Classroom management has always been one of my bigger challenges—not because I don’t care, but because I wasn’t taught how to do it well. At ACTFL, Jon Cowart’s session was exactly the perspective shift I needed. He reminded us that student behavior is often shaped by things we don’t see, and that strong, clear routines and positive narration can change everything. I left with practical tools like using SOC directions, narrating observable behaviors in the target language, and setting time aside to build relationships through short student conferences. It’s not about controlling students—it’s about connecting with them.

After a rare conference-free year, I dove back in with iFLT in Cincinnati—and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Between Coaching for Coaches training, co-teaching in the Adult Spanish lab, and soaking up sessions on everything from Krashen’s Net Hypothesis to CI strategies, the week was packed. This wasn’t just professional development—it was a launchpad for future projects, including a grad school module on teacher training. Plus, nothing beats being surrounded by your teacher tribe.

After a rare conference-free year, I dove back in with iFLT in Cincinnati—and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Between Coaching for Coaches training, co-teaching in the Adult Spanish lab, and soaking up sessions on everything from Krashen’s Net Hypothesis to CI strategies, the week was packed. This wasn’t just professional development—it was a launchpad for future projects, including a grad school module on teacher training. Plus, nothing beats being surrounded by your teacher tribe.