Iowa World Language Association

Press Release for IWLA 2024 Best of Iowa Presenter

October 8, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ankeny, IA—The Iowa World Language Association (IWLA) is thrilled to announce that John Sifert of Belmond-Klemme High School was named the 2024 Best of Iowa presenter at the association’s annual conference held at the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny, Iowa on Saturday October 5, 2024. 

Mr. Sifert’s presentation entitled, “Calendar Talk is WAY More Than Just Calendars!” highlighted ways to engage students in learning language by getting them talking about events and interests relevant to students’ lives using calendar information. John also described how establishing this as a beginning of class routine is an effective way to get students’ minds engaged each day. 

In addition to being a highly effective presenter, John is a long-time Spanish teacher in Iowa and Texas who also authors classroom materials and comprehensible novels for language learners. 

This honor is conferred by peers and colleagues in attendance at the conference. John will represent the state of Iowa at the Central States Languages for All conference on March 12-14, 2026 in Chicago, IL.  

About IWLA
The Iowa World Language Association (IWLA) represents the more than 1200 world language educators in the state from all levels of instruction and representing all languages. IWLA connects world language teachers to develop the skills and resources to sustain programs that enable all Iowa students to be active in a global community. More information can be found at www.iwla.net.

Contact: 

Stacy Amling, IWLA President (iwla.president@gmail.com)