Grants & Scholarships

Member Resources

WAFLT Scholarship for Tomorrow’s Teachers

The Executive Board of the Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers is pleased to offer up to 10 scholarships available to college-level students preparing to become language teachers.  The purpose of these scholarships is to provide teachers-in-training with financial assistance to attend the WAFLT Fall Conference.  By attending the conference, teachers-in-training will have the opportunity to become familiar with WAFLT and the language specific professional organizations which also hold meetings during the conference, meet and interact with teachers already in the profession, become more familiar with trends in world language education and learn firsthand the benefits of membership in WAFLT.

Scholarship Requirements:

• College/university juniors, seniors or graduate students must be declared majors or minors in a language teaching program.
• Students must have completed or be currently enrolled in a language methods course.
• Students must join WAFLT before applying for the scholarship.
• Nominators (methods instructor or cooperating teacher) must be current members of WAFLT and must have been members for the two consecutive years preceding the nomination. They may only nominate up to 5 students each.
• At least one scholarship will be available for each of the languages represented on the WAFLT Board, including: Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Slavic Languages, Spanish, and one for other world languages.

Scholarship Amount: Each scholarship will include

• the cost of registration for the WAFLT Fall Conference
• the cost of a Friday morning workshop
• The scholarship does not include immersion workshops, meals, or lodging.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

• Student applicants must first go to WAFLT’s website and join WAFLT as a student member before completing the application for Tomorrow’s Teachers found under “Member Resources → Grants and Scholarships”.
  • Be sure to keep your login and password accessible, as you will need them whenever you need to access your information on the website, or to register for the fall conference.  (Do not register for the Fall Conference until you have heard from the scholarship committee!)
• Students must complete and submit the following application components, which include
  • filling out and electronically attaching the student application form (see file below)
  • attaching a one-page, typed personal statement explaining why they wish to attend the WAFLT conference
  • submitting an individualized letter of recommendation from a methods instructor or cooperating teacher
  • Please see rubric for evaluation criteria and application checklist.
• All three documents should be submitted electronically together in one email by either the student or the nominator to grants@waflt.org.

Notification: The WAFLT Grants and Scholarships Committee will process the applications and make recommendations to the Executive Board at the October meeting. Scholarship winners will be notified by email in early October.

Important! Scholarship applicants should not register for the conference until after receiving notification of their status.

Application Form: Word Document
Evaluation Rubric: Word Document

WAFLT Central States Extension Workshop Grant

Suspended for the 2024-25 academic year

Each year approximately 25 participants are selected to attend the Central States Extension Workshop during the annual meeting of Central States. They receive information and materials about recent trends in world language teaching with an emphasis on the practical application of new ideas for the classroom. Participants are then asked to conduct a similar Extension Workshop in their local area to bring their conference experience and its new and evolving ideas to a greater number of teachers locally.

WAFLT annually offers two grants for members to attend the Central States Extension Workshop. This year’s Workshop will be held during the conference, March 3-5, 2022 in a virtual format. The topic for the Extension Workshop is “ACE (Aid, Challenge, Engage) our Heritage Language Learners in Heritage Learner and Mixed Learner Classrooms” presented by Dr. Celia Chomón Zamora. It’s a great opportunity to: attend a free, full-day workshop at the Central States Conference; learn from experienced, well-known presenters; gain current, practical information on this year’s topic; and use the materials you receive to present a session at the WAFLT Fall Conference.

To find further information about the Central States conference and presenters, go to the Central States website.

Guidelines for the WAFLT Central States Extension Workshop Grant

• Grants will be awarded to two individuals to attend the Central States Extension Workshop.
• Each individual will receive up to $250 of receipted expenses to attend the Central States conference, after returning from the conference and submitting their receipts. Acceptable items for reimbursement include only travel expenses (transportation, hotel, meals).
• NOTE: For the 2022 WAFLT Extension Workshop grant will only cover registration since Central States will be virtual.
• Grant recipients will work together to present a WAFLT Extension Workshop Session at the Fall Conference in Appleton, Wisconsin, in November following the conference to share information gained by attending the workshop.
• Grant winners are also encouraged to present Extension Workshop materials at other locations of their choice as well.
• Completed applications should be received electronically no later than December 1. Notification to the recipient of the scholarship and all applicants will be made by January 5.
• Please see rubric for evaluation criteria and application checklist.

Applicants must

• be current members of WAFLT and must have been members for the two consecutive years preceding their application.
• be prepared to work together to present a session at the WAFLT Fall Conference to present the information they gained through the Central States Extension Workshop.
• download and complete an application form(typed, saved electronically).
• submit a brief proposal outlining
  • why you would like to attend the Central States Extension Workshop,
  • where (in addition to the WAFLT Fall Conference) you would present an Extension Workshop(s),
  • who your target audience for the additional workshop(s) would be,
  • how the additional workshop(s) would be formatted (as part of an in-service day, a language teachers’ meeting, or another format), and
  • from how wide an area and from what levels and language group(s) participants would come.
• submit all documents as electronic attachments in one email to grants@waflt.org.

