Bryce Hedstrom | Hedstrom Language Resources

PRESENTATION: “The Joy of Teaching without (much) Grammar”

Is teaching explicit grammar necessary? Is it helpful? If so, what are the best ways to teach grammar explicitly?  This session will show you where the joy is to be found with and without grammar.

About Bryce: 

Bryce has taught elementary to college level students for more than 30 years. He now teaches and coaches teachers full time. His teaching emphasizes proficiency and includes storytelling, authentic culture, reading, music, student engagement… and plenty of laughter.

What does Joy & Fun mean to you? 

I get joy when I see students get it - when I look into their eyes and see the spark. That's the joy of teaching for me, and I reflect it back to them. It's a continuous spiraling loop when it works. Fun is a way to get to joy because it boosts enthusiasm.

Connie J Navarro / CI.Coaching.with.Connie.com

PRESENTATION: Picture This! Elevating Student Writing with AI Image Generators

Join us for "Picture This! Elevating Student Writing with AI Image Generators," a dynamic session designed to show how artificial intelligence can bring whole group or individual student writing to life in the world language classroom. Discover how AI-powered image generators can visually interpret student narratives in the Target Language, making their stories more engaging and immersive. Learn practical strategies to integrate these tools into your curriculum, sparking creativity and enhancing language skills. Whether you're looking to help students visualize their writing or bring new excitement to writing assignments, this session will provide you with the tools and inspiration to transform your classroom. Don’t miss the chance to explore a cutting-edge method for fostering creativity and boosting student engagement through AI!

About Connie: 

Since 2013, Connie has observed, evaluated, and coached hundreds of World Language teachers who teach with Comprehensible Input.
In addition to working with teachers, Connie trains principals, assistant principals, deans, and other school leaders on accurate scoring of teacher observations and evaluations. Connie loves to share resources and ideas with anyone looking to go from good to great. Whether you're a Rookie, a Varsity teacher or an All-Star, CI Coaching With Connie has something for you!

 What does Joy & Fun mean to you? 

Joy and Fun can be a daily part of the World Language classroom.  Teaching for communication and language acquisition is a natural fit to include all students in rigorous, joyful, personalized instruction.  I have FUN every day in my French classroom and students are always invited to join the fun.

Allison Perryman, founder of The Cultural Classroom

PRESENTATION: Affirming All by Uplifting Each Other: Recognizing the Contributions of Diverse Cultures in the WL Classroom

This session explores how affirming and uplifting marginalized students creates a ripple effect that cultivates joy, belonging, and connection for all learners. By centering the voices and experiences of those most often overlooked, we open the door to a more inclusive and joyful classroom community.

About Allison: 

Allison Perryman is a dedicated Spanish language educator with over a decade of classroom experience and a deep passion for celebrating diversity within world language communities. She holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Queens College, and a Master’s in Spanish Linguistics from Middlebury College. She studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain, at the Universidad de Sevilla. As the founder of The Cultural Classroom, Allison supports teachers in weaving authentic culture into their curriculum to promote meaningful intercultural connections. A strong advocate for diversity in the curriculum and Afrolatinidad, she regularly presents at conferences and workshops—including ACTFL, FLAVA, GWATFL, and The World Language Teacher Summit—equipping educators with practical tools to build culturally fluent and inclusive classrooms.

 What does joy & fun mean to you? 

Joy, to me, is the deep, soul-filling feeling that comes when I’m fully present, connected, and aligned with purpose. It’s found in small moments—laughter with students, a breakthrough in learning, or a quiet breath of gratitude.

Angie Sherbondy | Angie Torre French and Spanish 

PRESENTATION: Make Comprehensible Input Exciting by Adding Realia

"Get students excited about interacting with comprehensible input by adding realia. Students are most engaged during CI when they can put their hands on real, concrete objects. Realia brings stories and other input to life and not only helps students engage but makes the presentation more fun for the teacher. Asking either/or, fill-in-the-blank, open-ended questions ad nauseum can be tedious.

In this workshop, I will show you how I use everyday objects to spice up my comprehensible input and get students participating in the lesson with enthusiasm. I will show you ways to use realia in many different types of CI— for storytelling, videos, games, songs, etc."

About Angie: 

"With over 30 years of experience teaching Spanish (Levels I–AP) and French (Levels I–IV), I’ve dedicated my career to helping students not only become fluent but also articulate in the target language. During my 5 years teaching AP Spanish Language and Culture, all but one of my students passed the exam—an achievement I’m incredibly proud of.
My passion for sharing knowledge extends to my blog, where I connect with over 10,000 monthly readers. I offer practical teaching tips, innovative solutions to classroom challenges, comprehensible input strategies, TPRS tutorials, and tech integration ideas.
At the heart of my teaching philosophy lies the balance between comprehensible input and explicit grammar instruction. I believe students acquire language through exposure to meaningful content but also need structured grammar lessons to communicate clearly and effectively. My resources—ranging from textbooks and lesson plans to PowerPoints & digital activities—blend these approaches seamlessly, ensuring both engagement and academic rigor." 

What does Joy & Fun mean to you? 

My husband asked me, "What brings you joy when you are teaching?"  When my students and I are laughing and excited about the lesson, it brings me joy. When I add realia to my comprehensible input, students interact more with the lesson and participate enthusiastically, often with hilarious results.

John Sifert, Padre de cinco Resources

PRESENTATION: Poster, Poster, on the Wall...

"How do we make sure our classroom walls are both inviting and useful for language acquisition? There are so many different posters, charts, and pieces of realia available, but what do we really need to have up on the walls everyday? 
I will walk you through the process I use to determine what is REALLY necessary to have up on your classroom walls."

