Growing With Proficiency The Podcast
A podcast for World Language teachers seeking ideas, strategies, and inspiration to create acquisition-driven instruction with comprehensible input. Host Claudia Elliott shares activities and tips to help teachers and students enjoy using the target language. The podcast covers topics like classroom engagement and proficiency-based teaching. Listeners can connect with Claudia on social media for additional support.
Episodes
Episode 211: Proficiency Through Play: 4 Low-Prep Games for Language Class with AnneMarie Chase and Andrea Caulfield
Send us Fan MailI LOVE games. But if I'm going to give 15 or 20 precious minutes of class time to a game, I want language happening. A lot of it.In this episode, AnneMarie Chase and Andrea Caulfield, authors of Proficiency Through Play, join me to talk about how we can play AND keep supporting language acquisition. Because fun and rigor are not opposites. And they didn't introduce themse
Episodio 210: Cómo enseñar a estudiantes hablantes de herencia: un libro gratis y estrategias con la Dra. Nancy Domínguez-Fret
Send us Fan Mail¿Tienes estudiantes de herencia en tu clase y sientes que necesitas algo diferente, pero no sabes exactamente qué?En este episodio en español converso con la Dra. Nancy Domínguez-Fret, hija de inmigrantes mexicanos, hablante de herencia, exmaestra de high school y directora del programa de formación docente en Northern Illinois University. Nancy nos cuenta cómo nació Voces que cruz
Episode 209: How to Teach Reading and Writing Skills in the World Language Classroom: A Conversation with Dr. Lara Bryfonski
Send us Fan MailWe all want our students to acquire the language. We also want them to read it and, eventually, write it. But are we teaching them how to become readers and writers in the target language?That’s what I discuss with Dr. Lara Bryfonski in this episode. Lara is a professor at Georgetown University and coauthor of The Art and Science of Language Teaching. Together, we explore why devel
Episode 208: When a Student Says “I Hate This Class”: A Framework for Responding Without Reacting
Send us Fan MailA student threw her backpack on the floor and said loudly, “I hate this class. I hate everything about this class.” More than once.Everything inside of me wanted to react. I wanted to defend myself, my class, and all the work I put into creating a space where students feel successful.But I didn’t.In this episode, I’m taking you inside what happened next, the framework that helped m
Episode 207: Write & Discuss: A Powerful, Low-Prep Strategy for World Language Classes
Send us Fan MailWhat if one strategy could give your students more comprehensible input, more repetition, more writing, AND more opportunities to think and contribute?In this episode, we're talking about teacher-led collaborative writing, also known as Write & Discuss, shared writing, or joint construction. It's one of those strategies that can do a LOT without requiring a lot of pre
Episodio 206: De la investigación al aula: lo que las familias nos enseñan sobre cómo apoyar a estudiantes de herencia
Send us Fan MailUna conversación con la Dra. Bertha DelgadilloEn este episodio en español, converso con mi amiga, la Dra. Bertha Delgadillo, sobre su investigación doctoral, en la que entrevistó a familias de estudiantes hisanohablantes para conocer sus experiencias, expectativas y relación con la escuela y la clase de español.Sus respuestas revelan oportunidades importantes para nosotros como pro
Episode 205: New AP Spanish Language Exam Changes: What to Keep, Add, and Drop with Bethanie Carlson Drew
Send us Fan MailThe AP Spanish Language and Culture exam is changing—and if you teach AP, you may feel like you need to change everything in your course too.But take a breath. You do not have to start from zero.In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and incredible educator Bethanie Carlson Drew, who is beginning her 33rd year in the classroom. Bethanie helps us look at the new AP Spanish Languag
Episode 204: Choral Translation and Pop-Up Grammar Without Losing Communication with Ben Fisher-Rodriguez
Send us Fan MailWhat if one simple routine could help students see, understand, and feel more confident with the language they have already experienced?In this episode, I sit down with Ben Fisher-Rodriguez to explore how Write and Discuss, choral translation, and pop-up grammar can help students make sense of the language they are hearing and reading while keeping meaningful communication at the c
Episode 203: How to Keep Students Engaged With Stories: Confidence, Curiosity, and Comprehension With Eric Richards
Send us Fan MailHave you ever started a story with your students and felt like everything was going beautifully until you noticed the glazed expressions, delayed responses, and side conversations beginning?It is easy to assume the story is boring or that students simply do not care. But a drop in engagement does not necessarily mean the story failed.In this episode, I sit down with world language
Episode 202: Classroom Management Through a Nervous System Lens with Hélène Colinet