Applications must be received electronically by December 1.
Send via email with attachments (MSWord or PDF files) to:  grants@waflt.org

Application Form: Word Document
Evaluation Rubric: Word Document

Patrick T. Raven Central States Professional Development Scholarship

Suspended for the 2024-25 academic year

This scholarship honors WAFLT Past President and former Central States Executive Director Patrick Raven for his myriad contributions to the professional development of world language teachers throughout his career. As a German teacher and department chair, language consultant in publishing, adjunct methods instructor and finally his sixteen-year tenure as Central States Executive Director, Patrick was deeply committed to facilitating the ongoing professional development of world language teachers.

The Patrick T. Raven Central States Professional Development Scholarship reimburses applicants an amount up to the early bird registration fee for attendance at the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in March. Additional workshops and travel costs are to be assumed by the individual. This reimbursement will be paid out upon submission of a paid registration receipt. Teachers who have not attended Central States within the past five years are especially encouraged to apply.

Applicants must:

• Be current members of WAFLT with membership valid through the conclusion of Central States

• Be a practicing teacher with a current course load consisting of at least 50% World Language courses

Applicants are asked to submit the following for consideration:

• A current professional resume or curriculum vitae detailing your professional commitment and/or significant involvement in the teaching of world languages.

• A brief statement addressing this question: How will your attending Central States enhance your instructional practice?  You must limit your response to 1200 characters (about 200 words).

• A current letter of support for your attendance at Central States from an administrator or department chair.

Applications must be received electronically by November 15.

Application Form: Google Doc 

WAFLT Special Projects Grant

Suspended for the 2024-25 academic year

The Grants and Scholarships Committee of the Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers (WAFLT) receives and reviews requests to fund special projects biannually.

Guidelines for the WAFLT Special Projects Grant

• • • Awards will not exceed the amount of $500 and project proposals may request lesser amounts, depending on the scope of their project.
    • Awards are competitive and are subject to the availability of funds as determined by the WAFLT Executive Committee.
    • Project proposals must be as specific as possible in providing budget details.
    • Awardees will receive half the requested funding upon approval and the remainder upon receipt of a report verifying that the project was completed and also explaining the benefits of the special project.  Please submit report to grants@waflt.org electronically.
    • Projects that WILL qualify for consideration include: support to underwrite research efforts, exchange initiatives, special programs, among others.  Priority will be given to requests that clearly demonstrate an ability to reach greater numbers of teachers and students.  Projects affecting a broad constituency will take preference in most cases.
    • Projects that WILL NOT qualify for consideration include: funding for tuition or travel (either in the U.S. or to other countries), the purchase of textbooks, or food and drink.
    • Completed proposals should be received electronically no later than April 15 or December 1.  Notification to the recipient of the scholarship and all applicants will be made by May 1 and December 30, respectively.
    • Please see rubric for evaluation criteria and application checklist.

Applicants must

• • • be a current member and must have been a member of WAFLT for the two consecutive years preceding their application.
    • download and complete an application form.
    • submit a brief proposal outlining
  • • the specific need for your special project grant,
    • how your project will address this existing problem,
    • who your target audience for the grant is,
    • how your proposal will directly benefit the participants,
    • the overall goal(s) of your project proposal, and
    • a detailed budget for allocating funds awarded up to $500.
    • submit a written report summarizing the project, its impact on participants, and the general benefits of the project upon completion to receive the second half of funding to the WAFLT Grants and Scholarships Committee Chairperson (submit electronically to grants@waflt.org), if awarded the grant.

Applications must be received electronically by April 15 or November 15.

Send via email with attachments (MSWord) to: grants@waflt.org

Application Form: Word Document
Evaluation Rubric: Word Document

WAFLT Scholarship for Professional Development

Suspended for the 2024-25 academic year

Honoring Three of Wisconsin’s Master Teachers:

Roma Hoff, Constance Knop and Irène Kraemer

The WAFLT Scholarship for Professional Development, in honor of three extraordinary Wisconsin professors who have trained countless teachers and students in world languages and the instruction of world language teaching methodologies, is designed to help world language educators improve their classroom teaching skills by encouraging professional development at all stages of instruction, preschool through university levels.

The scholarship was established in 1995 to honor Professor Roma Hoff as she retired from the Department of Foreign Languages at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Professor Hoff was instrumental in the founding of WAFLT and during her career she has trained hundreds of teachers in Spanish and world language methodologies.

The Scholarship fund was expanded in 1996 to honor Professor Constance Knop who retired from the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996. Professor Knop has been actively involved in WAFLT since its inception and has provided training for numerous teachers in French and in world language methods courses.

