Best Claudia Elliott World Language Educator Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 167: Rethinking Intermediate Classes with Comprehensible Input: A Conversation with Gary DiBianca 53:46

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18h ago53:46

53:46

Send us a text Does 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 compr…

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Episodio 166: Cómo Enseñar a Estudiantes de Herencia: Estrategias, Rutinas y Pilares para el Aula de Español 1:01:50

4d ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Send us a text En 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 a…

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Re-Release of Episode 20: Class Jobs: Building Community, Boosting Engagement, and Saving Your Sanity 46:57

8d ago46:57

46:57

Send us a text Why 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 (…

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Episode 165: Listening to Silence: How to Use It to Understand and Engage Your Students in the Language Classroom 38:32

15d ago38:32

38:32

Send us a text Silence 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 lea…

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Episode 164: Are We Listening? Rethinking Accents, Comprehensibility, and Communication in Our Classrooms and Communities 27:26

22d ago27:26

27:26

Send us a text Are 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 rea…

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Episode 163: Silent Discussions: A Simple Strategy to Boost Interpersonal Communication in Your Language Classes 54:26

29d ago54:26

54:26

Send us a text Have 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 tea…

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Episode 162: Students Didn’t Meet Expectations? Why That’s Not the Real Problem 30:42

1M ago30:42

30:42

Send us a text As 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…

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Episodio 161: Momentos Auténticos Para Fomentar Interacciones en Español en Clase 28:59

1M ago28:59

28:59

Send us a text Seguro 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…

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Episode 160: Routines That Stick: Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Maximize Target Language Use 39:57

1M ago39:57

39:57

Send us a text Save 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 prac…

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Episode 159: How to Transform Open House Into a Trust-Building Moment 18:24

2M ago18:24

18:24

Send us a text Open 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…

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Episode 158: How to Boost Target Language Use with Routines, Play, and Student Connections 24:50

2M ago24:50

24:50

Send us a text In 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: Rou…

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Episode 157: What Does It Really Mean to Teach for Acquisition? 3 Key Skills Every Language Teacher Needs 45:35

2M ago45:35

45:35

Send us a text How 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 ac…

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Episode 156: Planning With Purpose — A Conversation with Dr. Diane Neubauer & Dr. Reed Riggs 1:03:44

2M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Send us a text Planning 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, comm…

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Episode 155: What Happened When I Taught My Students About Language Acquisition and Proficiency 29:05

3M ago29:05

29:05

Send us a text What 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 lo…

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Episode 154: What to Prioritize the First Week of School-Back to School Series 34:49

3M ago34:49

34:49

Send us a text The 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 priori…

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Episode 153: Back To School Series: Planning a Sustainable Year in the World Language Classroom: Five Steps for Success 30:02

3M ago30:02

30:02

Send us a text Planning 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 inpu…

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Episodio 152: 5 claves para comenzar el año escolar con claridad, conexión y sostenibilidad 49:46

3M ago49:46

49:46

Send us a text ¿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.…

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Episode 151: Back to School in the World Language Classroom: 3 Pillars to Build a Sustainable Language Classroom 56:56

3M ago56:56

56:56

Send us a text As 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 cla…

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Episode 150: Teaching with ADHD: Real Talk, Tools, and Compassion with Annabelle Williamson & Bertha Delgadillo 1:02:47

4M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Send us a text This 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 …

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Episode 149: What to Do When Your School No Longer Feels Like a Safe Place 39:41

4M ago39:41

39:41

Send us a text This 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 …

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Re-Release Episode 84: One of the Most Downloaded Episodes of Growing With Proficiency — The Power of Reading with Dr. Stephen Krashen 38:31

4M ago38:31

38:31

Send us a text In 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 ar…

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Re-Release Episode 37: Discover the Power of the S.T.E.P. Protocol for Your Language Class 16:17

4M ago16:17

16:17

Send us a text In this re-released episode, I'm sharing one of the most powerful practices I started a few years ago—and yes, I still use it today! It's called the S.T.E.P. Forward Protocol, a simple yet transformative 4-step process to help you reflect, reset, and refocus your teaching at any point in the year. In this episode, I break down each p…

