This week, the Ontario Modern Languages Teachers' Association/Association ontarienne des professeurs de langues vivantes is hosting another spring conference entitled "Connections 2013 Connexions" from March 21-23. This is the one conference I look forward to the most each year and I love that it is held right here in Toronto. Also, I am quite lucky that I am one of few Core French teachers in the board who have been offered subsidized participation through Ministry FSL funding. The OMLTA Conference offers amazing professional development for language teachers and I always learn something new every time I attend. This will be my sixth time attending since I moved to Toronto about nine years ago! Not only is a great opportunity to develop teaching strategies, listen to amazing keynote speakers, and check out the exhibitors and displays for the latest products and resources, but it is also a chance for me to connect with some of my teaching counterparts from my hometown of Hamilton as well as meet new friends from all over Ontario. So if you're planning on attending, let's 'connect!' I would love to meet you!

If you are a French or Modern Languages teacher in Ontario, I recommend becoming a member, especially if you are interested in attending the conference. The difference in member and non-member conference fees more than covers the cost of the annual membership fee plus you will receive Communication, the OMLTA newsletter published three times a year. It contains practical tips for the classroom as well as up-to-date information on language issues. 

Additionally, the OMLTA, supported by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Ontario, is running Projet à Québec again this year. The Projet à Québec program provides professional development opportunities for 40 Core FSL Teachers from Catholic and Public English-language district school boards across Ontario and is taking place in Quebec City from July 15-26, 2013. The session costs, excursions, room and certain meals are covered. Participants will only have to pay for return travel costs and some meals. The deadline

The deadline to submit an application is Friday April 12th at 5:00 pm. Visit OMLTA.org for more information.

Hope to see you at the OMLTA Spring Conference!