In 2005 the Scholarship fund was expanded to honor Dr. Irène Kraemer, Vice President of Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin and Dean of the School of Professional Studies. Dr. Kraemer was also actively engaged in WAFLT since its beginnings and helped shape the careers of many teachers in French through teacher certification programs and professional development opportunities.

Guidelines for the WAFLT Scholarship for Professional Development

• • • One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $250.
    • Projects that WILL qualify for consideration include study abroad, summer seminars, workshops, institutes, and short courses (credit-bearing or non-credit bearing).
    • Projects that WILL NOT qualify for consideration include curriculum writing, foreign travel without a study or project component, and purchase of materials. The intention is to provide more than just a stipend for graduate study.
    • Completed proposals should be received electronically no later than April 15. Notification to the recipient of the scholarship will be made by May 1.
    • Please see rubric for evaluation criteria and application checklist.

Applicants must

• • • be employed to teach a world language or world language methods course on at least a half time basis.
    • be a current member of WAFLT and have been a member for at least the two consecutive years preceding their application.
    • download and complete an application form.
    • submit a brief (1-2 page) curriculum vitae.
    • submit a brief proposal outlining
      1. what you plan to do for your professional development activity,
      2. how you intend to execute the project (goals, timeline, etc.),
      3. how your proposal will directly relate to improved world language instruction,
      4. the potential scope and impact of your professional development activity,
      5. what aspect of the professional development experience you would present to peers.
    • submit a written report summarizing the proposal and its impact on professional growth and how it applies to language instruction to the WAFLT Grants and Scholarships Committee Chairperson (submit electronically to grants@waflt.org) within 90 days of completion of the project, if awarded the scholarship.
    • must present some aspect of the project at the WAFLT Conference following completion of the project, if awarded the scholarship.

Applications must be received electronically by April 15.
Send via email with attachments (MSWord or PDF files) to:  grants@waflt.org

Application form: Word Document 
Evaluation Rubric: Word Document

WAFLT Student Travel Scholarship

Honoring an Outstanding Classroom Teacher – O. Lynn Bolton

WAFLT awards up to two scholarships in the amount of $250 (each) annually to deserving pre-collegiate world languages students (including graduating seniors) to help them participate in language and cultural immersion programs. These scholarships were established in 1999 to honor O. Lynn Bolton, a Spanish teacher in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District. “Señor” Bolton taught students of all ages during his long career and provided numerous young language learners with the opportunity to communicate in a language other than English and to experience firsthand the cultural aspects of their new language. Throughout his long career, he was a mentor to many world language teachers and dedicated many years of service to WAFLT, including serving as President of WAFLT from 1994 to 1996.

To apply for a Student Travel Scholarship:

Teachers will

• • • be current members of WAFLT and have been members for the two consecutive years preceding this application.
    • be the current teacher of the student applying for the scholarship
    • submit a letter in support of the nominee detailing
      • the world language and number of years the student has studied this language,
      • the strengths of the student in language study,
      • the personal qualities of the student which lend well to the immersion experience,
      • provide specific details of the program which support the language and cultural components of the program and its quality, including an itinerary of the program,
      • provide documentation of the student’s acceptance into the program – a copy of a receipt or acceptance letter that verifies student participation
    • submit the entire application and attach all files (including student’s personal statement and application form) electronically to grants@waflt.org in one email by December 1.
    • Please see rubric for evaluation criteria and application checklist.

Schools may submit ONE candidate for each language that is organizing an immersion experience, and no teacher may submit more than one candidate.

Students will

• • • be enrolled in an elementary, middle or high school world language program,
    • download and complete an application form (typed, saved electronically),
    • submit a typed personal statement to accompany the application detailing
      • the number of years of world language study and why it is important to you,
      • other places where the student may have used the language,
      • any other travel abroad experience or language immersion experience,
      • how the opportunity to travel will improve language skills, cultural knowledge, and result in personal growth, and
      • future plans for continued use of the world language.
    • Please see rubric for evaluation criteria and application checklist.

Programs that WILL qualify for consideration include those which ensure language and cultural immersion experiences that support meaningful engagement, guided exploration, purposeful use and development in the target language and culture, as documented by the teacher in his/her letter of recommendation. (Classical language experiences are likely to   emphasize historical and cultural learning.) Examples may include study abroad, supervised home stays abroad, or language immersion programs in the United States.

Programs that WILL NOT qualify for consideration include programs without significant periods of purposeful engagement in the target language and culture (as described above).  The intent of this scholarship is to support educational experiences with benefits beyond those resulting solely from international travel or sightseeing tours.

Completed applications will be submitted electronically no later than December 1 to grants@waflt.org and notification to recipients of scholarships will be made by December 30.

If awarded a scholarship, the student is expected to submit a letter or report describing his/her experience within 60 days of his/her return from participation to the Grants and Scholarships Committee Chairperson.  Please email this report to grants@waflt.org.

Application Form: Word Document
Evaluation Rubric: Word Document