About WisItalia - An Overview
WisItalia Brochure
View the WisItalia Brochure (pdf - updated July 2010) to learn about the services and activities supported or provided by WisItalia. It contains a summary of the information contained on the WisItalia website. Rita Prigioni wrote the content for the brochure; and Nathan Godding provided the layout and graphic design.
If you would like to print copies of the brochure (using a professional printer) for use at Italian-American Club, Festival or School events, use the pdf proof version (pdf - updated July 2010) of the brochure as it contains the bleed and crop marks necessary for professional printing (dimensions 11.10" x 8.63").
An overview of the text contained in the brochure is included on this web page, with links for more information, as appropriate.
WisItalia is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 voluntary organization, created in December 2000, to promote the teaching of the Italian language in WI schools.
WisItalia was founded by Italian-American Clubs in WI, as well as UW-Madison, and UW-Milwaukee. To-date, WisItalia has been successful in creating new Italian programs and promoting existing Italian schools and programs. This continues to grow and provides a valuable service to the community.
WisItalia Website
www.wisitalia.org is a valuable website for those interested in Italian language and culture. Topics include information for educators and businesses, grant opportunities and scholarships, and listings of Italian language programs.There are many links to Italian organizations, Italian-American clubs, upcoming Italy trips, photos of Italy, articles of WisItalia events, books by Italian-American authors, links to Italian language websites, Italian radio and TV, current events and items of interest, and listings of upcoming Italian-related events.
Sign Up for WisItalia Web Updates to receive email notifications whenever new or modified content is added to the website.
WisItalia Services
WisItalia provides several important services. Some highlights include:WisItalia Grants to Schools/Programs
WisItalia, in conjuction with the Consul General of Italy and the Italian government, provides grant opportunities to Wisconsin schools and programs that teach Italian.
Refer to the Grants page for more information.
WisItalia Grants to Educators
WisItalia provides grant funds to assist educators enrolled in an approved program leading to licensure to teach Italian in WI public schools, and who are committed to teach Italian in WI.
WisItalia also provides grant funds to Italian language teachers and other WisItalia members to help offset the costs of seminars, workshops and conferences related to Italian language culture.
Refer to the Grants page for more information.
Educator Resources
WisItalia can be your source for Italian language information. It is a great networking resource. The WisItalia website provides up-to-date topics such as teacher licensure, professional/educational organizations, upcoming conferences, grant opportunities, educational forums, curriculum development, and publications of interest.
Refer to the Educator Resources page for more information.
WisItalia compiles the following WI directories:
- A listing of the names of all the schools and programs offering Italian, sorted by location.
- A directory of teachers, instructors and educators in WI that teach the Italian language.
- A directory of WI elementary, middle and high schools that offer Italian language courses.
- A directory of colleges and universities in WI that offer Italian language courses.
- A directory of Italian language programs for children and adults in WI.
Why Study Italian?
Learning a foreign language is an enriching experience in anybody’s education. It explores a new way of life and offers insights into the culture and traditions of another country. Consider these facts:- 58 million speak Italian as their 1st language.
- Italian is the 5th most taught non-native language.
- Italy is the 4th most visited country in the world.
- Italian is one of the 10 most used languages on the internet.
- Italy is one of the top 10 economic powers.
- Italy has a very rich cultural heritage.
Language courses help students enhance their communication skills. Research shows that math and verbal test scores climb higher with each additional year of foreign language study.
It can also provide advantages to many professionals across the fields of business, arts, technology, etc. People soon discover that language study enriches their own heritage and enhances career prospects.
Refer to the Why Study Italian page for more information.
Mission of WisItalia
- We promote and encourage the teaching of the Italian language and the culture of Italy in Wisconsin’s primary and secondary schools, as well as in its colleges and universities.
- We do this by educating the general public about Italian language and culture.
- Coordinate the development and implementation of Italian language classes in Wisconsin’s public and private schools.
- Develop and coordinate Italian Language and Culture Classes for adults and children not enrolled in educational institutions.
- Identify and compile a list of Italian teachers.
- Notify qualified teachers of possible employment opportunities.
- Acquire and distribute fiscal, educational and other resources to new and existing Italian language classes.
- Preserve the heritage of Italian-Americans, and to promote positive relationships between educational institutions and cultural groups in Italy and the United States.
Get Involved in WisItalia
There are a number of ways in which you can get involved with WisItalia.- Sign up for WisItalia Web Updates.
- Follow us on Facebook.
- Join WisItalia and get involved in a variety of committees and activities.
- Make a donation to help us financially achieve our goals.
- Become a sponsor and advertise your organization on our website.
Contact Information
WisItalia, Inc.c/o Tony Bruno
3746 Robinhood Way
Madison, WI 53718
www.wisitalia.org
wisitalia.info@gmail.com (Rita Prigioni, WisItalia webmaster)
Refer to the Contact Us page for more information regarding contact infromation for WisItalia's Board and committees.
Updated July 15, 2010
