Each spring (typically in April), HALT hosts its biggest event of the year, our Spring Conference. Highlights include keynote addresses given by language experts and award-winning teachers, selected presentations by K-16 world language educators in Hawai‘i and abroad, the publishers’ exhibit (and its annual prize drawing), and more. HALT members receive a discounted registration rate.

Keynote Speaker:

Kei Tsukamaki (she/her) is a 3rd generation Japanese American from the Bay Area, California. She is a 14-year teacher of Japanese and Spanish in Seattle, Washington. She has served as the President of the Washington Association of Teachers of Japanese, World Languages Department Chair, and World Languages Curriculum Specialist. Her professional interests are in proficiency-based instructional practices and supporting access to professional development. Outside of work, she is a ranked 5-dan in the Japanese martial art of Naginata and enjoys spending time with her husband and her dog. 

2025 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year Kei Tsukamaki