American Association of Teachers of German

Mission Statement

The mission of the AATG is based on the belief that bringing the language, literatures and cultures of the German-speaking world to all Americans is a vital humanistic endeavor which serves essential national interests. It's the only national individual membership organization dedicated to the advancement and improvement of the language, literature, and culture of the German-speaking countries.

With almost 5,500 members, the AATG is for teachers of German at all levels of instruction and all those interested in the teaching of German.

History

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Strategic Plan of the American Association of Teachers of German

Strategic Planning Committee:
Elizabeth A. Smith, Chair
Thomas Keith Cothrun
Karl F. Otto, Jr.
Lynne Tatlock
Donna Van Handle
Helene Zimmer-Loew

Mission

This document outlines the mission of the American Association of Teachers of German in the 21st Century. The plan is based on the belief that bringing the language, literatures, and cultures of the German-speaking world to all Americans is a vital humanistic endeavor, which serves essential national interests.

To fulfill its mission, the AATG will:

• Foster excellence at all levels of education in the study and teaching of the language, literatures, and cultures of the German-speaking world
• Promote access to German programs for a diverse American society
• Be an effective advocate for the study of the language, literatures, and cultures of the German-speaking world with members of the educational community, as well as with the general public
• Build and maintain a strong professional association, working in concert with a wide range of affiliated organizations which share related goals
• Be forward-looking and skillful at meeting the rapidly changing needs of the profession and of American society.

I. Continuity and Communication

Objective
A. Improve and support continuity between all levels and all types of institutions.

Objective
B. Improve and support communication among AATG members who instruct German language, literature, and culture at all levels and all types of institutions.

II. Diversity

Objective
A. Work toward the goal of insuring that members of the German teaching profession in the U.S. reflect the diversity present in American society.

Objective
B. Increase the diversity of students in German programs in accord with the diversity in American society.

Objective
C. Institute programs and develop materials for teaching German that reflect the diversity in German-speaking countries.

Objective
D. Assess AATG’s programs and initiatives related to diversity issues.

III. Implementation of Student Standards

Objective
A. Foster the implementation of the national and state standards at all levels of instruction (K-16)

IV. Internal Organization

Objective
A. Insure that the organization at the regional and chapter levels represents the most efficient structure to meet the needs of the membership.

Objective
B. Insure that the AATG’s internal and external committees address issues critical to the profession as identified in the organization’s Strategic Plan.

Objective
C. Insure efficient working relationships between the AATG and other language and professional organizations.

Objective
D. Continue AATG’s support of the work of Joint National Committee for Languages-National Council for Language and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS) 

V. Maintaining and Increasing Revenue

Objective
A. Increase the funds available for the AATG and its programs.

VI. Membership Recruitment and Retention

Objective
A. Increase AATG membership.

VII. Professionalization

Objective
A. Continue to support professional development activities for future teachers.

Objective
B. Continue to support professional development activities for K-12 faculty.

Objective
C. Continue to support faculty development activities at the postsecondary level.

Objective
D. Continue to support professional development for faculty at all levels.

VIII. Recruiting and Retaining Students

Objective
A. Continue to support German programs in grades K-8, through the Kinder lernen Deutsch initiative, and seek to promote the institution of German programs at additional schools.

Objective
B. Continue to support the recruitment and retention of students of German at the high school level.

Objective
C. Continue to support the recruitment and retention of students of German at the college/university level.

Objective
D. Continue to develop and disseminate promotional materials and strategies to recruit and retain students of German.

IX. Recruiting and Retaining Teachers

Objective
A. Work to support the recruitment and retention of faculty at all levels of instruction.