Welcome to Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast! Are you a World Language teacher who is looking for ideas, strategies, activities, and inspiration to create a World Language class where you and your students enjoy using the language to learn about the world and each other? Do you want to transform your class into an acquisition-driven instruction space where you intentionally provide a ton of comprehensible input? If you are, you're in the right place. Let's start this journey together. He ...
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A podcast for language teachers and learners hosted by Dr. Liam Printer talking all things education, languages, motivation and engagement; linking current educational research to your classroom practice and providing a few ideas for some easy to implement, zero-prep, motivational strategies you can try out right away! Join the conversation on social media using #MotivatedClassroom. I'd love to know what you think so please get in touch. Full programme notes available on www.liamprinter.com/ ...
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My name is Erik Fleming. I am an African American native of Chicago. I have had the privilege of being an elected official in the Deep South. Therefore I created this podcast to express my unique take on politics, as well as encouraging black excellence in leadership. This podcast was a 2021 and 2024 Black Podcasting Awards Nominee for Best Black News & Politics Podcast and with your support, this podcast will continue to be an uplifting experience and a strong voice in our American politica ...
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Safer Communities & Hidden Crucibles Featuring Cassie Owens and Claudia Rowe
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2:11:16In this episode, Cassie Owens, Program Manager for Free Press, explains the importance, and the process, of developing a code of ethics for journalists in Philadelphia. Then, author Claudia Rowe discusses her new book, Wards of the State, which goes into detail about our broken foster care system.By Erik R Fleming
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Re-Release Episode 35: Easy, Fun, Low-Prep Games for the End of the Year (with Dahiana Castro)
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32:38Send 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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Ending Racism & Maternal Mortality Featuring Jane Elliott and Alexandra Smalls
1:40:33
1:40:33
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1:40:33As we commemorate Memorial Day, this episode highlights two women who are advocates for a better and safer society. The legendary educator Jane Elliott makes the case for all of us to change our thinking about race, while Alexandra Smalls, founder of Chosen Children Doula Services, explains her work and how it is important in mitigating maternal mo…
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127 ¦ Part One - What I learned from watching six weeks of CI classes in three different countries with Jonathan McBride
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34:59In this episode I am joined by the wonderful, Jonathan McBride, for Part one of a two-part special series. Jonny and I met at The Agen Workshop in 2023. He teaches German and French in a state school in Scotland and he secured funding to go and spend six weeks watching three different CI teachers in three different countries in 2024: Me (Liam Print…
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Re-Release Episode 94: Card Talk with a Twist: An Activity That Builds Community and Boosts Comprehension
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14:42Send 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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Education Is The Passport To The Future Featuring Misasha Suzuki Graham and Dr. Tammy Greer
2:25:37
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2:25:37In the spirit of Malcolm X on his 100th birthday, this episode highlights two women, Misasha Suzuki Graham and Dr. Tammy Greer, who have, respectively, dedicated their lives to educating the masses to lead us to a better future.By Erik R Fleming
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Episode 148: Avoiding Teacher Burnout: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner
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33:53Send 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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Justice & Parenting Featuring Nekima Levy-Armstrong and Janice Robinson-Celeste
1:50:29
1:50:29
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1:50:29In this episode, Nekima Levy-Armstrong, founder of the Racial Justice Network, talks about her journey for justice from Mississippi to Minneapolis. Then, Janice Robinson-Celeste, founder of the Successful Black Parenting Magazine, discusses the challenges of Black Parenting and Black Entrepreneurship.…
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Episode 147: How to Turn End-of-Year Assessments Into a Celebration of Growth
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30:15Send 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
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31:33Send 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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100 Days Later Featuring Julia Ismael, Sean Miller, Melba Pearson, and Dr. Tracy Pearson
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2:54:10In this episode, Julia Ismael, founder of The Equity Consortium, Sean Miller, founder of the Liberty Policy Alliance, and The Podcast Law Firm of Pearson & Pearson (Melba and Dr. Tracy) offer their assessments of President Trump’s first 100 days of his second term.By Erik R Fleming
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Episode 145: Read and Draw with a Twist: The Power of Hieroglyphics in Comprehension
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20:16Send 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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Bipartisanship & Revival Featuring Jordan Colvin, Bremond MacDougall and Lisa Cooper
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2:11:02In this episode, political analyst and governmental affairs professional Jordan Colvin talks about the importance of bipartisanship. Then, Bremond MacDougall and Lisa Cooper announce the release of the inaugural books from their publishing company, Quite Literally Books.By Erik R Fleming
