Imagine you have arrived in a new country where the dominant language is one you have limited proficiency in or do not command. And this is not a vacation. Either out of desire or necessity, you are now living in a new country navigating a new life and new language. To survive, gain some stability, […]
Continue readingFinding Success with Language Proficiency in a New Country
In a recent episode of the “Language is Your Superpower” podcast guest Casie Arellano and host Lisa March have a conversation about supporting the attainment of language proficiency for a diverse workforce, particularly in the case of adult English learners. As a leader and educator in Adult Education, Casie shares the success story of Han […]
Continue readingMeet a Language Superhero: Ashley Counahan
A graduate of the University of Tampa with dual BA degrees in Advertising/Public Relations and in Spanish, Ashley Counahan is a passionate advocate for language education, intercultural communication, and cultural awareness. As a bilingual English and Speaking speaker, Ashley is pursuing a career in education, and she shared her inspiring story for this month’s “Language […]
Continue readingMeeting People Where They Are while Coaching for Language Competency
In a recent episode of the “Language is Your Superpower” podcast, guest Casie Arellano shares insights about supporting the attainment of language proficiency for a diverse workforce and provides tips for coaching adults learning English. When teaching a new language and particularly when coaching ESOL learners to enhance their language competencies within diverse workplaces, you […]
Continue readingMeet a Language Superhero: Alan Linus Lee–A Modern-Day Renaissance Man
Alan Lee is a modern-day renaissance man. He speaks several languages, has obtained multiple degrees and certificates, and traveled the world both for work and study. He has a great perspective on navigating multilingual and multicultural spaces and the impact of travel on language proficiency. He talked to LTI about his experiences learning languages and […]
Continue readingCultural and Linguistic Representation on School Boards
Did you know that in the 49 U.S. states and Virgin Islands School Board Associations, there are over 90,000 members that are responsible for educating over 50 million children? According to the National School Board Association, approximately 9 out of 10 students receive public education. With over 4.8 million English Learners (ELs), which is equivalent […]
Continue readingStudent-led Civic Engagement: Advocating for Their Future
In a recent podcast in our “Language is Your Superpower” series, Johanna López credits her students for her historical 2018 landslide win to become a member of the Orange County Public School Board (OCPS) in Central Florida. Not only did she obtain a seat with 40,000+ votes (previous elections were won by a margin of […]
Continue readingChampioning Equitable Education within Your Community
The article, “Immigration and Language Diversity in the United States,” delineates how the history of linguistic diversity in the U.S. has ebbed and flowed throughout time. Long before English settlers arrived, there were many distinct languages spoken in Native American communities in North America. In the 18th and 19th centuries, there were an estimated 10 […]
Continue readingHarnessing the Power of Cultural and Linguistic Connection
It’s your first encounter with someone you just met from a different culture and background that speaks a language other than English. How are you able to communicate with them? In the past, many Americans’ initial approach would be to ask “Do you speak English?” However, as society becomes more and more diverse and the […]
Continue readingMeet a Language Superhero: Gabby Clark
The 2019 survey commissioned by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) titled “Making Languages Our Business,” reveals that the demand for employees with foreign language skills is rapidly growing, and nine out of ten employers rely on employees with language skills other than English (p. 3). As the report states: “A […]
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