October 10, 2026 - 2026 CLTA-SC Fall Conference Invitation for Non-Chinese Language Educators
Dear World Language Colleagues,
We are delighted to invite you to a special professional learning opportunity at the 2026 CLTA-SC Fall Conference, taking place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the University of Southern California (USC).
While CLTA-SC traditionally serves Chinese language educators, this year we are intentionally opening key parts of our conference to teachers of all world languages. We hope to create a space where educators across languages can connect around the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping language education today.
We are especially honored to welcome Dr. Krishauna Hines-Gaither, 2026 President of ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), as our featured keynote speaker.
As one of the leading national professional organizations in world language education, ACTFL plays an important role in shaping professional learning, standards, research, and advocacy across our field. We also know that attending the ACTFL Annual Convention can require significant travel time and expense. This conference offers Southern California educators a rare opportunity to hear directly from the sitting ACTFL President here in our own region—and, even more importantly, to engage with her in a smaller and more personal setting.
Her keynote,
“I Am My Language: Roots, Rhythm and Resistance”
will explore the powerful connections among language, identity, culture, and the future of language education.
Immediately following the keynote, we have reserved a dedicated discussion session where participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Hines-Gaither, ask questions, exchange perspectives, and explore future directions in world language education together.
This year’s broader conference also reflects several priorities that cross language boundaries, including:
- Practical applications of AI in language teaching, with ideas educators can bring into their own classrooms;
- Community resources for teachers and students, including a curated resource guide designed to connect educators—especially those working in public schools—with cultural, educational, and community opportunities across Southern California;
- Cross-language conversations and professional connections among educators teaching Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, and other world languages;
- Opportunities to connect with K–12 teachers, university faculty, cultural institutions, community organizations, and educational partners.
A Special $20 Opportunity for Non-Chinese World Language Teachers
To make this opportunity as accessible as possible, non-Chinese world language teachers may register for a special Keynote-Only Pass for just $20.
The pass includes:
- Breakfast
- Dr. Hines-Gaither’s keynote
- The post-keynote discussion and conversation session
For colleagues who would like to participate in the entire conference, full-day non-member registration is $50 and includes breakfast, lunch, refreshments, workshops, resource sharing, and the full conference program.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE
Whether you teach Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, or another world language, we hope you will join us for this opportunity to learn across languages, connect with colleagues throughout Southern California, and participate in a meaningful conversation about where our profession is heading.
Please also feel free to share this invitation with colleagues in your department, school, or district.
We would love to welcome you to USC on October 10!
Warmly,
CLTA-SC Fall Conference Planning Committee