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Re-Release Episode 35: Easy, Fun, Low-Prep Games for the End of the Year (with Dahiana Castro) 32:38

5M ago32:38

32:38

Send us a text There’s nothing like a good game to bring life back into your classroom—especially when everyone (including you) is counting down the days to summer 🌞. In this conversation, I’m joined by my friend and amazing teacher, Dahiana Castro, to talk about simple, low-prep, and super engaging games you can use right now—yes, even if you feel…

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Re-Release Episode 94: Card Talk with a Twist: An Activity That Builds Community and Boosts Comprehension 14:42

5M ago14:42

14:42

Send us a text Are 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 activit…

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Episode 148: Avoiding Teacher Burnout: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner 33:53

5M ago33:53

33:53

Send us a text Are you ending the year feeling tired, disconnected, or wondering if all your hard work made a difference? In this episode, I’m opening up about five things I wish I had known earlier in my teaching career — before burnout crept in. These aren’t just reflective lessons; they’re practical shifts that helped me move from survival mode …

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Episode 147: How to Turn End-of-Year Assessments Into a Celebration of Growth 30:15

5M ago30:15

30:15

Send us a text Do your assessments reflect the full journey your students have taken with you this year? In this episode, I reflect on how end-of-year assessments can do more. They can be an opportunity to celebrate all the meaningful interactions, cultural insights, and personal growth that have happened in our classrooms. Inspired by a powerful q…

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Episodio 146 – Planear con propósito: Cómo diseñar una unidad comunicativa paso a paso 31:33

5M ago31:33

31:33

Send us a text ¿Quieres planear tu próxima unidad sin caer en el “más de lo mismo”? En este episodio te llevo paso a paso por cómo diseño una unidad comunicativa, usando el idioma como vehículo para explorar el mundo, no como el objetivo en sí. Te comparto el marco de Creciendo con Competencia que utilizo —un enfoque que va más allá de enseñar estr…

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Episode 145: Read and Draw with a Twist: The Power of Hieroglyphics in Comprehension 20:16

5M ago20:16

20:16

Send us a text In this episode of Growing with Proficiency, we dive into a creative twist on the classic Read and Draw activity that takes student comprehension to the next level! We share an innovative classroom strategy that transforms how students engage with texts, using hieroglyphics-inspired symbols to boost memory, collaboration, and creativ…

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Episode 144: How to Use AI to Support World Language Classes (Without Losing the Purpose) 30:52

6M ago30:52

30:52

Send us a text AI tools are popping up everywhere — but can we use them in a way that still aligns with second language acquisition and communication-centered teaching? In this episode, I’m walking you through how I use AI — especially ChatGPT — in my Spanish classroom without losing the heart of what we do as CI teachers. I’ll share the 5 tools I …

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Episode 143: Picture Talk Reimagined – 5 Ways to Make It Sustainable and Student-Led 21:46

6M ago21:46

21:46

Send us a text Welcome back to Growing With Proficiency The Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into Picture Talk—a classic strategy that many of us use occasionally… but what if it became part of your weekly routine? When reimagined as a sustainable and student-led practice, Picture Talk can provide meaningful input, spark student curiosity,…

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Episode 142: Building Joy, Connection, and Sustainability in Language Classes: Insights from a CI Teacher Panel 47:51

6M ago47:51

47:51

Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by three brilliant educators—Donna Tatum-Johns, Justin Slocum Bailey, and Erika Peplinski-Burge—for a real, honest, and insightful conversation straight from the heart of CI Mitten. Together, we answer 6 of the most common questions world language teachers ask, like…

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Episodio 141: Estaciones y Rotaciones: Estrategias para un Cierre de Año con Más Autonomía y Menos Agotamiento 22:48

