Georgia Arabic Teachers Association

The inspiration for GATA was hatched at a meeting on September 8th, 2010 between Jon Valentine, Program Specialist, Languages and International Education at the Georgia Department of Education, and representatives from Amana Academy Charter School and Centennial High School (both Fulton County schools). Amana Academy was pioneering Arabic language instruction at the elementary and middle school levels in a public school setting; and Centennial High had a strong world languages department and had shown some interest in Arabic. Mr. Valentine, who had previously taught at Centennial High, enthusiastically encouraged attendees to explore starting an Arabic teachers association to advance Arabic teaching and learning across elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education. The meeting minutes stated, “GATA: GA Association for Teachers of Arabic: let’s make it real!”

From there, Arabic teachers and instructors from across Georgia started meeting on an infrequent basis to further develop the idea..over tea, of course. Early participants included key leaders from the Alif Institute [with its rich tradition of Arabic language and cultural programming], private Islamic schools, and universities where Arabic courses were offered—North Georgia College, Emory University, University of Georgia, Georgia State University (the list has since expanded and includes Georgia Tech). 

Yada yada yada.