Deutsch an Schulen

The Deutsch an Schulen initiative supporting German programs in grades K-8 has been a focus of AATG for over two decades. This work has been supported with generous funding from the German Embassy and the Goethe-Institut. The major aspects of the initiative include:

Program Planning. Over $85,500 has been granted to 79 schools for the purpose of planning and program development. In addition, Centers of Excellence have been established through these grants.

Support of inservice and preservice teachers. Over 200 teachers of German have attended the Concordia College month-long summer methodology seminar on teaching German K-8. Summer seminars in Leipzig focus on K-8 learners. In addition, several Multiplikatoren provide professional development focused on K-8 programs.

Materials for teaching German K-8. The AATG Online Store offers units for middle school students on Toleranz, Umwelt, and Deutsch-Amerikaner.  Thematic units for students in grades 3-6 include Wir leben gesund, Entdecken wir die Welt der Tiere, and Wir wollen essen. Several children's books, Bildalphabet, teaching materials for Die kleine Raupe Nimmersatt and Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten, videos, posters, maps, and print materials are also available. 

Public relations and networking. Sessions on K-8 German programming are offered at each AATG Annual Meeting, and has been the topic of several AATG chapter meetings as well. The Talking T-shirt is available to interest younger and older learners.

Cooperative projects. Generous partners have supported Deutsch an Schulen activities including the Auswärtiges Amt of the German government, the Zentralstelle für Auslandsschulwesen, and the Goethe-Institut.

Deutsch Forum USA. A network for Deutsches Sprachdiplom Testing Centers in the US.