Best Spanish Language Student/Teacher Podcasts (2025)

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

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5h 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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The Role of Grammar in Your Proficiency-Oriented Classroom 33:27

7h ago33:27

33:27

Send us a text Grammar—the eternal battleground of language education. Is it the foundation of language learning or a distraction from real communication? In this eye-opening exploration, we cut through decades of misinformation to reveal what research actually shows about grammar's role in language acquisition. Drawing directly from ACTFL's guidin…

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Breaking Barriers in Youth Exchange Programs: How One Former Teacher is Making Cultural Immersion Accessible to All Students 25:55

5d ago25:55

25:55

Show Notes Episode Overview: In this inspiring episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks, hosts Alexander and Cheryl Johnson explore the transformative power of international youth exchange programs and the critical need to make these life-changing experiences accessible to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances. Featured Guest Cheryl Jo…

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Assessment & Feedback: Supporting Growth, Not Just Grades 29:50

1d ago29:50

29:50

#216 Are your assessments really capturing what your students can do with the language? Or are they just measuring memorization and correctness? In today’s episode, we’re diving into what it looks like to assess for performance and proficiency. I’ll share tips for aligning tasks to the modes of communication, using Can Do Statements to drive growth…

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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

5d 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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3 Strategies to Make Grammar Your Friend, Not Your Boss - Proficiency-Based Grammar Instruction 35:48

7d ago35:48

35:48

Send us a text The proper role of grammar in proficiency-oriented instruction requires a mindset shift from traditional approaches to one that aligns with what research tells us about language acquisition. Watch the episode on youtube here: https://youtu.be/zo1ys4aCh5A • Grammar isn't driving your language program—it has the snacks while you decide…

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Exploring St. Croix: Must-Know Island Living and Travel Secrets 44:12

12d ago44:12

44:12

Show Notes: In this episode, we take you on a journey to St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and a true Caribbean hidden gem. From its rich history as a former sugar plantation powerhouse to stunning natural attractions and vibrant local culture, St. Croix offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveler. What you'll discover i…

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Boost Interpersonal Speaking Skills at All Levels 22:04

11d ago22:04

22:04

#215 Do your students freeze up during partner conversations? Rely on memorized phrases? Default to English? It’s not just your students, I assure you, and the issue isn’t their ability, it’s the way we structure the speaking task. In this episode, I’ll show you how to get students talking, really communicating, no matter their proficiency level. Y…

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S2. E28. El teatre i el cinema - Podem parlar del que ens agrada? - Intermediate Catalan 36:36

8d ago36:36

36:36

Send us a text In this episode we dive into the world of theatre and cinema in Catalan! You’ll learn how to talk about plays, films, and musicals, plus how to describe your favourite genres — from comedies and dramas to horror and fantasy. We’ll also explore some key vocabulary for theatre (actors, stage, script, audience) and practice useful phras…

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

12d 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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From High School Grad to Travel Advisor: My Journey Through Language, Teaching, and Wanderlust 13:13

19d ago13:13

13:13

Podcast Episode Show Notes: From Hesitant High School Traveler to Passionate Travel Advisor In this inspiring episode, I share my personal journey of how a reluctant high school senior’s summer trip to Europe unexpectedly sparked a lifelong passion for travel. What began as hesitation transformed into wanderlust, leading me through college, teachin…

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Be Intentional With Your Planning 19:20

16d ago19:20

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#214 Do your lessons ever feel like a mix of good activities that just don’t quite connect? You’re not alone—and it’s frustrating when all your effort doesn’t lead to real language growth. In this episode, we talk about how planning intentionally from the first input to the final assessment so everything works together to build proficiency. You’ll …

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

19d 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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S2: E27. Llegint, mirant i escoltant en català - Intermediate Catalan 31:27

20d ago31:27

31:27

Send us a text Hola! In this episode, we’re learning how to talk about what we’re reading, listening to, and watching right now in Catalan. We’ll look at the present continuous tense with verbs like llegir, mirar, and escoltar, and we’ll learn new vocabulary for books, series, podcasts, and films. We hope you enjoy it! If you're reading this before…

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The Science of Travel: How Multi-Generational Trips Rewire Your Brain and Create Lasting Family Memories 59:06