6M ago22:48

22:48

Send us a text ¿Sientes que el fin de año escolar viene lleno de cansancio y falta de energía? 😮‍💨 En este episodio, te comparto dos estructuras que han transformado mis clases en esta época: las estaciones y las rotaciones. Te explico cómo implementarlas paso a paso, qué tipo de actividades funcionan mejor, cómo organizar el tiempo, y cómo usar tu…

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Episode 140: From Reading to Assessment — 4 Classroom Strategies from SCOLT (Part 2) 35:14

6M ago35:14

35:14

Send us a text Last week in Episode 139, I shared the 4 biggest takeaways from SCOLT — and today, I’m showing you how those ideas come to life with 4 powerful classroom strategies grounded in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research. 💡 In this episode, I’m breaking down 4 engaging, easy-to-implement strategies that are already working right now i…

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Episode 139: The Heart Behind the Strategy: My 4 Biggest Takeaways from SCOLT 2025 22:57

7M ago22:57

22:57

Send us a text Have you ever needed a reminder of why this work matters? In this episode, I’m sharing the powerful moments from SCOLT 2025 that filled my teacher heart — and why what we do in the classroom matters just as much as how we make students feel. From hallway conversations to keynote quotes that made me tear up, this episode goes beyond s…

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Re-Release: Episode 49: Star Student Interview – Centering Our Students Despite Restrictions 49:41

7M ago49:41

49:41

Send us a text With new regulations restricting what we can and cannot teach, many of us are left wondering: How can we continue to support ALL of our students while creating a safe and inclusive classroom? That’s exactly why I’m re-releasing this episode on the Star Student Interview—one of the most powerful and adaptable strategies for centering …

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Re-Release Episode 73: Engaging Students and Encouraging Talking in the Target Language with Erica Peplinski-Burge and Justin Slocum Bailey 54:45

7M ago54:45

54:45

Send us a text Seeking ways to encourage student talking and boost engagement in the target language, without forcing output? If you're wondering, 'How can I get my students talking more in class in a natural and engaging way?' then this episode is a must-listen for you. Join me for a powerful conversation with Erica Peplinski-Burge and Justin Sloc…

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Episode 138: Structuring Output Activities for Language Learners: Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference Takeaways (Part 2) 27:58

7M ago27:58

27:58

Send us a text As language teachers, supporting and facilitating student output can be both rewarding and challenging. We know how excited students feel when they see what they can write and say in the target language. At the same time, we often view output as evidence of acquisition—yet that’s not necessarily the case. Many times, students' output…

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Episodio 137: Leyendo con Lupa: Cómo Representamos a la Mujer en la Clase de Español con Adriana Ramírez y Margarita Pérez García 44:14

7M ago44:14

44:14

Send us a text ¿Cómo representamos a la mujer en nuestra clase de español? ¿Qué historias contamos y qué estereotipos perpetuamos sin darnos cuenta? En este episodio especial por el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer, conversamos con Adriana Ramírez y Margarita Pérez García sobre la representación de la mujer en los materiales educativos y cómo podemos…

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Re-Release Episode 77: Enhancing World Language Classes with Music: Discover March Madness for Boosting Student Engagement 35:46

8M ago35:46

35:46

Send us a text Are you on the lookout for effective strategies to enhance engagement in your world language classes? Join us in this episode as we explore the power of incorporating music into language learning with Justin from Spanish Plans. We delve into March Madness, a dynamic approach to using music that has significantly boosted student inter…

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Episode 136: Brain Breaks, Map Talk, and Storytelling: Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference Takeaways (Part 1) 26:51

8M ago26:51

26:51

Send us a text Have you ever felt like you’re running low on energy in your classroom? Maybe you’ve been wondering how to bring more movement, engagement, and joy into your lessons. In this special episode, I’m sharing my biggest takeaways from the Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference! This is Part 1 of a two-part series, and today, we’re div…

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Episode 135: Revisiting the Foundations of Language Acquisition with Dr. Bill VanPatten 46:41

