The National Association
of Language Advisers is a long established voluntary association exclusively for those who
provide advice, support, training and inspection in the field of foreign
languages learning and teaching in the UK. We have no paid officers and
operate as a democratic self-help association with a national executive
committee of members elected to honorary positions. We are entirely
independent but work closely with other specialist MFL agencies and
organisations. We play an important part in the development of MFL
education at many levels: the expertise, experience and judgement of our members
are highly regarded. The current membership is represented by all the major
influential bodies for developments in MFL learning in the UK, and provides
access to these people in formal and informal settings such as at regional
meetings and national conferences.
Who can join
nala?
Any professional who
provides impartial advice, support, training or inspection for the learning and
teaching of foreign languages in educational institutions and for those working
with them; works as an external agent operating across a range of educational
establishments; and has relevant language teaching experience and linguistic
competence. Whilst LEA advisers,
inspectors, advisory teachers and support staff make up a substantial portion of
the membership, many other active MFL professionals are members: membership
eligibility depends on what colleagues do rather than who employs them. It is in
nala's interest to ensure that we maintain our position at the
centre of MFL learning developments and we are actively seeking application from Language Colleges, ASTs and any other colleagues involved in MFL professional
development.
What does
nala believe in?
Our members share common
ideals about the importance of education and in particular the learning of
foreign languages, for all ages and for society at large. We believe that
standards and quality can be improved through the work our members do. By
maintaining and promoting the highest professional standards amongst our
members, the association can make a positive contribution to better educational
practice.
How does
nala operate?
We provide a dynamic
network of professional contact through:
Regional meetings and
seminars;
National conferences and
training courses;
Circulating regular
information and updates on relevant specialist areas;
Publishing (exclusively
for members) policy, advice and support papers;
Influencing policy and
practice through close working contact with government, national and
international agencies and other professional bodies.