In 2026, students completing the first-year Spanish sequence at the University of Denver (DU) were given the opportunity to take the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) to earn credit for their summative speaking assessment. Results demonstrated that our program is not only meeting but exceeding our proficiency targets. While financial barriers will likely require a cheaper test for expanded integration at DU, we hope our experience motivates you to consider trying out ext

The last bell has rung. The grades are in. The classroom is quiet. Whether you teach Spanish 1 or AP French, you just made it through another school year. And before you completely collapse on the couch (you've earned it), there are a few things worth doing that your August self will absolutely thank you for. This isn't about working through your summer. It's about being intentional with it so you rest well, reflect honestly, and come back in the fall ready to do this better

I was overjoyed when my two kids got their first passports! From the time they were born, my husband and I were in agreement that traveling internationally with them would be a priority, and we would do what we had to do to make that happen. We now have a 6- and a 9-year-old who love collecting passport stamps and trying out different languages and food. Those stamps, however, feel like they are not so much made with ink but with actual blood, sweat, and many tears! After s

By Paola Valladares Research shows that one of the most exhausting times in a teacher’s year is right now, that stretch when you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it still feels miles away. Students are restless, teachers are tired, and everyone is ready for a break. So, what can we do? Here are some ideas to make the final weeks of the semester both meaningful and productive without burning out. 1. Revisit and Reflect on Goals Make a list of the learning goals

By Stefan DuBois As language instructors, we aim to build practical skills for real-world communication, and nothing helps students realize the extent of the abilities they have developed like an authentic interaction with a native speaker. In spring 2025, the University of Denver’s (DU) first-year Spanish program organized a virtual language exchange for students to do exactly that, and the outcomes for students were nothing short of fantastic. Logistics We implemented

by Paola Valladares In the high school hallway shuffle, world language classes often get the short end of the scheduling stick. Students squeeze us in between core requirements and electives they feel passionate about—like art or music. Spanish, to many, seems like an “easy A” where we sing the alphabet and watch Dora the Explorer. But when they walk into my class, I offer more than a language credit—I invite them into transformation. Even in Level 1, I introduce grammar for