Southwest Conference on Language Teaching (SWCOLT)

SWCOLT is accepting applications for 2027 scholarships through Nov. 8. Nominate a deserving future language educator or apply for yourself! www.swcolt.org/scholarships

Hold on to those summer travel plans! Don't leave before you submit your proposal to present at SWCOLT-OFLTA in Oklahoma City--The deadline for submissions is Aug. 31 . . . don't wait . . . your WL colleagues need your expertise and innovative ideas! Form & conference info at www.swcolt.org.

Save the date! This year's SWCOLT-CLTA Back-to-School webinars feature Leslie Grahn & Morelia Baltazar! Make plans now to attend both of these fabulous sessions on Aug. 4. There is no charge, but attendees must register at www.clta.net. Now . . . back to your summer break . . .

Vista Higher Learning has an exciting new initiative to share with you: Raíces: Celebrating Hispanic Roots in the USA, a national writing contest for secondary students focused on Hispanic presence, culture, and leadership in their communities.

This contest is a major opportunity for our amazing students. The top prize is a one‑week, all‑expenses‑paid trip to Spain for four, plus a VIP ceremony in Washington, D.C., with additional recognition for finalists and their teachers. Raíces backed by an impressive group of partners and sponsors, including the Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C., Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, Telemundo, Iberia, Goya, and many others.

You can see the full details, including guidelines, timeline, etc. on our dedicated landing page:

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Are you a German teacher? We are looking for German teachers who would like to participate in this professional learning community. Check out this opportunity below!

Our community has lost a true North Star. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Desa Dawson, a woman whose passion for world language education changed the lives of countless students and teachers. She did not just lead--Desa inspired. Through her work with OFLTA (Oklahomans for World Language Teaching Association), SWCOLT (Southwest Conference on Language Teaching), ACTFL and NCSSFL, she moved our profession forward with grace and unmatched determination. To many of us, she was a dedicated mentor; we carry her lessons with us every day, and we are better educators because of her. We will endeavor to continue to honor her memory and legacy through our work in the classroom and beyond. Thank you, Desa, for your contributions to our honored profession.

The proposal submission portal is now open for SWCOLT-OFLTA 2027. Visit www.swcolt.org for information & form. We can't wait to see you in Oklahoma City on Feb. 4-6! (Deadline for proposals: Aug. 31)

The Call for Proposals for SWCOLT-OFLTA 2027 is now open! https://forms.gle/UmTTA5jB4UXpAvGL7
Submit your 60-minute or 15-minute session proposal by Aug 31, 2026. (Registration & conference info available late summer 2026) Visit www.swcolt.org or click on the above link for proposal form.

SWCOLT and Command Performance Books are sad to announce the recent passing of Contee Seely (April 28, 1939-February 19, 2026). Contee was a innovator in language acquisition and dedicated to the growth of other educators in the world language profession. He tireless gave back to so many and influenced generations of teachers. To have known Contee was a career-changing experience. He will be miss by all in the language community. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.