Send us Fan MailWhat if challenging student behavior is not always simply a discipline problem—but sometimes a sign of overwhelm, anxiety, or disconnection?In Episode 202 of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by French teacher and teacher educator Hélène Colinet to explore classroom management through the lens of nervous system regulation.This conversation is not about excusing beha
Episodio 201: 4 ideas fundamentales para el regreso al aula con actividades prácticas
Send us Fan MailEl regreso al aula viene acompañado de muchas ideas, actividades guardadas, screenshots, recursos y recomendaciones. Pero tener más actividades no siempre significa sentirnos más preparados.En este episodio de Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast en español, comparto cuatro ideas fundamentales inspiradas en las sesiones de nuestra Conferencia de Verano dentro de Growing With Profi
Episode 200: Back to School—How to Get Students Participating Without Raising the Pressure with Justin Slocum Bailey
Send us Fan MailWe all want students to participate. We want them to raise their hands, share their ideas, react, ask questions, and bring that energy that makes a classroom feel alive.But what happens when they don’t?It is easy to assume that the activity is not working, that students are not motivated, or even that we are doing something wrong.In this special 200th episode of Growing With Profic
Episode 199: How to Plan the First Week of World Language Class Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Send us Fan MailPlanning the first week of school can feel overwhelming—especially when you have a phone full of saved ideas, conference notes, activities, and resources you want to try. But a successful first week is not about doing everything. It is about choosing what will help you build the classroom you want to sustain all year.In This Episode, you will learn:Why more activities do not always
Episode 198. How to Build a Sustainable Language Class with Routines That Support Language Acquisition
Send us Fan MailWhat if the reason your class feels hard to sustain is not because your activities are wrong, but because they are standing alone?In this episode of Growing With Proficiency The Podcast, I’m talking about routines that support language acquisition—not classroom procedures like entering the room or turning in papers, but pedagogical routines that create the spaces our students need
Episode 197: Cómo Empezar el Año Escolar con una Clase de Español Más Sostenible
Send us Fan MailEn este episodio en español de Growing With Proficiency, converso con tres profes de nuestra comunidad de Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy: Ángela Johnson, Mariem Silva y Audrey Ramírez. Aunque enseñan en contextos muy diferentes, las tres comparten cómo han transformado sus clases al entender mejor la adquisición de la lengua y al crear clases más comprensible
Episode 196: Two Myths About Second Language Acquisition with Dr. Bill VanPatten
Send us Fan MailWhat if some of the most common beliefs about language teaching are actually getting in the way of acquisition?In this special episode of Growing With Proficiency, I sit down with Dr. Bill VanPatten for a powerful conversation originally livestreamed in the IFLT Facebook group as part of CI Reboot.Dr. VanPatten helps us unpack two foundational myths about second language acquisitio
Episode 195: 4 Lessons I Learned When My Students Couldn't Communicate in Spanish
Send us Fan MailHave you ever looked at your students and wondered:"Why aren't they communicating in the language?"In this special episode of Growing With Proficiency, the tables are turned as my friend and fellow educator, Bethanie Carlson Drew, steps in as host and interviews me about my journey from lawyer to language teacher, the challenges that transformed my classroom, and the
Episode 194: What My Students Said Helped Them Learn Spanish Most (And Why Nobody Agreed)
Send us Fan MailAt the end of every school year, I ask my students one question:What activity or strategy helped you grow the most in Spanish this year?This year, their answers surprised me.Some students chose Daily Personal Questions. Others selected Silent Sustained Reading. Some preferred podcasts, cultural articles, Calendar Talk, Star Student Interviews, content-based units, or creating stori
Episode 193: Three Things That Worked Better Than I Expected This Year
Send us Fan MailWhat actually helped students learn this year?As language teachers, it's easy to spend our end-of-year reflection focused on what didn't work. In Episode 191, I shared some of the challenges I faced this year. In Episode 192, I reflected on behavior, classroom culture, relationships, expectations, and the lessons I learned from a particularly challenging freshman class.Bu
Episodio 192: Tres lecciones sobre comportamiento que aprendí este año
Send us Fan Mail¿Tus estudiantes conocen las expectativas de tu clase, pero aun así siguen apareciendo interrupciones, conversaciones paralelas o dificultades para mantener la atención?En este episodio comparto tres lecciones sobre comportamiento que aprendí este año después de reflexionar sobre mis clases, analizar las encuestas de mis estudiantes y observar los desafíos que surgieron incluso en