27d ago59:06

59:06

Episode Title: The Science of Travel: How Multi-Generational Trips Rewire Your Brain and Create Lasting Family Memories Episode Description: Join host Cheryl of Nostalgic Travel Talks as she sits down with her sister-in-law Karen and neuroscientist sister-in-law Stephanie to explore the fascinating connection between travel and the brain. In this h…

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Ready For Tomorrow Quick Wins 13:52

22d ago13:52

13:52

#213 Are you always looking for better ways to support your language learners? That’s probably why you listen to this podcast—because you care about teaching. But time is limited, and sometimes you just need a quick, practical idea you can try tomorrow. That’s exactly why I created the Ready for Tomorrow Quick Win PD series. In this episode, I’ll w…

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

26d 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

29d 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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Setting Goals for Students and Teachers 24:30

29d ago24:30

24:30

#212 Are your goals for this year focused on what you’ll teach or what your students will be able to do with the language? In this episode, we’re talking about goal setting, for you and your students, in a way that’s centered on language proficiency, not just study habits or behavior. I’ll walk you through a practical framework to set meaningful go…

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S2. E26 - Què estàs fent? The Present Continuous - Intermediate Catalan 38:52

30d ago38:52

38:52

Send us a text Bones! Com anem? This episode dives into yet another tense in Catalan - the present continuous! This tense is used quite a lot in daily conversations mainly to talk about what you or someone is doing right at that moment. Tune in to learn more about when we use it, how's it formed and practise hearing it in different contexts! *There…

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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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A Simple Way For Students to Understand Language Proficiency 16:28

1M ago16:28

16:28

#211 Do your students know exactly what they can do in the target language? If you asked them right now, could they tell you their current proficiency level and the specific skills they’re working toward? In my experience, when students understand the proficiency path, they take ownership of their progress in a very meaningful and personal way. In …

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

1M 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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How Studying Medicine in Cuba Shaped a More Human Doctor: A Global Journey 42:57

2M ago42:57

42:57

In this inspiring episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks, I sit down with Dr. Veronica Flake, a Philadelphia native and global health advocate who studied medicine in one of the most unexpected places—Cuba. We explore how six transformative years at the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana shaped her into the compassionate, community-minded physi…

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Revisit CI Activities and Planning for Proficiency 6:57

1M ago6:57

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#210 This is episode 6 in my 2025 summer headspace series. This is a chance to revisit episodes from the previous school year during the summer months when you may have a little extra time. Beginning next week on August 26th, you will see new episodes with exciting new topics every Monday. For today we take a look back at some activities that you c…

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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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Revisit Calendar Talk and Special Person Interviews 4:25

2M ago4:25

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#209 This is episode 5 in my 2025 summer headspace series. This is a chance to revisit episodes from the previous school year during the summer months when you may have a little extra time. Beginning August 26th, you will see new episodes with exciting new topics every Monday. For today we take a look back at a few CI strategies. In episode 170 I s…

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S2. E25. Pots parlar sobre les xarxes i la tecnologia? REVIEW - Intermediate Catalan 45:31

2M ago45:31

45:31

Send us a text Support the show Group Lessons starting September 2025: Group Programmes Beginners Course: Catalan for Beginners Course Patreon: The Lazy Linguist Buy us a coffee: Buy me a Coffee Instagram: @lazylinguistcatalan Facebook: The Lazy Linguist Podcast Christina offers private lessons - enquire through a DM on socials or through the link:…

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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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Revisit the Leveling Up Coaching Episodes 6:48

2M ago6:48

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#208 This is episode 4 in my 2025 summer headspace series. This is a chance to revisit episodes from the previous school year during the summer months when you may have a little extra time. Beginning August 26th, you will see new episodes with exciting new topics every Monday. For today we take a look back at 3 Leveling Up Coaching episodes. Episod…

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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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Revisit Working Smarter and AI Tools 4:40

2M ago4:40

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#207 This is episode 3 in my 2025 summer headspace series. This is a chance to revisit episodes from the previous school year during the summer months when you may have a little extra time. Beginning August 26th, you will see new episodes with exciting new topics every Monday. For today we take a look back at episode 163 where I talked about workin…

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S2. E24. A favor o en contra de les xarxes/la tecnologia? 43:09

