ACTFL Welcomes New Board Members for 2026
ACTFL is excited to introduce the newly elected and appointed members to its Board of Directors, set to take office in 2026. The new leaders include Brandon Locke (President-Elect) from Anchorage School District, Suwako Watanabe (Higher Ed, at-large) from Portland State University, Ellen Ericson (K-12, at-large) from Mahomet-Seymour High School, Alicia Dallman Shoemaker (Central States representative), and Zoe Jiang (PNCFL representative). Their terms will commence on January 1, 2026.
Brandon Locke: Leadership in Language Education
Brandon Locke, Ed.D., has led the World Languages and Immersion Programs for Anchorage School District since 2013, overseeing an impressive team of 160 world language teachers and numerous immersion programs. His dedication to educational leadership has resulted in the implementation of various language programs, including the first Indigenous immersion program in Yup'ik, which is vital to Alaska's cultural heritage.
Brandon’s academic credentials include a B.Ed. in French and secondary education, along with multiple master’s degrees and a doctorate focused on literacy and language education. His dissertation explored the impact of Indigenous immersion initiatives on language revitalization within public schools.
Suwako Watanabe: A Scholar of Language Pedagogy
Joining the board is Suwako Watanabe, Ph.D., a well-regarded linguist and professor at Portland State University. Suwako’s extensive background includes serving as Chair of the Department of World Languages and Literatures, where she enhances language education and research. Her academic contributions span various publications examining Japanese discourse and pedagogy.
With a Ph.D. from Georgetown University, Suwako's work has offered significant insights into language learning methodologies that prioritize cultural understanding, making her an asset on the ACTFL Board.
Ellen Ericson: Championing Spanish Language Education
Ellen Ericson brings nearly three decades of passionate experience teaching Spanish, enriched by her dual credentials as a National Board Certified Teacher and educator at Mahomet-Seymour High School. Ellen has actively contributed to the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and has been influential in promoting proficiency-centered language teaching.
Her work has led to nearly 200 students earning the Seal of Biliteracy through innovative programming in her district. Ellen’s commitment to language education showcases her leadership in shaping the next generation of language teachers.
Alicia Dallman Shoemaker: Advocacy and Excellence
Alicia Dallman Shoemaker's expertise spans secondary and post-secondary language education. She has received numerous accolades, including the Nebraska International Languages Association Outstanding Language Teacher award. Alicia supports student-centered language policies while also being deeply involved in advocacy through her roles in various educational associations.
Her innovative techniques and community engagement ensure that language education remains relevant and effective in today’s classrooms.
Zoe Jiang: A Voice for Diversity in Language Learning
Zoe Jiang has utilized her role as a Chinese teacher to elevate the standards and practices of language education at Skyline High School in Washington. She's actively involved in various committees and initiatives that enhance language education, including her leadership roles on the WAFLT and PNCFL Boards.
Through her dedication to mentorship and community-building within the ACTFL landscape, Zoe empowers both educators and learners, enriching the overall experience in language education.
The Impacts of New Leadership
As the ACTFL Board welcomes these new members, the organization anticipates an era marked by enriched collaboration and innovation in language education. The collective experience and dedication of the board members signify a robust commitment to advancing high-quality language learning across diverse settings.
Lawrence M. Paska, Ph.D., CAE, the ACTFL Executive Director, expressed his enthusiasm saying, "These outstanding leaders bring invaluable perspectives, and their contributions will be instrumental as ACTFL navigates the evolving landscape of language education. Their knowledge and vision align with our mission to provide the best learning opportunities for language educators and students alike."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new board members of ACTFL for 2026?
The newly elected board members include Brandon Locke, Suwako Watanabe, Ellen Ericson, Alicia Dallman Shoemaker, and Zoe Jiang.
What roles do these board members hold?
Brandon Locke serves as President-Elect, while Suwako Watanabe and Ellen Ericson hold at-large positions representing higher education and K-12 education, respectively. Alicia Dallman Shoemaker is a Central States representative, and Zoe Jiang represents PNCFL.
What is the mission of ACTFL?
ACTFL is dedicated to providing leadership and support for high-quality language education, ensuring that educators and students have access to innovative teaching practices and resources.
How many years of experience does Ellen Ericson have in teaching?
Ellen Ericson has 29 years of experience teaching Spanish in various educational settings.
What initiatives is Alicia Dallman Shoemaker known for?
Alicia Dallman Shoemaker has championed language policies that prioritize student-centered initiatives and has received multiple awards for her advocacy in language education.
