Miki Carter

Being an ALL member has connected me with a much wider community beyond both my own language specialism and geographical region. It has given me the opportunity to engage with colleagues and the wider languages sector across the country.

Just as importantly, ALL has provided me with opportunities to give something back – to share my experience and to help and support others within the language-teaching community. It is wonderful to feel part of such a welcoming, collaborative and supportive professional network.

Silvia Bastow

'Being a member of the Association for Language Learning has been a valuable part of my professional journey. ALL provides a strong sense of community, opportunities to connect with colleagues across the languages profession, and access to ideas, research and professional development that continually inform my practice.

For me, one of the greatest benefits is being part of a wider professional network beyond my own school or organisation. It is a space to share expertise, learn from others and stay connected to the wider languages landscape. I would highly recommend ALL membership to anyone who is passionate about language teaching and wants to continue learning, contributing and supporting the profession.'

Alex Havers 

It's great to be part of a community as supportive and inspiring as the Association for Language Learning. Connecting with fellow linguists, exchanging ideas, and learning from one another is a real privilege. The ALL annual conference is the highlight of my year, bringing together passionate professionals who all share a commitment to language learning. Through ALL, I have made wonderful new friends and developed professional connections that have not only enriched my career but have also made my work more enjoyable and impactful.

Vincent Everett

For me the most important thing about the ALL is that is is an association of members. It offers opportunities to get involved, collaborate and have a voice. Over the years I have contributed to ALL journals, magazines, wikis and teaching resources. I have spoken at conferences, workshops and webinars. I have led CPD projects and networks. It has also given me the opportunity to represent ALL formally as a member of the Executive Council, and on panels with bodies like Ofqual and QCA. And along the way I have met and got to know so many people with a shared passion for language teaching. Don't ask what the association can do for you. Ask what you can do for the association, and you will find it so rewarding.

Bethan McHugh

Becoming corporate members of ALL has been extraordinarily rewarding for our team. Both personally and professionally, I have gained so much from being part of this community. Through inspiring online meetings and in-person events like Language World, we have all been able to build lasting contacts, strengthen connections and stay ahead of national developments in language education.

ALL plays an essential role in ensuring practical, high-quality support remains accessible to teachers at every stage of their career. The community is exceptionally welcoming and generous with its expertise, and we are so proud to be members!

Maud Waret

"I joined ALL while I was doing my PGCE. Since then, I have met wonderful friends and colleagues through the association. I feel that my work has value and resonance. The Language World conference is the highlight of my year and I look forward to expanding my knowledge, networking and dancing at the disco each year. I would like to thank the association for supporting teachers and honouring languages."

Adam Lamb 

Teaching is one of those professions where you can be constantly surrounded by people; yet still have a permanent sense of isolation. I’ve felt that feeling several times at all stages of my career: in a small department in Gateshead trying to navigate the then ’new GCSE’, as a Head of Faculty at a very-high performing school in London, and in my current role today as a Trust Director of Modern Foreign Languages. In each one of these roles, I have had to navigate change, and also inform others of that change. I’ve had to battle with senior leaders who, at times, are not fully understanding of changes or the unique ways in which awarding happens in MFL. 

But being a part of the Association for Language Learning has been a glue that has brought me together with other amazing professionals over the years, some of whom I now consider dear friends, and whose expertise I have been able to lean on to help develop my own understanding when I was a classroom teacher, and later to help inform and argue with senior leaders to ensure that there is understanding when MFL can, all too often, look a little too different to a non-specialist. It is an empowering group, a force for good in the MFL world and a community to which I am incredibly proud to belong.

Fatima Khaled

Being a member of ALL has been a truly valuable part of my professional journey. For me, ALL opened a door—a door that welcomed me, listened to me and encouraged me to speak about the experiences and needs of our heritage language learners.

Through ALL, I have been given opportunities to raise awareness of heritage languages, advocate for greater visibility and share the work we are doing with our learners. Just as importantly, I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from teachers and colleagues working with many different languages. This has helped me realise that, although our languages and contexts may be different, we share many of the same challenges, hopes and aspirations.

I often describe ALL as my  small professional family because I genuinely feel listened to, respected and valued. I have always felt encouraged to bring my own knowledge, experience and journey in teaching and learning to the conversation. ALL has given me the confidence to share ideas, learn from others and, in turn, contribute what I have learned from working with heritage language learners.

What I particularly value is that ALL does not simply provide a platform—it creates a sense of belonging. It reminds us that the work we do, particularly in heritage language education, matters and deserves to be seen and heard.

If you are considering becoming part of ALL, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. You will find a welcoming community, opportunities to learn and share, and people who genuinely value your experience and your voice.

You will never regret being part of this family.

Terry Lamb: Former ALL President and current President of FIPLV

Article reproduced from Lamb, T. (2026). Foreword. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 20(1), 1–2.
Please click here.

"I often say that language teacher associations changed my life. This is not intended to be hyperbolic – my life, and not just my career, would simply not be the same without them."

