ACTFL Welcomes New Board Members as Leadership Changes Approach for 2027

ACTFL Welcomes New Board Members for 2027

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) is thrilled to reveal the newly appointed and elected members of its Board of Directors, set to take office in 2027. The organization's leadership transition brings along distinguished educators with an impressive track record in language education.

Among the new Board members, Pablo Muirhead, Ph.D., who serves as President-Elect, stands out. A multilingual educator from Milwaukee Area Technical College, Muirhead has dedicated over two decades to teaching Spanish and heritage language courses. Raised in a bilingual environment in the United States and Peru, his extensive overseas experiences in Indonesia and Germany have shaped his commitment to cultural connection through language education. Muirhead has previously held leadership roles in advocating for language education at the national level, including his tenure as President of the Joint National Committee for Languages. His focus as President-Elect will be on enhancing national advocacy and addressing teacher shortages, particularly for heritage language instructors.

Also joining the Board is Catherine Ritz, Ed.D., the Program Director for World Language Education at Boston University. With over a decade in K-12 teaching and recognized for her commitment to proficiency-based instruction, Dr. Ritz brings invaluable insights into higher education's impact on language pedagogy. She has contributed to the field through research and has co-authored essential texts on language instruction that focuses on equity and effective teaching methodologies.

Representing the Southern Conference on Language Teaching (SCOLT) is Bobby Hobgood, Ed.D.. As the Director of the Language Resource Center at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Hobgood is known for integrating technology and active learning strategies into language instruction. With awards for excellence in teaching and service, he remains a strong advocate for effective language education practices and the active involvement of educators in professional development.

Lastly, Melissa Carson, the World Languages Content Specialist for Washoe County School District, will represent the Southwest Conference on Language Teaching (SWCOLT). Carson has focused on creating meaningful learning experiences for students and offers comprehensive curriculum development initiatives throughout her career, emphasizing collaborative professional learning.

The contributions these new leaders are expected to bring to the ACTFL Board are commendable. As Krishauna Hines-Gaither, Ph.D., the ACTFL President for 2026, stated, their combined influence and commitment to language education is poised to stimulate growth and innovation in language learning methodologies nationwide. Their experiences will undoubtedly help ACTFL maintain its mission of promoting quality language education that is inclusive and impactful.

As these new members prepare to step into their roles, ACTFL also expresses gratitude to the outgoing Board members for their invaluable service. This transition marks a significant moment in the organization's efforts to advocate for languages nationally and prepare future generations for a multilingual world.

ACTFL has a long history, having been established in 1967, with a mission to foster quality language teaching and learning while providing educators and administrators the support they need to excel in a globalized society. By welcoming these new leaders, ACTFL continues to embody the vision of a highly engaged language education community. The new board members will officially begin their terms on January 1, 2027, leading the organization toward a future filled with promise and potential.

ACTFL stands strong as a steadfast resource in language education, guiding educators, influencing policy changes, and connecting businesses and governments to the educational needs that bridge cultural divides.