In this episode, Ricky is joined by Dr. Leslie Baldwin, World Languages Director for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, to discuss the critical role of advocacy in language education. She emphasizes the importance of language educators promoting their programs, engaging stakeholders, and demonstrating the value of language study beyond mere communication. Dr. Baldwin provides practical strategies for proactive advocacy, highlights the connection between language study and essential skills, and encourages teachers to utilize available resources to effectively communicate their program's impact. Dr. Baldwin calls for all educators to embrace advocacy as a vital part of their professional responsibilities.

Dr. Jenni Trujillo, Dean of Education at Fort Lewis College, teacher, writer, and author, discusses her passion for bilingual education and the potential of AI to support multilingual learners by enhancing educational materials and providing personalized learning experiences. She emphasizes the importance of using AI cautiously, balancing its benefits with its limitations. Dr. Trujillo highlights the need for AI to be tailored to meet diverse student needs, advocating for its use to complement rather than replace traditional teaching methods. She discusses various AI tools which can aid in language practice and the generation of visuals to support language instruction. Dr. Trujillo stresses the importance of addressing equity concerns and teaching students to critically evaluate AI-generated content, ensuring that AI is used thoughtfully and equitably in education.

Join Ricky Adamson in a dynamic conversation with Linda Egnatz, Executive Director of the Global Seal of Biliteracy, as they explore the significance of language acquisition and the role of State Seals of Biliteracy in recognizing bilingual skills.

Howie Berman, former Executive Director of ACTFL, shares the fifty-year perspectives, experiences, and vision leading to the decision to partner with the new national philanthropic Language Connects Foundation. The Foundation’s vision: preparation of a diverse, well-prepared, and highly skilled language educator workforce, with powerful outcomes for educators, students, and the nation. Hear how we all can benefit from and engage with this essential vision and mission.

Advocacy for language educational opportunities is a continuous flow of energy to and from the classroom through schools and communities, culminating in program creation and funding at state and national levels. In this conversation with Amanda Seewald, Executive Director of the national advocacy organization JNCL-NCLIS, we discuss world language education directions, opportunities, needs, and challenges.

Using humility, solidarity, and self-awareness as guiding principles, the Pulsera Project has opened the eyes and ears of students to target language art and perspectives while simultaneously partnering with target-culture artisans and their communities. We talk with Pulsera co-founder Chris Howell about the vision, mission, and impact of the Project in the lives of students and teachers, both in school and in the world.

Gain insights into how to ensure access to language and cultural proficiency for students of diverse abilities across all socioeconomic, ethnic, and geographic communities. Consider the specific opportunities and challenges found in dual language immersion programs K-12. Find your own pathways to program breakthroughs and successes in your educational setting and community.

Proficiency for All: Principles, Pathways, and Practices If you’re dedicated to providing accessible and effective language-learning experiences that serve diverse student populations and needs, you don’t want to miss Mara Cobe’s insights on how to guide your planning by adopting key language instruction principles; how to gain confidence in processes to establish and adjust programs to ensure student success; and how to affirm the importance of your commitment to intentionality, relevance, and proficiency in challenging circumstances.

Hear how to build solid relationships that result in successful learning experiences for students and teachers. Gain insights into how “Lens of Life” teaching connects content to community. Understand the nature and power of Transformative Emotional Intelligence to transform lives. Come away affirmed and equipped for your work as a language educator.