SPARK for German supports strategic goals of today’s educational mission, including global education, international teaching and learning, and diverse and multilingual community building. SPARK for German introduces students to the joy of learning languages and encourages the exploration of cultures in order to foster the transatlantic dialogue and to build a diverse community at home. German is an important language in the United States, as a heritage language, as a language of scholars and scientists, and for the purposes of trade, global business, and travel.
For schools and school districts, SPARK provides high quality enrichment and after school programming free of charge. We work with schools and universities and prepare students to implement programs that introduce younger students to the German language and the cultures of the German-speaking world. We provide ready-to-use, flexible, and age-appropriate curricula that connect German with STEM topics and foster intercultural learning. We offer professional development opportunities, a range of scholarships and a supportive community for high school and university students to gain professional experiences and to explore careers in education in order to address the need for more well-qualified teachers. With our programs, we provide accessible and high quality programs for families in order to foster global ties on the local level. Check out what SPARK Labs across the nation are doing and how the network benefits students, teachers, and communities!
SPARK Community
Why offer German?
For students today, the study of German is essential in many fields. 95 million people speak German as a native or official language in five European countries: the Federal Republic of Germany, Austria, Switzerland (46% speak German), Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg. Over 25 million people around the world study German as a second language.
For German teachers, the American Association of Teachers of German and the Goethe-Institut offer a number of outstanding professional development opportunities to ensure that German teachers offer high-quality, standards-based instruction that contributes to the mission of your school and school district.
For schools and school districts, German teachers provide instruction that fosters language acquisition as well as cultural knowledge of the cultures of the German-speaking world. In addition, German curricula offer multiple opportunities to teach across disciplines, including teaching German via STEM, addressing big picture questions, fostering life-long learning, and honing study and test taking skills that benefit students in their academic and professional lives beyond the German classroom.
Knowledge of German increases your job opportunities with German and foreign companies in the United States and abroad. Proficiency in German helps you to function productively for an employer with global business connections.
A few facts highlight the significance of U.S.-German economic relations: EU Member States are collectively the United States’ biggest trading partner, and Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, is at the heart of that relationship. After China and the United States, Germany is the world’s third-largest exporter. U.S. affiliates of German firms employ over 692,000 U.S. workers.
Given this context, German is considered to be one of the two most important languages in international business. An employee’s ability to communicate in the language of the employer is essential. Understanding foreign business practices is crucial to success in the international marketplace.
Knowledge of German increases your opportunities to study and work in Germany and to participate in exchange programs.
A wide range of exchange programs between the U.S. and Germany exists for both school and university students and for professionals. Many of those programs are either free of charge or offer scholarships. They provide high quality programs of study and professional development opportunities, expand one’s horizon, and foster life-long learning and personal connections across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Work visas are offered to skilled workers and professionals.
German teacher shortages often result in program closures. Becoming a teacher and teaching German is a viable and highly rewarding career choice for those who are interested in languages and cultures and like working with other people.
Knowledge of German increases your job opportunities in the hospitality industry in the U.S. and abroad. Tourists from German-speaking countries travel wide and far; they appreciate encountering German-speaking staff and tour guides. Speaking German provides you with a deeper insight and cultural understanding vital to enhance your interactions with German speakers, including during your own travel to German-speaking countries and in wider Europe.
Knowledge of German allows you to access art and to join a vibrant global art scene, whether you are an art connoisseur or an artist.
German is the language of Bach, Bausch, Beethoven, Jelinek, Goethe, Kafka, Mozart, and Wolf. Indulge in reading and/or listening to their works in their original language. Germany provides a stimulating and supportive environment for all artists.
