The Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers
Elementary Essay and Video Contest
Prompt: Poetic Exploration in World Language Learning
The "Poetic Exploration in World Language Learning" essay contest invites elementary school students to embark on a journey of language, culture, and creativity. Through this contest, students will explore the magic of poetry in a world language of their choice (Spanish, French, Mandarin, etc.). By writing essays, students will not only practice their language skills but also cultivate an understanding of how language and culture are intertwined. This contest encourages critical thinking, language acquisition, and cultural appreciation.
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Submissions are due by 11:59 pm on 15 January 2024. Student work should be in the target language.
Prompt: "Language Rhythms: Poetry in Motion"
The "Language Rhythms: Poetry in Motion" video contest is an exciting opportunity for elementary school students to showcase their creative talents and language skills through the art of poetry recitation and performance. Through this contest, students will not only practice their speaking and presentation skills but also develop an appreciation for the beauty and power of language. The contest encourages creativity, self-expression, and a sense of community.
Submissions are due by 11:59 pm on 15 January 2024. The student work should be in the target language.
The winner for each category is invited to attend the Spring Conference Awards lunch with their instructor to receive a certificate and cash prize of $25 (for the Essay) or $50 (for the video).
Signed release forms should be included with video submissions at the time of the submission.
Middle School Essay and Video Contest
Prompt: Cultural Poetic Journey - Exploring Language and Identity
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This engaging activity invites middle school students to delve deeper into the world of poetry while exploring the intersections of language, culture, and personal identity. By crafting poems in the target language, students will not only enhance their language skills but also gain insight into how language shapes their perceptions and understanding of the world. This activity encourages self-expression, cultural exploration, and a nuanced understanding of language's role in shaping our identities.
Submissions are due by 11:59 pm on 15 January 2024. Student work should be in the target language.
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Prompt: "Verse Unleashed: Middle School Poetry Performance Showcase"
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The "Verse Unleashed: Middle School Poetry Performance Showcase" is an exciting platform for middle school students to express their artistic prowess, linguistic skills, and passion for poetry through captivating performances. This contest celebrates the synergy between spoken word and creativity, encouraging students to explore their unique voices and present their emotions and thoughts in dynamic ways. This activity nurtures self-confidence, public speaking, and a deeper appreciation for language and performance.
Submissions are due by 11:59 pm on 15 January 2023. Student work should be in the target language.
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The winner for each category is invited to attend the Spring Conference Awards lunch with their instructor to receive a certificate and cash prize of $25 (for the Essay) or $50 (for the video).
Signed release forms should be included with video submissions at the time of the submission.
Outstanding High School Senior
The Outstanding High School Senior of the Year Award recognizes the exceptional achievement of one Colorado high school senior who plans to incorporate the study and use of a world language as a major component of their university and/or professional goals.
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Winning categories:
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1st prize - $200 cash prize and a free year of CCFLT membership to the student’s world language teacher of their choice;
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2nd prize - $100 cash prize and a free year of CCFLT membership to the student’s world language teacher of their choice;
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Honorable mention - Certificate.
Criteria:
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Applicants must have a minimum of 3.75 grade point average in world language classes (based on a 4.0 system).
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Applicants must have studied at least one world language other than English for at least 3 consecutive years; heritage language courses count.
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Students must also have an overall grade point average of 3.5 (based on a 4.0 point system).
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Students must have made outstanding contributions to world language activities in their school and/or their community.
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Students must be interested in pursuing a career that will feature the use of world language as a primary characteristic of their post-secondary plans.
The following documents are required in order for an applicant to be considered:
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A copy of official transcripts, noting the student’s overall grade point average, as well as their grade point average within world language specifically.
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A statement of purpose, not to exceed 600 words, in which the student describes in specific terms their involvement in world language classes, world language activities in their school and community, and their plans to utilize a world language after high school.
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A letter of reference from one high school world language teacher that describes the student and their investment in world language.