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Episode 144: How to Use AI to Support World Language Classes (Without Losing the Purpose)
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30:52Send 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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Creative & Ethical Activism Featuring Denise Love Hewett and Wendell Wallach
1:57:38
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1:57:38In this episode, the multi-talented Denise Love Hewett talks about the intersection between creativity, leadership and activism and Wendell Wallach, “the Godfather of AI Ethics”, discusses the many challenges in the expanding world of artificial intelligence.By Erik R Fleming
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Episode 143: Picture Talk Reimagined – 5 Ways to Make It Sustainable and Student-Led
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21:46Send 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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Volatile Times Featuring Alan Elrod, Zaha Hassan, Lara Friedman, and Rick Roberts
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1:51:51In this episode, Alan Elrod, Founder of The Pulaski Institution, discusses the importance of improving political discourse and outreach. Then, Zaha Hassan, Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Lara Friedman, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, lay out the current challenges for the people of Gaza and Palestin…
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Episode 142: Building Joy, Connection, and Sustainability in Language Classes: Insights from a CI Teacher Panel
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47:51Send 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
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22:48Send 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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Hope Overcomes Challenge Featuring Edward L. Jones III and Tonya McKenzie
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2:01:51In this episode, Edward L. Jones III talks about his new book, Medication, Mental Illness and Murder, and offers his critiques on mental health, criminal justice and Big Pharma. Then, Tonya McKenzie, Founder of Sand & Shores, discusses her activism work concerning gun violence and drug addiction, as well as the importance of storytelling in advocac…
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Episode 140: From Reading to Assessment — 4 Classroom Strategies from SCOLT (Part 2)
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35:14Send 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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The Disruptors Featuring Christian F. Nunes and Lorissa Rinehart
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1:44:00In this episode commemorating Women’s History Month, Christian F. Nunes, President of NOW, and author/historian Lorissa Rinehart explain how history, activism and assurance can be disruptive forces for change, from their own perspective.By Erik R Fleming
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Episode 139: The Heart Behind the Strategy: My 4 Biggest Takeaways from SCOLT 2025
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22:57Send 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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The Wealth Academy Featuring Jasmine and Ellis Suazo
1:47:18
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1:47:18In this episode, Jasmine and Ellis Suazo, founders of The Wealth Academy, talk about the impact their business has in building wealth for the African American community.By Erik R Fleming
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Re-Release: Episode 49: Star Student Interview – Centering Our Students Despite Restrictions
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49:41Send 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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Fall If You Will, But Rise You Must Featuring Samuel Ashworth and Dr. Ted Williams III
2:24:14
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2:24:14In this episode, Samuel Ashworth, Professor of Creative Writing at George Washington University, talks about his new book, The Death and Life of August Sweeney, in an innovative way. Then, Dr. Ted Williams III, a Chicago educator, actor, and activist, discusses the importance of the arts in activism and makes the case for reparations toward African…
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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
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54:45Send 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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A Quiet Life & How To Raise A Citizen Featuring Will Cooper, Michael McKinley and Lindsey Cormack
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1:41:29In this episode, friend of the podcast Will Cooper appears with his collaborator Michael McKinley to talk about the new cyber thriller book they co-authored, A Quiet Life. Then author and political science professor Lindsey Cormack discusses the importance of raising informed citizens in our democracy.…
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Episode 138: Structuring Output Activities for Language Learners: Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference Takeaways (Part 2)
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27:58Send 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
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44:14Send 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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The 6888th & Title IX Featuring Kevin Hymel and Kristin Couch
2:10:04
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2:10:04In this episode, Military Historian Kevin Hymel talks about how his article on the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion became a Tyler Perry-directed motion picture. Then Kristin Couch, Associate Director for Title IX & Compliance at Spelman College, explains the importance of Title IX programs and what impact the dissolution of the U. S. Depa…
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Re-Release Episode 77: Enhancing World Language Classes with Music: Discover March Madness for Boosting Student Engagement
