AFMLTA

18/06/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/company/afmlta-the-australian-federation-of-modern-language-teachers-associations/

AFMLTA The Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations | 217 followers on LinkedIn. The national professional body representing teachers of all languages in Australia.

18/06/2026

Languages at Home Are an Asset, Not a Barrier.

Recent commentary suggesting that speaking languages other than English at home damages English development deserves a response grounded in evidence, not assumption.

Australia already collects one of the most significant datasets on literacy achievement through NAPLAN. Every year, students are assessed in English literacy across Reading, Writing, Spelling, and Grammar & Punctuation in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

And year after year, one pattern has remained remarkably consistent: students from language backgrounds other than English are outperforming monolingual students in every domain and every year level, and this should not surprise us!

Research across language education, literacy and cognition has long shown that developing and using more than one language strengthens metalinguistic awareness, supports literacy transfer, builds cognitive flexibility, and contributes positively across learning areas including literacy and numeracy. Research in plurilingual and pluricultural education also points to broader outcomes including perspective-taking, empathy and intercultural understanding.

Speaking another language at home is not a barrier to English. Children do not have a fixed capacity for language where one language pushes another out. Languages interact, strengthen one another, and expand how learners make meaning and engage with the world. Plurilingual approaches recognise that individuals draw on their full linguistic repertoire rather than developing separate, competing language systems.And beyond the evidence, there is a larger question.

What future are we imagining for Australia?

A nation built by First Nations peoples and generations of migration cannot realistically or productively aspire to monoculture. Our prosperity, diplomacy, innovation and social cohesion depend on people who can communicate across languages, contexts and cultures.

The languages spoken in Australian homes are not a problem to solve. They are one of Australia’s greatest strengths.

For those interested, you are encouraged to read BABEL and revisit the National Languages Plan and Strategy developed by AFMLTA and commissioned by the Australian Government. https://afmlta.asn.au/babel/

https://nlps.afmlta.asn.au/

The former Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment engaged the Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations (AFMLTA) to undertake this project with key stakeholders, nationally.

16/05/2026

Languages learning supports Literacy and Numeracy skill development

Join the FREE AFMLTA webinar on Monday 18 May at 7pm AEST to explore the powerful connection between language learning, literacy, and numeracy achievement.
This session will unpack:
• NAPLAN data showing students with a language background other than English often outperform peers across several literacy domains and numeracy
• How learning additional languages strengthens literacy development
• Why all students should have access to high-quality language learning from an early age
• The case for recognising language learning as core literacy development time in curriculum design
Facilitated by Anne-Marie Morgan and Gillian Cordy from the Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations Executive team.
A valuable conversation for educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of languages education in Australia.
Register now via AFMLTA

12/05/2026

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/871269/emails/183359201899186053

See our latest News in Brief.

I hope you all enjoyed a restful break and are feeling refreshed and ready to renew your passion for teaching and advocating languages with your students.

02/05/2026

30/03/2026

The Premier’s Harmony Dinner - Multicultural NSW brought together over 1600 people to celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity that defines Australia.

Members of AFMLTA were proudly in attendance, with President Miyako Matsui wearing a stunning kimono that beautifully reflected the spirit of the evening. Also in attendance were Immediate Past President Gillian Cordy and Vice President Anne-Marie Morgan, joined by Janelle Byrne (President, MLTANSW) and Enaam Darido (MLTANSW Committee Member).

This evening reinforced that language and culture bring people together. MLTA of NSW

11/02/2026

Supporting Quality Languages Teaching – Free AFMLTA Webinars This March

At a time when Languages education continues to face pressure in many schools, professional connection and quality resources matter more than ever.
AFMLTA is hosting two excellent FREE national webinars designed to support Languages teachers across Australia.

AFMLTA Webinar: Support for Quality Languages Teaching and Learning
Thursday 5 March
7–8pm AEDT

Join Kylie Farmer and Eleonor Palacio (AFMLTA Executive) to:
• Explore free professional learning modules for Languages teachers
• Discover the extensive range of F–12 Languages resources available on Scootle
• Learn about additional AFMLTA resources
• Connect with Languages educators across Australia
Recording available after the event via afmlta.asn.au
Click here to register https://lnkd.in/gRGRJ_te

AFMLTA Webinar: Using ELLA in Primary Languages Programs (F–2)
Wednesday 18 March
7–8pm AEDT

Are you keen to explore ELLA - Australia’s play-based digital Languages program for young learners?
Now available free to all Australian primary schools in 13 languages, ELLA:
• Inspires genuine interest in language and culture
• Supports collaborative, play-based learning
• Includes flexible off-screen resources for classrooms and families
Facilitators: Amanda Macdonald (Education Services Australia) & Kylie Farmer (AFMLTA)
Recording available after the event via afmlta.asn.au
Click here to register https://lnkd.in/gADEcNzv

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

01/02/2026

Sharing the AFMLTA Strategic Plan 2025–2027.

This plan reaffirms our collective commitment to strong leadership, advocacy for languages education, research-informed practice, and sustainable governance; all grounded in a vision of an Australia that truly values plurilingualism and cultural understanding.

Looking forward to working alongside our member associations and partners to turn this vision into action. https://lnkd.in/g4gVSgUZ

24/12/2025

Babel Volume 59, Issue 3 is now live and available to read online, with hard copies to follow in January. https://lnkd.in/gB_uJHTt

This issue features a double-page spread on Why Learn a Language? - an important reminder of why we must continue to clearly and consistently articulate the value of language learning for Australia’s intercultural capability, global engagement, and future workforce.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a restful end to the year from the Executive team at AFMLTA. 🎄

28/11/2025

The latest edition of Babel is out and it’s a double issue! Volume 59, Issues 1 & 2 are now available.

If you're a member of AFMLTA or any state language teachers’ association, keep an eye on your letterbox, your hardcopy will arrive soon (if not already).

Enjoy this fantastic read from across our languages community! You can read the digital copy here https://afmlta.asn.au/babel/