A year ago, the Modern Language Association (MLA) presented concerning data regarding the state of language study in higher education along with valuable guidance on surmounting the difficulties we encounter. It was noted that while the demand for knowledge of world cultures and languages is on the rise across various sectors of the workforce, language enrollments are actually decreasing. Departments that flourish are those that actively pursue internal and external collaborations, update their programs to attract interest and meet student needs, and celebrate student success through scholarships, awards, and social events. (Enrollments in Languages Other Than English in United States Institutions of Higher Education, MLA, 2023)
Response to MLA's Findings and Recommendations
In response to the MLA's findings and suggestions, the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) and Klett World Languages recently organized the AATSP Virtual Programs Fair (VPF). This was a groundbreaking event in language education that featured presentations by 66 university programs in Spanish and Portuguese.For students, the VPF offered an extraordinary chance to explore academic and professional paths in Spanish and Portuguese. To accommodate their busy schedules and enable flexible participation, the VPF was designed as a drop-in event with mandatory preregistration and included special activities to assist students in getting the most out of their experience.For educators and practitioners at all levels, the presentations provided insights into successful innovations in curriculum and program design. The VPF also served as a platform for professional development, networking, and collaboration across the educational spectrum and geographical distances.This virtual event began with welcome remarks from directors of prominent organizations in language education, including the MLA. Other events included two keynote presentations and a closing roundtable discussion where attendees reflected on the key takeaways and explored future collaborations.For more information, visit www.aatsp.org/page/programsfair2024.Insights Gained from the Virtual Programs Fair
The presentations and roundtable discussion emphasized the crucial role that professional training opportunities and certificates play in today's Spanish and Portuguese programs. Fields such as healthcare, business, and translation and interpretation are widely recognized to be particularly significant in this regard. However, these are not the only areas where students can apply their language skills. During the VPF, new awareness was also developed about programs of study in diverse fields like forestry, hospitality, social work, and pastoral care.Other notable aspects discussed at the VPF include community engagement and service-learning opportunities, a wide range of opportunities for studying and working abroad, online and hybrid degree options, and combined degree options (such as MA programs with teaching credentials, and BA–MA pathways).To better understand student interests, the AATSP conducted a special survey. The results showed high levels of interest in combining language study with career preparation in the STEM fields and in business. The results also indicated an interest in training programs for STEM teachers to provide instruction to immigrant children in Spanish. Relatedly, several university presenters emphasized the need for training programs and certification in teaching languages for specific purposes (LSP).The main takeaway from the inaugural AATSP Virtual Programs Fair is that Spanish and Portuguese education is increasingly aligning with real-world applications, reflecting a significant trend towards integrating language study with practical career pathways and promoting the lifelong use of these languages. A secondary takeaway is that there are many professional fields that have yet to be tapped for LSP studies.Next Steps
The Virtual Programs Fair is part of a broader initiative by the AATSP to promote the study of our languages. This includes (1) collecting and disseminating information about study programs, (2) fostering innovation in program and curriculum design, and (3) facilitating collaboration among practitioners across educational levels.In line with the first goal, the AATSP is preparing to launch Academia: A Catalogue of Higher Education Programs in Spanish and Portuguese Studies. Through this, the organization aims to create a much-needed repository of information on study programs in our languages and make this information accessible to students, teachers, and other stakeholders in language education. Colleges and universities are invited to submit information about their programs to this database. More details will be provided on the AATSP website soon.Supporting the second goal is the newly established Klett Award in Leadership and Program Innovation in Spanish and Portuguese. This initiative aims to recognize successful innovations in the teaching of these languages and inspire further progress. Three awardees will each receive $1,000, with one award specifically designated for a Portuguese program. More information about this award can be found on the Klett World Languages website.Finally, in accordance with the MLA's emphasis on seeking internal and external collaborations, the AATSP welcomes Spanish and Portuguese educators at all levels to join in advancing the pioneering initiatives outlined here. We also look forward to forging collaborations with colleagues from other languages and fields of study to create a more promising and unified future for language education.María Carreira, PhD, is the executive director of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.
