#238

Do you want to deepen your practice as a world language teacher and sharpen your skills around proficiency? In today’s episode, we’re exploring a way to do just that through the lens of National Board Certification. I’m joined by Erin E.H. Austin, a French teacher in Colorado, and Lisa Bartels, a French teacher in North Carolina. They are both National Board Certified Teachers. Together, we’ll break down why the process is especially beneficial for language teachers and what it actually looks like to go through the process, step by step.

Topics in this Episode:

• what National Board Certification is and how it is different from state certification
• why world language teachers should consider pursuing National Board Certification and the professional benefits
• how the certification process impacts teachers and their classroom practice
• who a good candidate for National Board Certification is
• what the National Board Certification process look like for a world language teacher and the part of the process that tends to feel most challenging for language teachers
• what teachers can realistically expect in terms of timeline, time commitment, and cost and how teachers can plan strategically so the process feels manageable
• Erin and Lisa's Book: Achieving National Board Certification in World Languages, Proven Strategies and Tips for Accomplished Teaching. 20% discount code : 25AFLY4 (valid through the end of March 2026)

Connect with Erin E.H. Austin:

• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• BlueSky
• Website: onygomadame.com

Connect with Lisa Bartels:

• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter/X
• Website: explorecurriculum.com

A Few Ways We Can Work Together:

• Ready For Tomorrow Quick Win PD for Individual Teachers
• On-Site or Virtual Workshops for Language Departments
• Self-Paced Program for For Language Departments

Connect With Me & The World Language Classroom Community:

• Website: wlclassrom.com
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook Group: World Language Classroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• LinkedIn: Joshua Cabral
• Bluesky: /wlclassroom.bsky.socia
• X (Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#237

What keeps students coming back to your language program each year? Especially when graduation requirements, scheduling and competing electives are pulling them in other directions? This is the second episode in our advocacy series. Last week I looked at local, state and national efforts. Today we are in the classroom. I’m joined by Ann LeClair-Ash, a National Board Certified French teacher in Milton, Georgia. We move beyond “convincing students to stay” and dig into designing programs students want to be part of. We look at what advocacy looks like in daily practice in our classrooms. If enrollment trends have you worried, this conversation offers practical steps and genuine hope grounded in real classroom experience.

Topics in this Episode:

• factors that influence whether students choose to continue with a language beyond the required level
• classroom practices or program-level decisions that make a real difference in helping students feel connected, successful, and excited to keep going
• what advocacy for retention looks like when it’s embedded in classroom culture, student voice, and everyday interactions
• mindset shifts or actionable steps that help teachers build momentum for their language programs
• designing learning experiences that students want to be part of
• JNCL (Joint National Committee for Languages) and NCLIS (National Council for Languages and International Studies)
• Language Advocacy Days
• ACTFL’s Advocacy Resource Center

Connect with Ann LeClair-Ash:

• Instagram: madame_leclair_ash
• LinkedIn: Ann LeClair-Ash
• Email: AshAnn@fultonschools.org
• Website

A Few Ways We Can Work Together:

• Ready For Tomorrow Quick Win PD for Individual Teachers
• On-Site or Virtual Workshops for Language Departments
• Self-Paced Program for For Language Departments

Connect With Me & The World Language Classroom Community:

• Website: wlclassrom.com
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook Group: World Language Classroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• LinkedIn: Joshua Cabral
• Bluesky: /wlclassroom.bsky.socia
• X (Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#236

Curious how language programs thrive even with tight budgets and shifting graduation rules? In this episode, I share insights from conversations at the Klett World Languages booth at ACTFL. We’ll explore why language learning matters, from building communication and literacy skills to preparing students for future careers. I share practical, actionable strategies teachers can use to advocate for their programs locally, at the state level, and even federally. Stick around for tips you can put into action this week.

Topics in this Episode:

• JNCL (Joint National Committee for Languages) and NCLIS (National Council for Languages and International Studies)
• Language Advocacy Days
• Why Language Learning Matters
  • Communication skills
  • Cognitive and academic benefits
  • Student confidence and engagement
  • National and workforce relevance
• Themes from ACTFL Conversations
  • Challenges
  • Success stories
  • Attitudes and mindsets
• Concrete Advocacy Strategies
  • Local advocacy
  • State and Federal-level
• Supporting Professional Associations
• Overcoming Common Obstacles
  • Language isn’t core content
  • Small enrollment / low demand
  • Advocacy feels like extra work
• Here’s what you can do this week:
  • Visit ACTFL’s Advocacy Resource Center and pick one tool to use.
    Identify a program goal — graduation requirement, Seal of Biliteracy, or enrollment growth — and start building a local coalition.
  • Share your program’s successes with administrators, parents, and policymakers — focus on outcomes and skills, not ideology.
  • Consider joining or renewing membership in professional associations to support advocacy efforts at the state and national level.

A Few Ways We Can Work Together:

• Ready For Tomorrow Quick Win PD for Individual Teachers
• On-Site or Virtual Workshops for Language Departments
• Self-Paced Program for For Language Departments

Connect With Me & The World Language Classroom Community:

• Website: wlclassrom.com
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook Group: World Language Classroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• LinkedIn: Joshua Cabral
• Bluesky: /wlclassroom.bsky.socia
• X (Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.