Immigrant Educators Affinity Group

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) hosts the Immigrant Educators Affinity Group as part of its commitment to supporting the diverse identities and experiences of world language educators. This group provides a safe, confidential space for language educators who identify as first-generation immigrants to connect, share experiences, and engage in facilitated discussion about issues important to their identity and professional practice. The affinity group meets three times per year via Zoom — in October, February, and April — with an additional in-person gathering at the ACTFL Convention in November. Each session features free-form discussion guided by a professional facilitator, creating an environment where participants can explore the unique perspectives, challenges, and strengths that immigrant educators bring to world language classrooms. The group is open to both ACTFL members and non-members, though participants must personally identify with the group's stated identity. For immigrant educators teaching world languages, this affinity group offers something rarely found in traditional professional development: a community of peers who share the lived experience of navigating multiple languages, cultures, and identities in their professional lives. The next scheduled meeting is April 9, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. ET. ACTFL's broader suite of affinity groups reflects the organisation's recognition that educator identity and wellbeing are integral to effective teaching and professional growth.