Director of the Portuguese Language Program Raquel Goebel has been elected Chair of the Portuguese Special Interest Group of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). ACTFL is the largest and most comprehensive language education organization in the U.S. In this national leadership role, Raquel will help advance dialogue, collaboration, and professional development among Portuguese language educators across the country. Her election recognizes her leadership in Portuguese language education and strengthens the University of Illinois’ contributions to the field.
In this national leadership role, Raquel launched “Cafezinhos,” a dynamic series of virtual monthly meetings designed to connect global educators and expand professional development opportunities. She has promoted webinars, such as the one delivered by Dr Cathy Bauman, Director of the Chicago Language Center at the University of Chicago on the use of reverse design in the teaching of language. She has also produced specialized newsletters to build a trusted rapport with language educators, keeping them engaged, informed, and connected.
Raquel's innovative leadership and the stellar initiatives she implements as Director of our Portuguese Program earned her a national Honorable Mention from the ACTFL award committee for Excellence in the Teaching of Culture. Raquel will be formally celebrated in San Antonio, Texas, during the annual ACTFL Awards ceremony on the evening of Friday, November 20, 2026.