Teach Learn Lead

Wrapping up my last day consulting with the Northborough-Southborough Public Schools world language program. After observing and coaching some amazing teachers, the world language leadership team met to engage in some action planning, using a SOAR analysis to frame our discussion. SOAR stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results & Resources. We left with a clear focus to move the program forward over the next two years. So honored to be a part of this!

Loved being back in the Medford Public Schools today! We did a close look at lesson planning, using an observation tool to critique world language lessons - a free resource you can find on our website. Thanks for having me! https://www.teachlearnlead.org/products/world-language-essentials-observation-tool-free-download

What an incredible week! 🌍 I had the privilege of spending three days coaching the world language team at Northborough-Southborough Public Schools — observing teachers across three schools, leading learning walks with group debriefs, and providing personalized feedback and coaching.

One of the highlights? Meeting with principals and vice principals to share best practices and key look-fors in the world language classroom. Investing in instructional leaders is just as important as investing in teachers.

I'm heading back next week for another round of observations, coaching, and action planning with the leadership team. Meaningful work that ultimately shows up where it matters most — in student learning.. 💫

Teachers, you are the best! 💙

Unlock new strategies, boost student engagement, and grow your practice with 20% off all online workshops this Teacher Appreciation Week.

📅 Ends May 10

Explore now: https://www.teachlearnlead.org/collections/workshop

It is a true joy to be a teacher. And to be a teacher of teachers, wow -- just incredible! Another amazing semester has come to an end. I am so proud of my world language teachers!

Thanks to for inviting me and this amazing group of speakers to the spring TedX BU Salon! I appreciated the opportunity to speak on the importance of multilingualism 🐾

Please join me and an amazing line-up of speakers for the TedX BU Salon. I'll be sharing my thoughts on the importance of language learning. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tedxbu-salon-saving-ourselves-with-service-tickets-1985939579743?aff=oddtdtcreator

We’re excited to welcome Keith, a high school World Language teacher in NYC (teaching French & Mandarin!) and BU Wheelock alum, as our new guest blogger. 🍎🌍

In his first post, Keith tackles a challenge every teacher knows too well: How do you get students speaking every day when your class is only 45 minutes—and realistically more like 38?

His solution? Snorkl AI – a digital speaking coach that gives students instant, personalized feedback so they can practice daily without overwhelming the teacher.

✨ Highlights from Keith’s article:
🗣️ Students speak every day—even the quiet ones who freeze in front of peers
🤖 AI gives “glows and growth steps” in warm, student-friendly language
📊 He built his own ACTFL-aligned rubric (1-4 scale) to keep feedback proficiency-based and fair
⏱️ Snorkl handles repetitive listening, so Keith can focus on teaching, not grading
⚠️ Honest caveat: AI isn’t perfect—Keith steps in when scores don’t match reality

💬 Keith’s bottom line:
“For the first time, I can confidently say: Every student in my classroom speaks the target language every single day—and they get feedback that actually helps them grow.”

📖 Read the full post here: https://www.teachlearnlead.org/blogs/news/how-snorkl-ai-made-daily-speaking-possible-in-my-nyc-world-language-classroom

Day two of the 2026 Core Practices Institute comes to a close! Our focus on literacy in world language education gave us lots to unpack and practice… from reading development, selecting and creating reading resources, and the Interactive Model to the writing process, the Picture-Word Inductive model, and genre-based pedagogy. Thanks to and Xiaohui Cao for facilitating! 📚📝

Amazing day leading a workshop on Teaching Grammar for Proficiency at the Core Practices Institute! Teachers from across MA joined me to unpack the shifting role of grammar in proficiency-based instruction. From rethinking units to discovery models to form-focused feedback, we covered a lot! Thanks you, MAFLA for having me! And thank you to for leading our hands-on break out groups!

On the road again today heading to Worcester State to lead a workshop for the MAFLA Core Practices Institute! On day one of this two-day event, we'll explore teaching grammar for proficiency. Day two will focus on building literacy in the world language classroom.

Can't wait to dive in!
MAFLA