8M ago46:41

46:41

Send us a text February can be tough. We’re not just physically exhausted—we’re emotionally drained. The weight of our classrooms, our students, and everything happening in our communities can make us lose sight of what truly matters in language teaching. That’s why I’m bringing back this incredible conversation with Dr. Bill VanPatten. When we’re …

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Episode 134: Embedded Reading: A Powerful Strategy to Boost Comprehension and Confidence with Laurie Clarcq and Michele Whaley 57:14

8M ago57:14

57:14

Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Laurie Clarcq and Michele Whaley, the pioneers of Embedded Reading, to explore how this powerful strategy can transform language learning and boost student confidence in reading. Together, we break down the step-by-step process of Embedded Reading …

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Episodio 133: Prácticas Inclusivas En Nuestras Clases Con Kodi Rain 40:50

8M ago40:50

40:50

Send us a text En este episodio de Growing With Proficiency, The Podcast, nos acompaña Kodi Rain, docente de español y coautor de Los viernes de películas, para conversar sobre cómo podemos crear un entorno de aprendizaje seguro para nuestro alumnado. Hablamos sobre estrategias para fomentar la inclusión en nuestras clases, asegurándonos de que el …

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Episode 132: How to Build Cultural and Intercultural Competence in Language Classrooms: Strategies to Foster Connection and Empathy with Cécile Lainé 50:20

8M ago50:20

50:20

Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Cécile Lainé to explore how to build cultural and intercultural competence in language classrooms—especially at the novice level. Together, we discuss practical strategies to move beyond surface-level cultural facts and create meaningful, authentic op…

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Episode 131: Understanding the 2024 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines with Maris Hawkins 53:34

9M ago53:34

53:34

Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency The Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Maris Hawkins to unpack the 2024 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. These updated guidelines offer teachers a clearer and more actionable framework to understand and support students’ language development. From the introduction of the FACT framework to…

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Episode 130: Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity in the Language Classroom: Practical Steps to Engage and Inspire 54:50

9M ago54:50

54:50

Send us a text Have you ever felt disengaged or disconnected from your passion for teaching? In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, Claudia Elliott invites outstanding Spanish teacher Mirna Deakle to share her journey of finding her authentic voice in the classroom. Mirna opens up about how she overcame burnout by centering her c…

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Re-release Episode 75: Strategies for Fostering Listening in Group and Pair Work 38:21

9M ago38:21

38:21

Send us a text How can we ensure that students not only talk but also listen to each other in group and pair activities, fostering a vibrant classroom discourse community? In this episode, we talk about a crucial aspect of building a classroom discourse community — not just encouraging students to speak but also to listen attentively to one another…

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Estructuras Efectivas en el Aula: Desde la Instrucción Colectiva hasta el Trabajo Individual para Maximizar el Compromiso 34:35

9M ago34:35

34:35

Send us a text ¿Sientes que el compromiso de tus estudiantes no es el que esperabas? ¿Notas fatiga tanto en ellos como en ti cuando utilizas las mismas estrategias una y otra vez? En este episodio, te comparto cómo usar tres diferentes estructuras de instrucción para mantener a los estudiantes más comprometidos y participativos. Descubre cómo alter…

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Episode 128: Your Ultimate Plan for the First Day Back: Build Connections, Inspire Resolutions, and Foster Communication 24:30

9M ago24:30

24:30

Send us a text Start the year grounded in what truly matters. In this episode, I’m sharing my first-day-back lesson plan that focuses on my three pillars: staying comprehensible, building connections, and fostering communication. These pillars keep us centered on our ultimate goal: facilitating meaningful language acquisition while creating a class…

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Episode 127: Joy and Justice in Education with 2021 U.S. Teacher of the Year Juliana Urtubey 33:26

10M ago33:26

33:26

Send us a text What if we recognized language learners as linguistically gifted individuals, rich in stories, knowledge, and potential? In this powerful conversation, Juliana Urtubey, 2021 U.S. Teacher of the Year, shares her inspiring framework of Joy and Justice in Education. Rooted in her experience as a bilingual special education teacher, Juli…