Students practice their Latin in the classroom of Cynthia Shiroma (standing left) a teacher at DuPont Manual High School (Jefferson County).
Photo submitted by Cynthia Shiroma
By Cynthia Shiroma
cynthia.shiroma@jefferson.kyschools.us
The Kentucky Classical Association (KCA) is devoted to promoting classical languages in Kentucky. Its membership consists of those who teach or support classical languages in Kentucky.
The association provides a forum for discussion and the sharing of ideas among classicists and gives teachers an outlet for sharing resources. KCA members have presented at conferences hosted by both the Kentucky World Languages Association and the American Classical League Institute, sharing their knowledge with teachers of modern languages as well as with classicists.
Kentucky students compete at the National Junior Classical League Convention at Emory University in Atlanta. The students include, back row, from left: Josh Dye, Ruth Seim, Cynthia Shiroma and Madison Sneve; and front row: Ellie Baker and Catherine Li.
Photo submitted by Cynthia Shiroma
KCA makes a donation every year to the Swift-Longacre fund, which provides scholarships for college students majoring in classical languages. As a community, KCA provides support and guidance for new teachers and graduate students of classical languages. This support is invaluable for those who find they are the only Latin/Greek teacher in the building.
In addition to promoting classical languages, KCA has a seat on the American Classical League Council and is the voice for Kentucky’s classics teachers under the auspices of KWLA. Through the council, KCA keeps the lines of communication open from the local to the national level.
Perhaps the most important function of KCA is to advocate for teachers of the classics at all levels. Ultimately, KCA is the voice for classicists in Kentucky.
Cynthia Shiroma is a Latin teacher at DuPont Manual High School (Jefferson County). She is the president of the Kentucky Classical Association and a board member for the Kentucky World Language Association.
Great article…Cindy is a valuable asset to KY Latin teachers. She has been diligent in attempting to attract KY latin teachers to the KCA family. It is through interacting and sharing ideas that teachers continue to bring variety in their instructional styles. If you have not participated in KCA, KWLA or ACL …please consider it. We learn from each other and our students are the winners.
Kudos Cindy . ..wish I were still in KY to help you.