Finally, the first semester is officially behind us and we’re already in the midst of our long-awaited holiday break. For most teachers, these next few weeks will be a much-needed vacation from the sleepless nights, the daily mental breakdowns, the unrealistic expectations, and the unsustainable work pace. For the first time in my career, I will not be … [Read more...] about 13 Tech Picks for The Remote World Language Classroom
How The Coronavirus Pandemic Could Improve World Language Education
It’s been roughly six weeks since my school district closed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. As the first few days and weeks unfolded, my email inbox swelled with a mad surge of posts from fellow teachers around the globe whom I follow on social media. They graciously offered advice on how to adjust to our “new normal” of delivering … [Read more...] about How The Coronavirus Pandemic Could Improve World Language Education
What is ACTFL?
ACTFL is the acronym for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. This professional organization is well known and well respected by world language educators, scholars, education administrators and government officials. Since its inception in 1967 ACTFL has been at the forefront of innovation with regard to Best … [Read more...] about What is ACTFL?
Experimenting with Free Voluntary Reading: First Semester Reflections
Last April I attended a Bryce Hedstrom workshop and it was nothing short of mind-blowing, as he presented one amazing comprehensible input strategy after another. When the day ended, my mind was pulsating with new ideas for my classroom, but there was one idea in particular that screamed at me to give it a try: Free Voluntary Reading. For those of … [Read more...] about Experimenting with Free Voluntary Reading: First Semester Reflections
The Aftermath: Spain and Morocco
When I wrote this, I had recently returned to the US and was in the comfort of my own home recuperating from a ten-day trip that began in Barcelona and ended in Morocco. Let me start by saying that I had a fabulous time with my five students, however, this was my first trip abroad with students via an educational tour company and I’m afraid that it may … [Read more...] about The Aftermath: Spain and Morocco
Pre Travel Excitement: Spain and Morocco
When I was a high school student, some thirty-plus years ago, my Spanish teacher lead a trip to Spain and Morocco. Though I desperately wanted to go and experience all the history, geography and culture that I had been studying in books, I was ultimately not amongst the small group that ventured across the pond. Once in college, I had another … [Read more...] about Pre Travel Excitement: Spain and Morocco