Mission, Vision, and Goals

The Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL) is the largest and second-oldest (1954) multi-language association of pre-kindergarten through university teachers in the country. Although nominally a regional association, its activities, publications, and annual conference attract participants from around the country and the globe. Currently, about 40 states and 10 foreign countries send a total of 1,500 educators to the Northeast Conference each year.

The Northeast Conference traces its origins back to the 1940s and 50s; today it is governed by an Advisory Council and by a Board of Directors composed of 15 language educators from the NECTFL region, supported by the central office staff. The Board chooses a Conference Chair annually, and its committees carry out the organization’s mission of providing high-quality professional learning opportunities in our region.

Mission

NECTFL supports language educators through professional learning opportunities, leadership, advocacy, and outreach.

Vision

Building culturally diverse, multilingual, and socially-engaged global communities.

 

NECTFL Goals, July 2023 – July 2026

 

Supporting Language Educators through Professional Learning Opportunities

  • Create innovative, virtual, interactive ways for teachers to access content and to practice skills.
  • Minimize barriers to attending, participating in, and presenting at professional learning events.
  • Provide meaningful and sustainable opportunities to learn and connect during the conference and beyond.

 

Supporting Language Educators through Leadership

  • Identify leadership opportunities and paths for educators.
  • Promote and support emerging leaders in leadership development and program impact.
  • Connect current, emerging, and pioneering leaders through mentorship.

 

Supporting Language Educators through Advocacy

  • Facilitate training for leaders in political advocacy for programs.
  • Recruit new, support incoming, and retain current teachers.

 

Supporting Language Educators through Outreach

  • Collaborate with stakeholders to promote professional learning opportunities and to share expertise.
  • Disseminate research and scholarly works to communicate innovation and findings to the community.