STATEHOUSE (June 8, 2018) – The Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association recognized State Reps. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) and Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) for their work in creating Indiana’s Dual-Language Pilot Program on Thursday at the Statehouse.
Behning received the 2018 Central Sates Simon Award, and Mayfield received the 2017 National Network for Early Language Learning Award for Outstanding Support of Early Second Language Learning. Both Behning and Mayfield were nominated by IFLTA for these awards.
“As our world continues to be more interconnected, knowing a second language is becoming more advantageous than ever before,” said Behning, chair of the House Committee on Education. “These pilot programs lay the foundation for Hoosier students to be successful in our global economy, and I look forward to working with state and local leaders to help more schools implement similar dual-language programs.”
In 2015, Behning and Mayfield sponsored legislation that established Indiana’s dual-language immersion program, which provides grants for schools to create programs in French, Spanish, Mandarin or other languages approved by the Indiana Department of Education.
“With a bilingual mother, I’ve always understood the advantages of knowing a second language,” Mayfield said. “Over the years, my family has hosted many foreign-exchange students as well as providing my children the opportunity to study abroad. Learning a new language often enhances learning in other subject areas. I was thrilled when MSD of Martinsville’s Superintendent Michele Moore was the first in the state to launch this pilot program at Poston Road Elementary and has graciously allowed other school systems to observe their program, which continues to grow. I’m extremely grateful for this honor, and I will continue to encourage legislators and educators to realize the benefits of Indiana’s dual-language immersion program.”
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State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91, which includes portions of Hendricks and Marion counties.
Behning serves as the chair of the House Committee on Education.
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60, which includes portions of Morgan and Monroe counties.
Mayfield serves as the Assistant Majority Floor Leader.
PICTURED: State Reps. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) and Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) and State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) receive national awards for their work on dual-language immersion programs. The Indiana Foreign Language Teacher Association honored Behning, Mayfield and Kruse during a presentation at the Statehouse on Thursday, June 7, 2018.