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35:46Send 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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Triumphant Men Featuring Mark Talley and Mike Nellis
1:57:39
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1:57:39In this episode, Mark Talley, Executive Director of Agents for Advocacy, and Mike Nellis, CEO of AUTHENTIC, talk about their personal journeys, triumphs and their views on our current political climate.By Erik R Fleming
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126 ¦ Turn and Talk: Tweaking a classic activity for maximum engagement
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31:07Episode 126 is all about Turn and Talk: A classic activity we all do in our classrooms to encourage student discussion, participation and idea generation... but, it can sometimes fall flat, or kids end up speaking about something else entirely or we don't get that engagement we are looking for. In this episode I take youe through a few tiny tweaks …
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Episode 136: Brain Breaks, Map Talk, and Storytelling: Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference Takeaways (Part 1)
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26:51Send 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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Truth & Faith Featuring David Daley and Jeanné Lewis
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1:47:57In this episode, David Daley, author of AntiDemocratic, explains to the listeners how we arrived in the current political environment we are dealing with. Then, Jeanné Lewis, CEO of Faith In Public Life, explains to the listeners how we can navigate through that political environment.By Erik R Fleming
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Episode 135: Revisiting the Foundations of Language Acquisition with Dr. Bill VanPatten
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46:41Send 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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Redemption & Resistance Featuring Rev. John Lee Hooker, Jr. and MiDian Shofner
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2:05:49In this episode, Rev. John Lee Hooker, Jr., author of From the Shadow of the Blues, talks about his legacy and his inspirational redemption. Then, MiDian Shofner, CEO of The Epitome of Black Excellence & Partnership, updates us on the continuing struggle for justice in Aurora, Colorado, a microcosm of our national struggle.…
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Episode 134: Embedded Reading: A Powerful Strategy to Boost Comprehension and Confidence with Laurie Clarcq and Michele Whaley
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57:14Send 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
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40:50Send 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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In this, the first episode of Season 11, I commemorate 60 years of life in the United States of America and why I will continue to fight for our freedom and progress, in spite of the challenges. I will also present a special surprise for the listeners.By Erik R Fleming
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125 ¦ Supporting language teachers' sustained motivation until retirement with Prof. Åsta Haukås
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37:30I had the pleasure of being joined on this episode by esteemed Åsta Haukås, a professor of language education at the University of Bergen, Norway. Her research focuses on improving students' ability to learn multiple languages and supporting language teachers' motivation and professional development. It was great to learn from Prof. Haukås about la…
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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
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50:20Send 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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The Iconist & The Advocate Featuring Jamie Mustard and Dawne Troupe
1:57:58
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1:57:58In this, the last episode of Season 10, Jamie Mustard, author of The Iconist, discusses his book and the science of standing out in this modern world. Then, Dawne Troupe, Advocacy Director for the Community Opportunity Alliance, explains the importance of affordable housing and financial literacy, especially for African Americans.…
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Episode 131: Understanding the 2024 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines with Maris Hawkins
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53:34Send 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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Going Forward Featuring Ianta Summers and Dr. Reneé Carr
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1:28:43In this episode, Ianta Summers, CEO of Summers Public Affairs, and Dr. Reneé Carr, licensed psychologist and host of the Politics & Psychology podcast, offer their perspectives on how we, as African Americans, go forward during this period in American politics.By Erik R Fleming
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Episode 130: Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity in the Language Classroom: Practical Steps to Engage and Inspire
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54:50Send 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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A Thoughtful Conversation Featuring Shalonda Spencer
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1:29:05In this episode, political commentator and policy analyst Shalonda Spencer offers her thoughtful insight on the 2024 election and what direction the Democratic Party, as well as the Nation, needs to go.By Erik R Fleming
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Re-release Episode 75: Strategies for Fostering Listening in Group and Pair Work
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38:21Send 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
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34:35Send 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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