#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.

#235

What actually motivates our students? Today we explore that question through the lens of Self-Determination Theory with teacher Martha Cox-Stavros, a middle school Spanish teacher in Massachusetts. Whether this theory is brand new to you or something you’ve heard mentioned in passing, this conversation breaks it down in clear, classroom-ready ways. We dig into how competence, autonomy, and relatedness show up in real language tasks and how small, sustainable shifts can help students feel successful, motivated, and confident in your classroom.

Topics in this Episode:

• what Self-Determination Theory is and how it applies to the language classroom.
• how teachers can design tasks so students consistently feel that sense of progress and success?
• practical, manageable strategies teachers can use to give students real choice and agency without losing focus on required content
• low-stress, high-impact ways teachers can foster relatedness and connection among students
• how can teachers can begin to build sustainable practices that lead to competence, autonomy, and relatedness

Connect with Martha Cox-Stavros:

• Instagram:@profecox_stavros

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.

#234

When did you last speak with a colleague about what really worked in your lesson? Or reflected on what helped students communicate, not just what they covered? In this episode we look at how small, intentional habits, such as weekly reflection or purposeful collaboration, can build a shared culture of growth. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas to implement tomorrow, whether you’re working solo or surrounded by a full team.

Topics in this Episode:

• “We don’t rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems.” -James Clear, Atomic Habits
• Growth happens when teachers pause to reflect. Not once a year during an evaluation, but in small, consistent moments.
• Take 10 minutes once a week to reflect on your teaching: 1.) “What helped students communicate today?” 2. )“What would I repeat? What might I tweak?” 3.) “What was challenging? Was it student specific?”
• Collaboration doesn’t have to mean full-blown PLCs. One conversation, one shared lesson, or one observation can shift practice.
• We grow the most when the PD we choose is relevant to our classroom realities, not trends.
• Reflection fuels improvement; Collaboration builds confidence; PD is most powerful when it’s chosen, not just assigned.

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.