Episode 191: What Didn’t Work in My Classroom This Year (And What I Learned)
Send us Fan MailAs language teachers, we love sharing strategies that work. But what about the strategies that suddenly stop working? What happens when activities that worked for years begin falling apart, student engagement drops, and classroom dynamics feel different than before?In this honest end-of-the-year reflection, I’m sharing what did NOT work in my Spanish classroom this year, and the im
Episode 190: Is That Strategy Really Not Working — Or Is It Context? | End-of-Year Reflection
Send us Fan MailYou see a 60-second classroom video on social media. Students are engaged, speaking, producing. And you go straight to: "That is not happening in my class. Something is wrong with me."But you're missing the other 44 minutes — the class size, the school, the context behind that clip.In this episode, Claudia sits down with world language teacher Dahiana Castro to talk
Episode 189: Tea Party in the World Language Classroom: A Powerful Pre-Reading Strategy to Boost Engagement and Communication with Rita Barrett
Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever wanted your students to feel genuinely excited before reading a novel or watching a movie in class, this episode is for you.In this conversation, I sit down with Rita Barrett, an outstanding Spansih teacher, to talk about the Tea Party strategy, an engaging pre-reading activity where students become characters from the story before they even begin reading.Students wa
Re-release Episode 65: Low-Prep Strategies for the End of the School Year: Anchor Charts, Model Texts & Write and Discuss
Send us Fan MailFeeling exhausted trying to keep students engaged at the end of the school year? 😅In this re-released episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, Claudia Elliott shares three powerful low-prep strategies that help world language teachers create communicative, comprehensible, and sustainable lessons without spending hours planning.If you need great strategies to keep students
Episode 188: End-of-Year Engagement: How to Use Reading Stations With Any Text and Keep Students Learning
Send us Fan MailAt this point in the year, many of us are feeling it. Students are distracted, energy is low, and if we say “read,” suddenly half the class needs the bathroom.In this episode, I’m sharing a simple sequence I use to turn any reading into an engaging station-based lesson that keeps students reading, moving, and participating without creating more work for you.Whether you’re using a C
Re-Release Episode 94: Card Talk with a Twist: An Activity That Builds Community and Boosts Comprehension
Send us Fan MailAre you looking for an interactive and engaging activity to boost your students' participation and build a strong classroom community at the end of the school year? In this episode of "Growing With Proficiency, the podcast," we explore a unique twist on the popular Card Talk activity that my students absolutely loved!In this activity, I’ll share with you how to turn
Episode 187: End-of-Year Activities for World Language Classes (Low-Prep Ideas That Work) With Allison Wienhold
Send us Fan MailThe end of the school year can feel chaotic: testing, low energy, and unpredictable schedules. So what do you actually do with your students during those final weeks?In this episode of Growing With Proficiency, I sit down with Allison Wienhold (Mis Clases Locas) to share simple, low-prep end-of-year activities for world language classes that keep students engaged without burning y
Episodio 186: El modelo 50/50: cómo motivar y facilitar interacciones auténtica en el modo interpersonal con Theresa Jensen y Maria del Carmen Benítez
Send us Fan MailProfe ¿te ha pasado esto? Haces una pregunta… y recibes respuestas de una palabra. O silencio. O miradas de “no sé qué decir”. Y tú estás ahí pensando: pero si esto debería ser comunicación… ¿por qué no se siente así? Porque muchas veces no es que tus estudiantes no quieran hablar o que no puedan, es que no tienen una razón real para hacerlo.En esta conversación me siento con dos
Re-Release Episode 27: Shake Up Your Classroom with My Top 5 Language Teaching Strategies and Activities from SCOLT 23
Send us Fan MailSCOLT is definitely one of my favorite conferences, and 2023 was a highlight. That is why I decided to re-release this and because you can get amazing activities you can do tomorrow in your class. Are you feeling bored and uninspired in your own language classroom? I'm not talking about your students, I'm talking about you. The truth is, we all need new ideas and fresh p
Episode 185: Interpersonal Communication That Works: Goals and Scaffolds for Silent Discussion (Part 2 with Chelsea Lawrence)