Please click here to read Terry's full testimonial.

Fiona (Trainee French and German)

That was amazing! Glad I joined the Association, looks like it's going to be a great support network. Good luck everyone on your teaching journeys!

Julia Cortes: Trainee MFL Teacher

“I would like to express my appreciation for the work that ALL does to support language teachers in the UK.

I have really enjoyed exploring your initiatives, such as The ENACT Web App Prizes 2025 and reading articles in The Language Learning Journal, particularly "Modern languages in England's national curriculum: a call for (r)evolution", which I found both thought-provoking and inspiring.Trainee Teacher I have also taken notes on project-based learning ideas from your resources, which I am keen to implement in my future classes.

I am planning to attend the next Language World Conference.

In the future, I would love to collaborate with ALL, perhaps by submitting a proposal, sharing resources, or contributing in any way that may be helpful.”

Richard Walters:  Haberdashers' Boys' School, Elstree

Being an ALL member has given me access to a nationwide community of friendly linguists with whom I share many ambitions, experiences and values. I enjoy reading the ALL magazine to learn about the latest trends in MFL teaching and to pick up some tips, but for me, the greatest benefit of ALL membership is access to the in-person events. We have all missed out on these recently due to the pandemic, so they are arguably more important now than ever. Meeting ALL members from different schools reminds you that you are not alone in facing the challenges of MFL teaching. ALL events give you fresh ideas, a renewed sense of purpose in your everyday work and greater cause for optimism for the future. Come and join us!

Primary Languages colleague

Thank-you for encouraging me to attend the ALL Primary Languages Conference Online (ACAPULCO) Conference yesterday. It was brilliant! I will definitely be there again next year! (And I will make sure I take part in the raffle next time, too, as the prizes were amazing!)

Julien Violette: Lead Languages Consultant at Harris Federation shares his endorsement of the benefits of being a member of the Association for Language Learning in this video clip: Click here to view

Miriam Paridjanian: Rosendale Primary School

Being an ALL member has enriched my life hugely and in many different ways. First and foremost it’s the PEOPLE. Working in a London primary school as a languages specialist can feel quite isolating so when I first attended a meeting (at Nadine Chadier’s North London primary hub maybe ten years ago?) I realised I had found my people and there was no going back. Passionate, enthusiastic languages teachers, open and willing to share their fantastic ideas, plans, experiences and resources; I couldn’t believe my luck. I soon set up my own South London Primary hub which still meets every term, always accompanied with tea and biscuits. I have attended Language World (wow- not to be missed) and the January event at the BFI many times. Last year I was thrilled to be invited to conferences in both Milan ( on developing international programmes in schools) and then in Malaga ( on using CLIL in the classroom) thanks to ALL and ERASMUS + Both were extraordinary; I met some amazing people and learnt a lot, as well as savouring much delicious food and wine! In Malaga I met Ingrid Vanoutryve, an educational psychologist from Vence near Nice and after sharing a glass of rouge and some delicious aperitifs we agreed to do a house swap. This summer she came to my home in Brixton and I took my children to her apartment in beautiful Vence. Thanks again to ALL!

Anna Lise Gordon: MFL PGCE tutor and Academic Director - Secondary provision, teaching and learning. St Mary’s University Twickenham. National Teaching Fellow

Benefit from the support and encouragement of fellow practitioners

I love the opportunities for professional development and networking, sharing good practice with like-minded colleagues from different contexts. We can learn so much from one another!

Liz Lord: Unit Coordinator and Tutor for MFL and ITT undergraduate degree course, University of Portsmouth

Passionate about the value of language learning

ALL has been part of my life throughout my career in education - as a classroom teacher, curriculum leader, primary languages consultant, adviser and inspector and teacher-trainer.  In each and every one of these roles, I have appreciated the generous sharing of good practice and expertise which has been so readily available from our professional community. When working today with trainee teachers or primary languages colleagues, I always direct them to our association as the essential go-to source for the very best up-to-date information and support.   It is vitally important that all of us who are passionate about the value of language learning can feel confident that we have a voice to truly fly the flag for languages.  Thank you ALL.

Sue Cave: Primary MFL Specialist Teacher and Consultant, Cave Languages

Up-to-date with what is happening in the world of languages

Being a member of ALL means that I am always up-to-date with what is happening in the world of languages. The weekly email updates provide a wealth of information about all aspects of language learning which I would never have known about. I love hearing the ‘Languages Today’ magazine drop through my letter box as this means that there will be plenty of interesting articles to read over the next few days. It is a professionally produced magazine and it is in colour. I like to attend the ‘Language World’ conference each year, if I can, as this is a fantastic opportunity to access excellent CPD seminars. There is a reduced price for members which is most welcome.

Lisa Stevens: Primary language educator and consultant, Whitehouse Common Primary School and Welford Primary School

Add your voice to your professional community

As a member of ALL, I value the support it offers to language learning in this country and recognise the importance of its voice and influence; as such, I feel that it is right to ‘give back’ what I can and offer my skills and enthusiasm to the Association.

