We Teach Languages Episode 101: One Department’s Approach to Collaborative Planning with North County High School’s Languages Department

In episode 101, Thomas Sauer sits down with teachers from North County High School’s World and Classical Languages Department including department chair and German teacher Katrina Griffin, German and Spanish teacher Cora Hoffstetter, and Spanish teachers Nea Baker, Jennifer Howard, Will Klotz, Cassie Krawczyk, and Mallory Newcomer. The group discusses how they develop instruction collaboratively–even across languages–and  how organizational factors ensure success. This episode gives listeners a peek into a collegial, collaborative department that offers success and stability for students and teachers alike.

Or listen on iTunes/the Apple podcast app, on the Google Podcast app, or on Stitcher!

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Show Notes

We welcome feedback, resources, and diverse perspectives on this topic! To contribute to the conversation started here, leave us a voicemail or send a text message to (629)888-3398. Or you can follow us on Twitter @weteachlang or use this contact form to send us an email.

Katrina Griffin is the department chair as well as the ACTFL 2017 Teacher of the Year, an ACTFL Board Member, and a World Language Consultant. You can reach out to Katrina on Twitter @thekatrinagriff, by email, or on her website.

Cora Hofstetter has taught at North County High School since 2011. The German
program was named an AATG German Center of Excellence, and she received the German Embassy Teacher of Excellence Award in 2015. You can reach out to Cora on Twitter @CoraHofstetter or by email.

Resources related to this episode…

…What are essential questions? Here is the seminal book on the topic by McTighe and Wiggins

…How did the department set their norms? Here is the resource they used.

If you enjoyed hearing from this remarkable group of colleagues, check out these past episodes that all feature stories from innovative departments…

…Episode 72: One Approach to a Content-Based, Upper-Level Course with Elena Morgan and Rachel Frenkil

…Episode 66: Pursuing Proficiency with Williamson County Schools, Part I and Part II

…Episode 47: Professional Development and Working Together with Rebecca Blouwolff and Tim Eagan

…Episode 39: The GLCA Shared Languages Program with Gabriele Dillmann

…Episode 36: A Departmental Shift to IPA-based Units with Rich Madel