About John:

"John Sifert has been a Spanish teacher in Iowa for the past 27 years. His focus in the classroom is to provide comprehensible input through stories, novels, and song. He is also passionate about teaching students about life-long skills such as perseverance, respect, and kindness. John has presented at ACTFL, CI Midwest, Practical and Comprehensible, IWLA, CI Iowa, KSWLA, Comprehended!, Conference in the Cloud, Growing with Proficiency, and CI Reboot. John also creates a variety of classroom materials and is the author of La isla más peligrosa, La decisión más peligrosa, El secreto más peligroso, Seis nombres, L'isola più pericolosa del mondo, with several other novels in the works. You can find all his ideas and materials at padredecinco.com

Nothing is more important than family, so when not focused on language acquisition, John spends all his free time with his wife and 5 children in the tiny, (but amazing) town of Belmond, Iowa.
"

What does Joy & Fun mean to you? 

Nothing is more important to creating JOY than building community. Joy is helping my students feel welcomed, relaxed, and seen in my classroom.

Jenniffer Whyte 

PRESENTATION:

Celebrating Afro-Descendants from Panama

(THIS IS A SPECIAL REPLAY FROM LAST YEAR'S CONFERENCE) 

About Jenniffer: 

"Jenniffer Whyte is a dedicated Spanish educator, cultural advocate, and the creative mind behind the brand Afro Latina Teacher. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Jenniffer grew up in New York City and Miami, Florida, before settling in Anniston, Alabama, where she has lived for over 22 years with her family. A passionate teacher of Spanish to students ranging from preK to 9th grade, Jenniffer seamlessly integrates Afro-Latino culture into her lessons, promoting diversity and inclusion. She also leads a vibrant Spanish Club, organizes cultural events, and hosts workshops to educate and inspire others about the rich influence of Afro-Latino heritage.

When she’s not teaching, Jenniffer creates engaging content on her YouTube channels, exploring topics like Afro-descendants in Latin America and offering Spanish lessons for infants and toddlers. Jenniffer’s work reflects her mission to empower her community through language, culture, and education. She is also a proud wife, mother of five, and grandmother to baby Alora."

What does Joy & Fun mean to you? 

Joy and fun in my classroom mean fostering creativity and cultural appreciation through hands-on projects. This year, students have lit up while exploring Afro-Latino history, collaborating on displays, and sharing their work with pride. Learning is most meaningful when it’s interactive and engaging

Lynne Hendrick

PRESENTATION: World Language for All!

World Language for All!! Come learn how I created a course for special needs students to offer them a glimpse of the world and the opportunity to learn a world language. These students reinvigorated me and my classroom. Come experience the joy I receive each and every day! Welcome to my absolute favorite course!

About Lynne: 

Lynne Hendrick is a German teacher with 20+ years of experience in public schools.  Lynne discovered comprehension-based instruction about 10 years ago and has been on a journey of learning and growing ever since.  She teaches all levels of German plus Adapted World Language and Culture (a course designed for students with moderate to severe disabilities). Lynne enjoys collaborating and mentoring teachers and has presented at regional, state and local conferences and has led professional development classes for world language teachers in her district.  In addition to these opportunities, she has teamed up with Maris Hawkins for the past 9 years to organize and host an Edcamp-style, one-day conference for teachers in and around Virginia. In her free time, Lynne enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her family.

What does Joy & Fun mean to you? 

Joy is found in the small successes, the Ah-ha moments, and the growth of my students. Joy is contagious, so if I have and share it, then my students will join me.  It is through joy that we can have fun in our classrooms. Both joy and fun can be elusive, so we must pursue both with intention!

Audrey Harris

PRESENTATION: Conversational Communication in the TL

Let's create casual conversations in the target language to promote language acquisition, encourage relationships and have fun.

About Audrey:

I am a foreign language teacher.  I currently teach American Sign Language Levels 1-3 at a local high school. I have previously taught Spanish 1 & 2. I help other teachers in many different areas. Most commonly in foreign language to encourage comprehensible input and acquisition. I help teachers find their reason for teaching and focus on that during tough times.  I help some learn how to use sign language in the classroom to either help them or help with student behaviors and needs for differentiation. 

 What does Joy & Fun mean to you? 

When all the students are engaged, learning and have smiles class is fun. Joy is enjoying what I am doing everyday and seeing progress in my students.

Premium Presentation - All-Access Pass only

Alexis Blum
LIVE: Let Me Try! ADI Skills with Intermediate Level Students

1-2 pm EST July 10th 

Let Me Try! Is a session to help you show your students what they can do! This session will focus on activities and skills that help intermediate students gain confidence and language proficiency.

About Alexis:

"Alexis Blum is a Spanish teacher in rural Ohio. She has been teaching for 12 years in which she has taught all levels of Spanish, was a department of one, and now works with a department of three languages. She is a trained ADI Coach, and has coached at national conferences like the CI Summit and Fluency Matters Conference by Wayside Publishing. Alexis currently serves as the Professional Development Chair for the Ohio World Language Association. She is an active presenter at state and regional conferences. She is passionate about finding joy in the everyday aspects of the classroom and making lasting connections with students. Inspired by her own experiences as a high school student, Alexis strives to share the beauty of other cultures and perspectives with her students. She also leads a student travel program, having led five student tours abroad to Spain, France, and England. She loves to travel and see her students experience a new culture.

In her free time, Alexis likes to read and spend time with her family. She loves to travel and try new adventures. She is married with one daughter and a goldendoodle. A fun fact about Alexis - she is an identical twin! "

What does Joy & Fun mean to you? 

Joy is doing activities that make us feel accomplished, successful, and connected to each other. We can do hard things and feel joyful about it! There is always an element of fun in the classroom - laughter is a crucial part of my lesson plan!