Transatlantic Futures for German as a Foreign Language

Announcing AATG's new strategic Initiative to study, support, and strategize about the future of German as a Foreign Language

This grant-funded project aims to develop strategies, visions, and concrete innovative measures to position German as a Foreign language as a key component in transatlantic educational exchange and multilingual education in the USA. 

Long-term strategy: The project aims to develop innovative recommendations that will secure the future of German language learning in the US for the next ten years. AATG plans to respond proactively to current challenges and promote German as a living and relevant language in the US through innovation, accessibility, and sustainability. 

The objectives of this project are aligned with the strategy of innovation, accessibility, and sustainability:

• To raise awareness of the importance of foreign language education for all learners, not just those who can afford it or who already have access to excellent educational opportunities. (Accessibility) 

• Improve teaching methods by focusing on the next generation of learners from diverse backgrounds. (Innovation and accessibility)

• Facilitate access to foreign language education for all students by identifying support mechanisms and removing barriers to support programs. (Innovation and accessibility) 

• Developing innovative, sustainable strategies that appeal to the next generation of learners. (Innovation and sustainability)

• Establishing a new national network structure with a focus on future-oriented strategies for German as a foreign language. (Sustainability)

The Project is divided into three years, each with a key area of focus:

Year 1: Transatlantic seminar on “Futures for Germany” (Summer 2026)

A grant-funded invitation to experts in the US and Germany to meet to develop strategies and build networks for the coming years.  This program will occur in conjunction with AATG's annual conference in Boston, MA.

Years 2 and 3: Professional development and networking: Innovation Fellowships for professional development and training. (2027 and 2028)

From our own studies, surveys, and conversations within the education world, we know that two consistent needs for teachers are professional development and networking. An additional component to this is the transatlantic experience. Teachers bring their experiences abroad into the classroom every day and pass them on to their students, creating a positive ripple effect throughout their careers. 

For this reason, the AATG will offer strategically aligned “Innovation Fellowships” for up to 20 teachers in  both years 2 and 3. Teachers can select a suitable training course from the Goethe-Institut's summer courses. This allows each teacher to meet their specific needs in their own time and at a location of their choice. 

Following the summer transatlantic program, participants will be invited to put their professional development into action with an Innovation Project. This will allow participants to network with American colleagues and present their work at a national conference. 

Selection of Innovation Fellowship Participants: Each Innovation Fellow applies with an innovation plan that includes a summer course location and a project. 

• 2027 will focus on K-12 Innovation Fellows, with presentations and meetings in Madison, WI. Applications open Fall of 2026
• 2028 will focus on higher-education fellows, with presentations and meetings in Indianapolis as part of the German Studies Conference (organized by the German Studies Association (GSA)). Applications open Fall of 2027

The project will be led by a dedicated coordinator, who will be announced in early 2026. 

Das Projekt wird durch das Transatlantik-Programm der Bundesrepublik Deutschland aus Mitteln des European Recovery Program (ERP) des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Energie gefördert.

This project is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).