Sarah Vaughan: Primary Languages Leader, Westdene School

Language World remains excellent value for money

I joined ALL on qualifying in 1995.  ALL materials are always spot-on in supporting my practice, and in helping me to develop languages in my schools.  Local CPD offered by branches is always of an excellent calibre and Language World remains excellent value for money in terms of networking, information and inspiration! I have been given career opportunities through ALL, working with a fabulous group of practitioners across the country on a DFE project. This allowed me to share and develop good practice, meet other teachers who inspire and also helped develop my own career into training, ITT and now Primary Languages as an SLE.  ALL takes the lead in representing language teachers, and their volunteers running branches and hubs are key to this. My Primary Hub welcomes teachers from across the borough who would otherwise be isolated in their roles in school. This voluntary role allows me to give back a little to ALL and ensure its continuation.

Clare Seccombe: Teacher of French and Spanish and Languages Consultant, Primary schools in Sunderland

A more confident practitioner!

When I joined ALL, I had left my position as a secondary teacher and struck out on my own as a primary languages specialist.  Membership keeps me in touch with current news anad developments in language teaching and also introduces me to like-minded language teachers all over the country with whom I share and network.  Being an ALL member has definitely made me a more confident practitioner!

Lucy Dreznin: Head of German, Arden Academy

Support and inspiration at difficult times

It is hard to believe how tangible yet distant the memory of the lockdown period now feels, over a year later – the isolation, the pressures, the coping with challenges every day!

From midway through my NQT year in 2020, and then later as a newly appointed Head of German in 2021, my teaching career has been unequivocally shaped by a culture of flexibility and adaptation, and even more so by the need for creativity.

Everything that ALL provided was such a comfort at that time – from the threads of conversation on Twitter to the shared ideas on the website, the publications and the webinar sessions. Over time, this gave me the confidence to present my pedagogy at ALL London’s Show & Tell and more recently at the Language World Conference 2022.

ALL has been instrumental in my development as a languages educator and I look forward to pursuing many other opportunities together in future.

Karine Harrington:  Languages Teacher and Independent Consultant

Take control of your professional development

Joining ALL and becoming an active member has been very beneficial for my own professional development: I have become more involved with the Association and I have been part of a supportive network of professionals.

Claire Dodd: Outreach Manager for Primary Languages and teacher of French and Spanish, Ryde Academy, Isle of Wight

Strategies for language learning and teaching

Belonging to ALL has provided me with lots of up-to-date information, advice, interesting facts, strategies for language learning and teaching, training and so much more, which I have been able to share with others.

Dr Rachel Hawkes: Director of International Education and Research, Comberton Academy Trust

Better informed, more discerning and critical, more supported...

I wanted to be part of something larger than just my school languages department. Initially I wanted to learn, gain new ideas for teaching and learning. Later I wanted also to share my practice with others and feel I was giving something back to the profession. I will be a member of ALL as long as I continue in teaching (and probably much longer!) because the two go hand in hand, As an ALL member I am better informed, more discerning and critical, more supported and more enthusiastic in my job!

Laura Simons: Second in MFL Faculty, Teacher in charge of Welsh and French, Dylan Thomas Community School, Swansea

Fantastic friends and high quality CPD

ALL has enabled me to make fantastic friends, have quality CPD and kept me up to date with all things MFL.

Vincent Everett: Head of Languages, Northgate High School, Dereham

A source of new ideas or resources

I have been a member of ALL for over 20 years. I have been to national and regional conferences and even arranged local network events. I rely on ALL for information about the changing situation of languages and as a source of new ideas or resources. Through ALL I am in touch with a network of language teachers, and together we have made sure our voice is heard. I have seen how we have changed language learning, moving away from repeat-after-me repetition of whole sentences, to an expectation that learners can express themselves through their understanding of the language.

Natalie Campbell: Curriculum Leader, Bemrose School, Derby

ALLNet newsletter - a fantastic weekly roundup of news

There are many benefits of ALL membership, such as access to the extensive resources available through the ALL website. The ALLNet newsletter offers a fantastic weekly roundup of news and events related to Language teaching. I love being a volunteer and doing my part to share ideas and best practice. In 2016 I was awarded the ALL Secondary Language Teacher of the Year award by ALL and have met so many wonderful linguists through my ALL membership. Membership is a must for new teachers and those seeking great ideas!

Helen Myers: Assistant Headteacher, The Ashcombe School, Dorking, Surrey

Meet and learn from other ML teachers and trainers

I joined as a Goldsmiths' PGCE student to be part of the ML teacher community.  Since then I have greatly valued attending national and local 'get-togethers' where you can meet and learn from other ML teachers and trainers who want to support, generously and modestly sharing their useful tips on teaching imaginative lessons.  You also get the chance to hear and debate with 'decision-makers' who represent the national agencies and who refer to ALL as an authoritative voice for articulating its member views.  Above all, I get a real buzz from volunteering and making friends with like-minded professionals who love their craft and their subject area.