Send us Fan MailInterpersonal communication can feel like one of the hardest modes to teach. You plan the activity, set expectations… and then students give one-word answers, switch to their common language, or disengage altogether.But what if the problem isn’t your activity?In this second part of my conversation with Chelsea Lawrence, we build on our previous conversation in episode 163 and take
Episode 184: How to Decide What to Stop Caring About as a Language Teacher with Meredith White, Bethanie Drew and Maris Hawkins
Send us Fan MailHave you ever felt like you are doing everything, you’re running out of energy, and somehow, it still doesn’t feel like enough? In this episode of Growing With Proficiency The Podcast, I sit down with Meredith White, Bethanie Drew, and Maris Hawkins to have a real and honest conversation about something we don’t talk about enough: How do we decide what to stop caring about as teach
Re-Release Episode 163: Silent Discussions — A Simple Strategy to Boost Interpersonal Communication in Your Language Classes
Send us Fan MailI’m re-releasing this episode today because Silent Discussions have become one of the most powerful activities in my classroom. Recently, during a formal observation, my assistant principal watched my students fully engaged in a Silent Discussion for almost 30 minutes—reading, asking questions, responding to each other, and learning from their classmates.If you’ve been looking for
Episode 183: Dictation + Communication: How to Make Dictation Purposefully Communicative With Keith Toda
Send us Fan MailDictation is one of those classic activities many of us use in our language classes—but sometimes it can feel repetitive or not very communicative.In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I talk with Latin teacher Keith Toda about how a simple tweak can transform dictation into a purposefully communicative activity. We discuss how dictation supports comprehensible
Re-Release Episode 114: Talking about Listening Comprehension in World Language Education with Marta Ruiz Yedinek
Send us Fan MailJoin host Claudia Elliott in this insightful episode of 'Growing with Proficiency, the podcast,' as she delves into the importance of listening comprehension and skills in world language education with special guest, Marta Yedinek.Discover innovative strategies and the story behind the renowned podcast 'Cuéntame,' designed to aid Spanish learners. Claudia and Ma
Episodio 182: Comprensión auditiva en la clase de español: Estrategias y ciclo práctico para desarrollar el listening
Send us Fan MailLa comprensión auditiva es una de las habilidades más desafiantes para nuestros estudiantes… y muchas veces también para nosotros como docentes.En este episodio hablamos sobre cómo enseñar listening de manera intencional en la clase de español. Exploramos la diferencia entre el input oral que damos diariamente y un audio grabado, qué tipo de audios son más efectivos, y cómo crear u
Re-Release Episode 30: Low-Prep Activities and Three Pillars for High-Engagement in the World Language Class
Send us Fan MailAre you a language teacher looking for ways to engage your students? If you’re, you’re not alone. How to engage students is the most common question among teachers today, and that’s why I’m so excited about today's episode of Growing With Proficiency!Let's face it, even the most compelling and relevant unit won't make much of an impact if students aren't engag
Episode 181: 7 Steps to a Language-Rich, Interactive World Language Classroom with Sally Barnes
Send us Fan MailWhat if every student in your world language classroom was actively engaged, supported, and confident in using the target language?In this practical and inspiring conversation, Sally Barnes shares the powerful framework behind the 7 Steps to a Language-Rich, Interactive World Language Classroom. Rooted in research on comprehensible input, student engagement, and low-stress output,
Re-Release Episode 5: Managing Chatty Classes: 5 Strategies to Get World Language Students Actually LISTENING
Send us Fan MailNothing works if our students aren't truly listening, and I mean truly listening.Do you have that one class that pushes all your buttons? The chatty class where students talk over you, chat in English, and seem to tune out no matter what you try? I listened to this original episode again last week while dealing with my own challenging class, and it reminded me why this message
Episodio 180: Del Input al Output: Un Ciclo de Instrucción que Puedes Repetir
Send us Fan MailPlanear clases no debería sentirse agotador. Muchas veces el problema no es la falta de ideas, sino no tener una estructura clara que podamos repetir.En este episodio comparto un ciclo de instrucción del input al output que puedes usar con cualquier texto, tema o nivel. Un ciclo que te permite dejar de improvisar todos los días y empezar a enseñar con más intención.Hablo de:qué nec
Episode 179: How to Tell Stories So Students Actually Listen: What the Brain Says About Engagement with Erica Peplinski-Burge
Send us Fan MailWhy do some stories immediately capture students’ attention—while others lose them halfway through?In this episode of Growing With Proficiency, I sit down with Erica Peplinsky-Burge to explore what the brain tells us about storytelling, attention, and student engagement in the world language classroom.This conversation goes beyond “telling better stories.” We unpack why storytellin
