university+letter+from+alum

October 24, 2009

Ms./Mrs./Mr./Dr. first and last name, title [Go on the university website to get the title of the person and their address] address

Dear Ms./Mrs./Mr./Dr. first and last name, title [Use the same names as the inside address, including the personal title]

I am [a graduate of college/university and – include if this is your alma mater] a world language teacher at [include the school district in which you teach]. I am writing to seek your support for the position statement of the Iowa World Language Association on the need to include world languages in the Iowa Core Curriculum. I have enclosed a copy of this position statement with this letter.

Studying [language] [at college/university - if alma mater] and having the opportunity to study abroad [while I was in college - if not alma mater] forever changed my life and provided me many opportunities that I would not otherwise have had. I believe that these experiences are especially important today as we prepare our students for the increasingly globalized 21st Century. In fact, I believe that all of Iowa’s students should have the opportunity to study a world language beginning in early elementary school and continuing through high school and college, as so many students in surrounding states currently have.

The Iowa Core Curriculum was designed by the Iowa Department of Education to prepare students for the 21st Century. World languages, however, were not included in the Iowa Core Curriculum. I do not believe that Iowa’s students will be prepared for the 21st Century without the early and continued opportunity to study a world language as a core content area in the Iowa Core Curriculum.

I ask, therefore, that you support the position of the Iowa World Language Association by writing a letter of support for the inclusion of world languages in the Iowa Core Curriculum. If your letter is received by November 13, it will be presented to the Iowa Department of Education with the position statement and other letters of support from Iowa leaders in education and business. Please address your letter of support to Sara Blanco, President, Iowa World Language Association.

Sara Blanco President, Iowa World Language Association c/o Carrie Mulvihill 1323 Victoria Circle Norwalk, IA 50211

We thank you for your support in this important matter.

Sincerely,

Name

Home Street Address Home city, IA Zip Code [Class of ‘?? If alma mater]

Enclosure