2M ago43:09

43:09

Send us a text Support the show Group Lessons starting September 2025: Group Programmes Beginners Course: Catalan for Beginners Course Patreon: The Lazy Linguist Buy us a coffee: Buy me a Coffee Instagram: @lazylinguistcatalan Facebook: The Lazy Linguist Podcast Christina offers private lessons - enquire through a DM on socials or through the link:…

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

2M 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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Revisit Authentic Texts and Products, Practices & Perspectives 4:50

2M ago4:50

4:50

#206 This is episode 2 in my 2025 summer headspace series. This is a chance to revisit episodes from the previous school year during the summer months when you may have a little extra time. Beginning August 26th, you will see new episodes with exciting new topics every Monday. For today we take a look back at 2 more of the high leverage teaching pr…

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Discover Cuernavaca: Mexico's Eternal Spring and Hidden Cultural Gem 15:20

3M ago15:20

15:20

💬 Episode Description: In this special mother-daughter edition of Nostalgic Travel Talks, Cheryl and Brittany transport you to the lush gardens and sun-kissed streets of Cuernavaca, Mexico—La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera. From Aztec origins and Hernán Cortés’ imposing palace to French emperors and vibrant local traditions, Cuernavaca offers a colo…

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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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Revisit Confidence in Speaking and Making Language Comprehensible 4:16

3M ago4:16

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#205 This is episode 1 in my 2025 summer headspace series. This is a chance to revisit episodes from the previous school year during the summer months when you may have a little extra time. Beginning August 26th, you will see new episodes with exciting new topics every Monday. For today we take a look back at 2 of the high leverage teaching practic…

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S2. E23. Humor a Internet - Ens petem de riure! - Intermediate Catalan 36:49

3M ago36:49

36:49

Send us a text Hola! Com anem? In this episode, we crack up while exploring Catalan memes, reels, and viral videos! Learn fun vocabulary and natural expressions to talk about digital humour, share jokes, and describe your favourite meme - all while improving your Catalan. If you found it useful, please be sure to give us a 5* rating/review - it rea…

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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

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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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Get into Your 2025 Summer Headspace 4:47

3M ago4:47

4:47

#204 Now that the school year is over hopefully you have a little less on your mind and have a little extra time. This is the perfect time to get into your summer headspace. What do I mean by that? You’ll soon understand. Let’s jump in. What do I mean by “Summer Headspace?” Time to reflect without other pressing priorities and issues. Clear head. O…

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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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Black History & Hispanic Heritage in Language Curriculum with Jenniffer Whyte 46:10

3M ago46:10

46:10

#203 What do we mean when we talk about representation in the classroom? More specifically representation in our language classrooms? How can we make sure that our students understand the variety of cultures and experiences that are part of the target language culture? In this episode, Jenniffer Whyte joins me to talk about bringing the Afro-Latinx…

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S2. E22 - Les Xarxes Socials - Social Media - Intermediate Catalan 37:36

3M ago37:36

37:36

Send us a text In this episode, we talk about how people communicate online today and go over essential Catalan vocabulary for social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. You’ll learn useful expressions, hear a short dialogue, and by the end, you’ll be able to talk about your social media habits in Catalan. Com utilitzes les xarxes…

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

3M 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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15 Common Target Language Mistakes & How to Fix Them 1:10:05

3M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Send us a text This is a special insider episode where you get to see what it's like to be a part of the Practical Proficiency Network! Join us for this amazing insider look and masterclass workshop on target language. Find out more about the Practical Proficiency Network here: https://lalibrelanguagelearning.mykajabi.com/join-practical-proficiency…

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Planning and Teaching for Proficiency 11:31

3M ago11:31

11:31

#202 I want to make sure that you start your new school in the fall with a clear framework for planning and teaching for proficiency. I created a free reflection and planning tool that will guide you as you create a classroom that prioritizes what students can do with language. In this episode I will tell you all about it and point you to where you…

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Middle School Magic: Teaching Tips & Curriculum Must-Haves for Middle School with Sonrisas Spanish 1:03:26

3M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Send us a text Ever wondered why teaching Spanish to middle schoolers requires such a unique approach? In this episode, we dive deep with Brooks from Sonrisas Spanish into the fascinating developmental sweet spot of middle school language learning. Brooks from Sonrisas Spanish is here today to chat all things middle school Spanish curriculum and cl…

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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 …