NYSAWLA History

The New York State Association of World Language Administrators (NYSAWLA) was founded by Francesco L. Fratto, Vincenza Graham, and Denise Hannaoui in 2018 to serve the professional needs of administrators and teacher leaders of world language programs across New York State.

Francesco, Vincenza, and Denise were executive board members of the Foreign Language Association of Chairpersons and Supervisors (FLACS); FLACS primarily served the needs of administrators on Long Island when it was founded. Due to the organizations’ focus on the creation of Checkpoint A and B assessments, provision of professional development beyond Long Island, and unprecedented growth based on need, the decision was made to revise the constitution with an ad hoc committee of colleagues statewide. This allowed the opportunity to revamp and rebrand the organization, ensuring a statewide presence.

NYSAWLA was born from the hard work and vision of the many leaders of FLACS over the years. We are forever grateful for their leadership on Long Island and beyond. NYSAWLA serves to support those educators who have the responsibility of overseeing world language programs by being their voice locally and in Albany.

Founding Members:

Francesco L. Fratto

Director of World Languages, Immersion, & ENL

Herricks Public Schools
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Vincenza Graham

Director of World Languages, English as a New Language & Library Media Services

Smithtown Central School District
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Denise Hannaoui

Director of ENL & World Languages (Retired)

Connetquot Central School District
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