Re-Release Episode 118: Low-Stress Assessments with AnneMarie Chase
Send us Fan MailSo many teachers ask the same questions:"How do you assess in a proficiency-driven classroom?""How do you grade without overwhelming students—or yourself?"And, "How do you keep assessment sustainable?"That’s why this episode is worth revisiting.In this re-released episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I sit down with AnneMarie Chase to talk
Re-release Episode 22: Making Interpersonal Communication Work: 5 Repeatable Activities That Build Real Conversation with Bethanie Drew
Send us Fan MailInterpersonal communication is what our students want most… and what many of us struggle to make happen without it turning into their common language in 10 seconds 😅In this re-released episode, I’m joined by a friend and outstanding educator and curriculum designer Bethanie Drew to break down five repeatable, low-prep interpersonal activities that build community and keep students
Episode 178: Adjusting & Personalizing Instruction: The Core Skill That Makes It Possible
Send us Fan Mail(Why one-size-fits-all lessons don’t work—and what to do instead)In this episode, I focus on what I consider the heart of acquisition-driven instruction: adjusting and personalizing what we do in class so all students can stay engaged, successful, and confident—without creating multiple lesson plans. If your classes include a wide range of proficiency levels, literacy skills, herit
Episode 177: How to Ask Better Questions in the World Language Classroom (Using 5-Minute Blocks)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Growing With Proficiency, we continue the series on how to build foundational skills for language acquisition in intentional 5-minute blocks.This episode focuses on one powerful — and often underestimated — skill: asking better questions.We know questions are essential for staying in the target language, checking comprehension, and personalizing instruction. But
Episodio 176: Las tres habilidades básicas para la adquisición de la lengua: Rutinas de 5 minutos para usar la lengua meta, hacer preguntas y personalizar
Send us Fan MailEn este episodio de Growing With Proficiency, hablo de tres habilidades esenciales para la adquisición de la lengua que sostienen nuestras clases comunicativas: maximizar el uso de la lengua meta, hacer preguntas que apoyen la comprensión y muevan la conservación y ajustar y personalizar el contenido.Pero, ¿cómo podemos cultivar estas habilidades sin que creemos una mayor carga de
Episode 175: How to Stay in the Target Language 5 Minutes At A Time (3 Easy Routines)
Send us Fan MailHappy New Year, profe 🎉 If you’re setting classroom goals for 2026—this episode is for you.So many language teachers want the same thing: use more target language, keep students engaged, and support acquisition… but “90% in the TL” can feel overwhelming.In this first episode of a 3-part mini-series, I’m sharing a more realistic approach: think in 5-minute moments. Because five minu
Re-Release Episode 14: 3 Strategies to Reclaim Your Time in the New Year From Lesson Planning to Taking Control of Your Inbox With Lisa Mchargue
Send us Fan MailDo you spend too much time lesson planning, searching for files, or managing your inbox—and still feel like you’re always behind?In this re-released episode of Growing With Proficiency, I’m joined by Lisa McCart to talk about how systems and organization can help teachers reclaim their time without adding more stress.Teachers spend hours every week redoing lessons, digging through
Re-Release Episode 126: Voice and Grow: Why End-of-Year Surveys Are a Must for Our Classes
Send us Fan MailAs the school year wraps up, there’s no better time to reflect—not just on what we think worked, but on how students experienced our class. In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m sharing how I use end-of-year surveys to gather meaningful feedback that helps me adjust my teaching and better meet my students’ needs.I’ll walk you through key survey questions tha
Episode 174 — Three Low-Stress December Activities That Still Give Students Input
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk about December. I’m sharing three low-stress activities that keep students engaged, help them revisit everything they’ve learned, and still give them meaningful input, even when their energy (and ours) is running low.These ideas have worked beautifully in my own classroom. My students stay focused, they collaborate, they read, they listen… and I get to step
Episode 173: Why Curiosity is Key for Motivation in Language Class: ACTFL Takeaways + Easy CI Strategies for December
Send us Fan MailIf you are exhausted this December and looking for simple, meaningful ways to keep your students engaged — this episode is your cafecito.I’m sharing what truly stood out at ACTFL this year, and spoiler alert: it wasn’t a new app, a new tech tool, or a shiny new curriculum. It was something much more human:✨ Curiosity + Safety = Motivation.In a powerful session with Samara Spielberg