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A letter of reference from another teacher, a school administrator, an employer, a school counselor, a coach, a mentor, and/or a community member that describes the student and their investment in world language.
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The following documentation may be submitted as means of fortifying or highlighting the items from an applicant’s dossier:
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Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test scores;
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University or college course registration in world language courses, be it either current, past, or present;
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University or college transcripts featuring world language courses, be they either current, past, or present;
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An employment or internship offer that features world language use as among its primary qualifications;
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A scholarship offer that features world language use as among its primary qualifying factors;
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Other documents that highlight the applicant’s talent in or dedication to the study of world language.
Applicant Dossiers will be measured using this rubric. Application and supporting documents are due 15 January 2024.
Outstanding University Senior
The Outstanding University Senior of the Year Award recognizes the exceptional achievement of one Colorado university or college senior who plans to incorporate the study and use of a world language as a major component of their post-university and/or professional goals.
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Winning categories:
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1st prize - $200 cash prize and a free year of CCFLT membership to the student’s world language professor or instructor of their choice;
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2nd prize - $100 cash prize and a free year of CCFLT membership to the student’s world language professor or instructor of their choice;
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Honorable mention - certificate.
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Criteria:
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Applicants must have a minimum of 3.75 grade point average in world language classes (based on a 4.0 system).
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Applicants must have studied at least one world language other than English for at least 3 consecutive years; heritage language courses count.
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Students must also have an overall grade point average of 3.5 (based on a 4.0 point system).
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Students must have made outstanding contributions to world language activities both within and away from their university community.
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Students must have specific intentions to pursue a career that will feature the use of world language as a primary characteristic of their post-secondary plans.
The following documents are required in order for an applicant to be considered:
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A copy of official transcripts, noting the student’s overall grade point average, as well as their grade point average within world language specifically.
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A statement of purpose, not to exceed 600 words, in which the student describes in specific terms their involvement in world language classes, world language activities within their local and campus and communities, and their plans to utilize a world language after university.
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A letter of reference from one university world language instructor that describes the student and their investment in world language.
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A letter of reference from another instructor or professor, an employer, a coach, a mentor, and/or a campus or local community member that describes the student and their investment in world language.
The following documentation may be submitted as means of fortifying or highlighting the items from an applicant’s dossier:
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An employment or internship offer that features world language use as among its primary qualifications;
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A scholarship offer that features world language use as among its primary qualifying factors;
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ACTFL OPI Test scores;
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ACTFL Proficiency Placement Test scores;
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DELE, DELF, DALF, or other language proficiency test scores;
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Proof of post-graduation enrollment in a graduate degree program from an accredited university that features the study or use of world language among its primary characteristics;
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Proof of application to a graduate degree program from an accredited university that features the study or use of world language among its primary characteristics;
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Proof of application for employment or an internship that features world language use as among its primary qualifications;
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Proof of membership of a local, regional, or national organization dedicated to the promotion of the study of other languages and cultures;
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Other documents that highlight the applicant’s talent in or dedication to the study and promotion of world language.
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Applicant Dossiers will be measured using this rubric. Application and supporting documents are due 15 January, 2024.
Pre-Service Teacher PRAXIS Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship is available for any undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate-level student pursuing a K-12 Licensure in a world language within the state of Colorado.
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Applicants should submit:
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a curriculum vitae;
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proof that they are enrolled full-time in a teacher education program within the state of Colorado;
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proof that they have a declared major or degree program in a world language with K-12 licensure;
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proof, via official transcript, of an overall 3.0 GPA or higher;
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proof that they are registered for the PRAXIS test in a world language at any point during 2021;
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one letter of support from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic work and potential within the domain of world language;
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a personal statement, not to exceed 300 words, describing their contributions to and plans for world language education after university.
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Applicant Dossiers will be measured using this rubric. Application and Supporting documents are due 15 January 2024.