Mission
WisItalia's primary mission is to:
- 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 post secondary colleges and universities;
- Educate the general public about the Italian language and culture.
Our Objectives
The specific objectives of the organization are to:- Coordinate the development and implementation of Italian language classes in Wisconsin's public and private schools;
- Develop and coordinate private Italian language and culture classes for children and adults;
- Identify and compile a list of qualified teachers of the Italian language;
- Notify qualified teachers of employment opportunities in schools or private classes;
- Acquire and distribute fiscal, educational and other resources to new and existing Italian language classes;
- Preserve and protect the heritage of Italian-Americans, and to promote positive relationships with educational and cultural groups in Italy and the USA.
Our Successes
WisItalia is a non-profit, 501(c) 3 voluntary organization,
created in December of the year 2000, to promote the teaching of Italian
language classes in the elementary and secondary schools in Wisconsin.
WisItalia was founded by the Italian-American Clubs in Milwaukee, Madison, Racine, Kenosha, Green Bay, Wausau, UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee. UW-Parkside is now an active member of the organization.
Since December of 2000, WisItalia has been successful in either creating new Italian programs, or promoting and supporting existing italian programs in Wisconsin. This continues to grow and provides a valuable service to students at the following locations:Appleton:
- Fox Valley Technical College (adult Italian language classes, immersion trip to Italy, and customized training)
- St Norbert College in De Pere (non-degree classes at this time)
- Classes to begin in the Fall of 2008 at Preble High School in Green Bay
- Bradford High School
- Tremper High School
- St. Josephs K-12 School will begin offering Italian in both the 7th Grade and in High School effective in the Fall of 2008
- Children's Saturday Italian Program (Somers Elementary School)
- UW-Parkside (non-degree classes at this time)
- The Advanced Italian Studies Program and Google Group ListServ
- Spring Harbor Middle School
- Wright Middle School
- After-School Community Learning Centers (Shorewood Elementary School)
- LaFollette High School
- Italian Workmen’s Club: Evening Adult Program
- Saturday Italian Children’s Program
- Victory K8 School for the Gifted and Talented Italian Immersion Program
- Rufus King International Baccalaureate High School in Milwaukee
- Italian Community Center: Evening Adult Program and Saturday Italian Children’s Program
- Trinity Academy in Pewaukee
NOTE: Italian classes are no longer offered at Brookfield Academy in Brookfield or at Edgerton High School in Edgerton.
For More Information on Schools and Programs
Refer to the Directories Page for a current listing of schools, programs, and Italian educators in Wisconsin.
Updated April 29, 2008
