2026 AATSP Annual Conference, taking place July 8–11 in Orlando, Florida. Share your expertise, classroom innovations, and research with colleagues from across the country. Proposal submissions are due February 22, so be sure to submit yours soon. For more information, visit: www.aatsp.org/page/2026Conference

Planning to attend? Early Bird Registration is open through December 31, offering the best rate for educators who want to join us for four days of learning, collaboration, and celebration of Spanish and Portuguese language teaching.

AATSP members can now register their students for the National Spanish Exam (NSE), National Spanish Challenge (NSC), and National Portuguese Exam (NPE). Registration for all three assessments is open now through January 31, 2026. These exams are a valued benefit of AATSP membership—supporting language achievement, classroom engagement, and student recognition. To register, visit: www.nationalspanishexam.org/exams

We encourage you to explore our websites to learn more about our conference, exams, scholarships, and the many ways AATSP supports language educators at every stage of their careers. Discover the value of AATSP membership at: www.aatsp.org/page/MemberBenefits

If you teach Spanish or Portuguese, we hope you’ll join us—and if you’re already part of the AATSP family, thank you for helping us strengthen and celebrate our shared profession!