Episode 130: Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity in the Language Classroom: Practical Steps to Engage and Inspire

Growing With Proficiency The Podcast

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Have you ever felt disengaged or disconnected from your passion for teaching? In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, Claudia Elliott invites outstanding Spanish teacher Mirna Deakle to share her journey of finding her authentic voice in the classroom.

Mirna opens up about how she overcame burnout by centering her curriculum on culturally rich content and indigenous voices. From a unit inspired by Mayan traditions to fostering real-world connections through virtual meetings, Mirna's story is packed with insights and practical strategies for educators.

Whether you're looking to revitalize your teaching or bring more authenticity to your lessons, this episode offers a roadmap to reconnect with your purpose and joy as a teacher.

Join us as we explore:

• The emotional and physical challenges of teaching
• How to define clear goals and stay focused despite obstacles
• Practical methods for integrating authentic cultural content
• The importance of community in fostering professional growth

Key Takeaways:

1. Find Your Authentic Voice: Reflect on your personal experiences and values to shape your teaching style.
2. Set Clear Goals: Establish a guiding purpose for your classroom to stay centered and motivated.
3. Integrate Culturally Rich Content: Use real-world stories that blend cultural traditions with modern issues.
4. Create Real-World Connections: Facilitate opportunities for students to interact with individuals connected to the content.
5. Join a Supportive Community: Engage with like-minded educators to share resources, gain inspiration, and grow.

Resources Mentioned:

• Balún Canán by Rosario Castellanos
• Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy (Join Here)
• Previous podcast episodes:
  • Episode 84: The Power of Reading for Language Acquisition with Dr. Krashen
  • Episode 51: Before, During, and After Reading Strategies

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to share it with fellow educators and leave a review. We’d love to hear how you’re finding your authentic voice in the classroom!

For more resources, visit growingwithproficiency.com.

🎙️ Do your students love animals?
Yeah… I already know the answer.
Because if there’s one thing that gets every single one of my students to say “aww” or light up with a smile… it’s animals. 🐶🐱🐘

Now imagine combining that universal love with a real-world topic like natural disasters—and boom 💥—you’ve got a compelling, ready-to-use lesson that sparks curiosity and builds empathy.

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