Episodio 171 en español: Cómo mantener clases de español activas sin pasar horas planeando
Send us Fan Mail¿Te sientes que se te acabo la gasolina? ¿Tienes poco tiempo pero muchas ganas de que tus clases sigan vivas y activas? En este episodio te comparto 3 estrategias reales para que tus clases sean dinámicas, participativas y en español — sin que tengas que quedarte hasta tarde preparando cada día.Hablamos de:🎯 Preguntas personales y rutinas de entrada que activan la clase desde el mi
Re-Release Episode 130 — Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity in the Language Classroom: Practical Steps to Engage and Inspire
Send us Fan MailHave you ever felt disconnected from your passion for teaching — like you’re doing all the things but nothing seems to spark joy anymore? You’re not alone. In this re-released episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, we talk with Spanish teacher Mirna Deakle, who shares her journey of burnout, rediscovery, and finding her authentic voice in the language classroom.Mirna ope
Episode 171: Boost Comprehension and Engagement With ClipChat: A Guide for Language Teachers with Amy Marshall
Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever found yourself searching for an activity that is engaging, meaningful, and actually supports language acquisition, this episode is for you. Many of us want our students to feel confident understanding and using the language — without us spending hours planning something new every day.In this conversation, I’m joined by Amy Marshall, a world language teacher with over
Re-released Episodio 3 En español: Tres cambios que transformaron mi clase de español
Send us Fan MailEn este episodio, comparto uno de mis episodios favoritos en español sobre tres cambios fundamentales que transformaron mi clase y renovaron mi motivación como docente. Estos cambios surgieron a lo largo de 15 años en el aula y responden a una pregunta que muchas profes me hicieron recientemente: ¿Cómo construir una clase donde la conexión, la comunicación y la cultura sean el cent
Episode 170: How Do We Support Neurodivergent Learners in the World Language Classroom? Designing Inclusive Classrooms
Send us Fan MailA conversation with Wesley WoodWhat happens when we stop planning for the “average” learner and instead design our classrooms with neurodivergent students and students with disabilities in mind? In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by Wesley Wood, Disability Specialist at Georgetown University and former world language teacher, for a powerful and eye
Episode 169: How to Use Songs in the World Language Classroom (and Make Them Comprehensible) with Kara Jacobs
Send us Fan MailEvery world language teacher knows the power of music — but how do we move beyond karaoke Fridays and make songs truly comprehensible and meaningful for our learners? 🎵In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, host Claudia Elliott sits down with veteran teacher and blogger Kara Jacobs to unpack how she turns authentic songs and music videos into acquisition-rich, cu
Episode 10 Re-Release: Games That Get Students Talking with Christina Margiore
Send us Fan MailThere’s never a bad time of the year for a good game. Whether it’s November, May, or that wild week before a break — a well-chosen game can transform your classroom energy and boost your students’ confidence to use Spanish.In this re-release of one of the most-loved episodes of Growing With Proficiency, the Podcast, I sit down with Christina Margiore, a high-school Spanish teacher
Re-Release Episode 89: Discover 5 Games to Boost Engagement & Community in Your World Language Class with Profe Valentina and Carolina Gómez
Send us Fan MailAre you searching for low-prep games perfect for this busy time of year? Look no further! In this episode, join us as we welcome two incredible educators from Colombia, Profe Valentina and Carolina Gómez. They're here to share five engaging, low-prep games that are ideal for any classroom setting. These games are designed to boost engagement, foster community, review content,
Episode 168: How Can Task-Based Language Teaching Engage Students in Authentic Communication With Purpose? A conversation with Dr. Claudia Fernández
Send us Fan MailHave you ever noticed that some students struggle to see their progress in an acquisition-driven classroom?When your lessons focus on comprehensible input and communication, progress can feel invisible to students used to “right or wrong” answers. That’s why Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) can be such a game-changer.In this episode, I talk with Dr. Claudia Fernández, one of the
Episode 167: Rethinking Intermediate Classes with Comprehensible Input: A Conversation with Gary DiBianca
Send us Fan MailDoes comprehensible input still matter at the intermediate level? Absolutely. In this conversation with Gary DiBianca, he shares how he “levels up” intermediate classes by centering CI, intentionally modeling structures students can recycle (time frames, connectors, question stems), and layering authentic resources that stretch comprehension without overwhelming learners.You’ll hea
