ACTFL 2024 Reflections: Making Professional Learning Meaningful for Language Teachers



Standing before a room of passionate educators at the 2024 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Conference in Philadelphia last week felt like coming full circle.  

Nearly a decade ago, as a brand-new teacher, I attended my first ACTFL Conference and discovered the transformative power of community — connecting with other educators who were as eager as I was to grow and thrive. This year, I had the honor of returning to ACTFL not as an attendee but a speaker who shared strategies to make professional development impactful for language teachers. 

In my session, we dove into what it means to center teachers’ needs in professional learning. Together, we explored innovative, collaborative approaches that empower teachers to apply their learning in the classroom immediately. It was an inspiring reminder of how much we can achieve when educators come together to learn, reflect, and apply what we learn in our classrooms.  

Below, I distill a few key takeaways from my presentation I hope you’ll find helpful as you consider professional learning opportunities for language educators.  

Helping Teachers Apply Learning Immediately 

Professional development is most effective when teachers can apply their learning right away. A key takeaway from my presentation was the importance of critical reflection and actionable learning. Too often, professional development stops at theory — introducing teachers to new strategies but leaving them to navigate implementation and refinement on their own.

Instead, consider actionable learning cycles: 

  1. Introduce and Model Best Practices: Showcase strategies like input-based instruction and immersive language environments through clear examples and demonstrations. 
  2. Test Strategies in the Classroom: Provide opportunities for teachers to try these approaches, gathering real-time data on student engagement and outcomes. 
  3. Reflect and Refine Collaboratively: Foster a supportive environment where peers can share insights, offer feedback, and adjust their methods. 

This iterative process makes professional development not just relevant but transformative, enabling teachers to adapt and meet their students’ unique needs with confidence and precision.

Joey stands with four language professors who attended his session.

Empower Teachers to Learn with and From One Another 

As Moreland University’s founder, Dr. Emily Feistritzer, often says, “Teachers learn best with and from one another.” This idea was central to my presentation, where I highlighted the transformative power of collaborative learning in empowering language teachers.  

By building authentic communities of practice — whether through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), virtual cohorts, or online forums — language educators can share resources, exchange ideas, and hold each other accountable for applying what they learn. 

These networks foster collaboration and break down geographic barriers, connecting teachers to global expertise. Through these connections, educators gain fresh perspectives and innovative strategies from peers worldwide, creating a vibrant and supportive community that inspires continuous improvement. 

Moreland Puts Teachers First 

This emphasis on actionable learning and building strong communities of practice isn’t just theoretical — it reflects the very foundation of Moreland University’s mission.  

At Moreland, we strive to create accessible, high-quality professional learning opportunities for educators worldwide. Our 9-month, online teacher certification program embodies the principles I shared during my presentation, offering educators across disciplines a clear pathway to U.S. state licensure, no matter where they are. 

Our program’s activity-based, collaborative learning model reflects the strategies I advocate for: 

  • Engagement: Weekly virtual classes foster connections among candidates and expert instructors.
  • Application: Job-embedded learning ensures that teachers apply new strategies directly in their classrooms, culminating in a 12-week clinical practice.
  • Reflection: Continuous feedback and personalized support empower teachers to refine and elevate their practice. 

With Moreland’s global cohort learning model, candidates also benefit from learning with and from educators around the world — strengthening their network and broadening their perspectives on education.

Coming Full Circle — and the Power of Community 

At the start of my teaching career when I first discovered ACTFL, I experienced the transformative power of a professional community that inspired growth and ignited new possibilities for my career. Standing before a room of passionate professionals last week was a powerful reminder of how essential these connections are for sustaining the dedication teachers bring to their classrooms every day. 

Professional growth thrives in supportive communities where teachers can reflect, collaborate, and apply their learning. I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with such incredible minds at ACTFL and share ideas that inspire lasting change. 


To learn more about how Moreland University supports language educators through accessible and transformative certification and master’s degree programs, visit www.moreland.edu.

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