Episodio 166: Cómo Enseñar a Estudiantes de Herencia: Estrategias, Rutinas y Pilares para el Aula de Español
Send us Fan MailEn este episodio en español de Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, converso con la Dra. Marta Silva sobre un tema esencial para profes de español: cómo enseñar a estudiantes de herencia. Exploramos la diferencia entre clases de herencia y de segunda lengua, y por qué es clave replantear nuestros objetivos, pilares y rutinas para apoyar a estos estudiantes de manera auténtica.En
Re-Release of Episode 20: Class Jobs: Building Community, Boosting Engagement, and Saving Your Sanity
Send us Fan MailWhy am I re-releasing this episode? Because after a few weeks back in the classroom, I felt it again — that weight of doing everything myself: picking up pencils, erasing the board, answering endless “what did I miss?” emails. And I remembered… this episode holds the solution.In this powerful conversation with Annabelle Williamson (La Maestra Loca) and John Seifert, we dive deep in
Episode 165: Listening to Silence: How to Use It to Understand and Engage Your Students in the Language Classroom
Send us Fan MailSilence in the language classroom doesn’t mean students aren’t saying anything. Silence is information. In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, we explore why silence can be a valuable source of information and how teachers can use it to foster curiosity, lower risk, and create more meaningful engagement.You’ll learn: The 3 main reasons students don’t respond to
Episode 164: Are We Listening? Rethinking Accents, Comprehensibility, and Communication in Our Classrooms and Communities
Send us Fan MailAre errors or strong accents really blocking communication—or is it about how we listen? 🎧In this episode, I share why comments about my accent made me reflect on how we approach communication in our classrooms and in our teacher communities. Together, we’ll explore:Why the hidden goal of “sounding native” can get in the way of real communication.What research says about listening,
Episode 163: Silent Discussions: A Simple Strategy to Boost Interpersonal Communication in Your Language Classes
Send us Fan MailHave you ever felt like getting your students to really use the target language with each other is the hardest thing? You want them to share ideas, agree or disagree, and ask questions. But when the moment comes, silence takes over—or worse, they switch to English.In this episode, I sit down with my friend and incredible Spanish teacher, Chelsea Lawrence, to talk about a game-chang
Episode 162: Students Didn’t Meet Expectations? Why That’s Not the Real Problem
Send us Fan MailAs teachers, we’ve all been there—you’ve planned the lesson, you’ve given directions, and then… your students just don’t meet the expectations. Blank stares, missing homework, silence after a question. 😩But here’s the thing: maybe unmet expectations aren’t really the problem. In this episode, I sit down with Becca Silver, founder of The Whole Educator, to explore how shifting our m
Episodio 161: Momentos Auténticos Para Fomentar Interacciones en Español en Clase
Send us Fan MailSeguro te ha pasado: das tu clase en español con toda la energía, pero hay un silencio total. Esa desconexión cansa y desmotiva, porque lo que más deseamos como profes es escuchar a nuestros estudiantes usar el español de manera auténtica.En este episodio hablamos de cómo crear momentos auténticos en clase: oportunidades naturales y significativas para que los estudiantes reaccion
Episode 160: Routines That Stick: Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Maximize Target Language Use
Send us Fan MailSave time, reduce stress, and maximize target language use—because that’s how you create a sustainable school year, profe. 🌟In this episode, we’re diving into routines: those small but powerful structures that keep your class running smoothly. I’ll walk you through why they matter, the key mindset shifts to make them stick, and practical examples you can start using right away.Beca
Episode 159: How to Transform Open House Into a Trust-Building Moment
Send us Fan MailOpen House isn’t just about sharing rules—it’s your chance to build trust with parents, spark curiosity, and show them how their students can thrive in your class. In this episode, Claudia walks you through her 7–8 minute Open House plan, including what she skips, what she highlights, and how a simple Spanish “mini-lab” makes parents leave confident and excited about language learn
Episode 158: How to Boost Target Language Use with Routines, Play, and Student Connections
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Growing With Proficiency, I’m joined by my friends and fellow educators Annabelle Williamson (La Maestra Loca) and Elissa McLean to share our biggest takeaways from Conference in the Cloud.We talk about simple, high-impact strategies to help you use more target language in your classroom without adding stress:Routines that make Spanish (or any language) the defau
Episode 157: What Does It Really Mean to Teach for Acquisition? 3 Key Skills Every Language Teacher Needs
Send us Fan MailHow do we move from teaching about a language to using it to communicate—authentically, meaningfully, and joyfully?In this special live episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I sit down with two powerhouses in the world of language acquisition—Dr. Karen Lichtman and Jason Fritze—to answer a BIG question:👉 What does it actually mean to teach for acquisition?We explore wha
Episode 156: Planning With Purpose — A Conversation with Dr. Diane Neubauer & Dr. Reed Riggs
Send us Fan MailPlanning for acquisition isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Diane Neubauer and Dr. Reed Riggs for one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had about lesson planning in the world language classroom.We explore what it means to plan with purpose—centering curiosity, communication, and student connection instead of rigid
Episode 155: What Happened When I Taught My Students About Language Acquisition and Proficiency
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when students expect grammar charts, parents want vocabulary lists, and administrators walk in asking, “Why are YOU doing all the talking?” If you’ve felt that tension, this episode is for you.In this final episode of the Back to School Series, I share the exact lesson I use in the first week of school that changed a lot for me—how I shifted from feeling questioned and
Episode 154: What to Prioritize the First Week of School-Back to School Series
Send us Fan MailThe first week of school can feel like a whirlwind—there’s excitement, anticipation, and let’s be honest… pressure. What should you do first? What’s most important? And how can you make sure you’re setting up your students (and yourself!) for a successful, sustainable year?In this episode, I’m opening up about what I actually prioritize during that first week of school in my Spanis
Episode 153: Back To School Series: Planning a Sustainable Year in the World Language Classroom: Five Steps for Success
Send us Fan MailPlanning for a new school year can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to create a class centered on communication and proficiency, not grammar features. In this episode, I walk you through five intentional steps to help you map out your year with clarity and sustainability. You’ll learn how to prioritize compelling input, build a flexible curriculum map, and keep your
Episodio 152: 5 claves para comenzar el año escolar con claridad, conexión y sostenibilidad
Send us Fan Mail¿Tienes todo listo para un nuevo año escolar que no solo funcione, sino que se sienta bien? En este episodio te comparto las 5 claves esenciales para un regreso a clases intencional, humano y sostenible en tu clase de español.En vez de empezar en modo “supervivencia”, este año te invito a comenzar con claridad, conexión y propósito. Estas estrategias están pensadas para adaptarse a
Episode 151: Back to School in the World Language Classroom: 3 Pillars to Build a Sustainable Language Classroom
Send us Fan MailAs we step into a new school year, one word guides everything: sustainability.In this first episode of a 4-part summer series, I’m breaking down the key to a successful and sustainable language class—one that doesn't run on exhaustion. You’ll learn about the 3 essential pillars that create a joyful, communicative, and manageable classroom experience—plus the one critical consi
Episode 150: Teaching with ADHD: Real Talk, Tools, and Compassion with Annabelle Williamson & Bertha Delgadillo
Send us Fan MailThis episode is a different kind of conversation—one that goes beneath the surface and straight to the heart. 💛In this episode of Growing With Proficiency, the Podcast, I’m joined by two great friends and incredible educators, Annabelle Williamson (La Maestra Loca) and Bertha Delgadillo. Together, we open up about a topic that many teachers live with, often silently: teaching with
Episode 149: What to Do When Your School No Longer Feels Like a Safe Place
Send us Fan MailThis isn’t your typical episode about strategies or games. Today, we’re talking about something real, something we don’t say out loud enough in our teacher circles: What do you do when your school no longer feels like home?I’m joined by the amazing Kia D. London, a world language educator and returning guest, who opens up about the pain of leaving a school she once thought she’d re
Re-Release Episode 84: One of the Most Downloaded Episodes of Growing With Proficiency — The Power of Reading with Dr. Stephen Krashen
Send us Fan MailIn a season when we just can't do it all, having clarity about what truly impacts our students’ proficiency journey is key. And this episode? It's the one you’ll want to replay over and over again.This conversation with Dr. Stephen Krashen is one of the most downloaded episodes of the podcast—and for good reason. Dr. Krashen, the architect of the comprehensible input hypo
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