Teaching and Learning Languages in the United States (TELL-US) podcast series

The NFLRC is pleased to announce our Teaching and Learning Languages in the United States (TELL-US) podcast series. This professional learning series aims to examine language teaching and learning in the U.S. from the perspective of “non-insiders” (i.e., teachers who have had to adapt to the culture of teaching and learning languages in the U.S., having come from a different cultural context). Focusing on two broad categories – language pedagogy and school culture, the goal for this program is to create a professional learning resource for novice LCTL teachers who find themselves teaching in a similar situation. Although the podcasts will focus primarily on the LCTL teacher population, they can also be a valuable resource for any other teachers whose educational formation has taken place outside the U.S. Similarly, the episodes may also provide insights for ELL teachers whose students or students’ parents identify with the cultures of the teachers invited to the show or be helpful to preservice teachers learning the essential tenets of modern world language education in the U.S.

All interviews are hosted by Nicole Naditz (2015 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year), either live or asynchronously. The NFLRC contributed its expertise in instructional design and technology and provided logistical support. 

Guests for the podcast series include LCTL teachers who have been recognized as successful teachers by their peers, institution, or professional organization. These podcasts provide a unique professional learning resource based on lively conversations with these experienced LCTL professionals who were first educated in the language and culture they teach and who later came to the U.S. and became successful language teachers of their native language. 

Resources and references for each podcast interview can be found below as applicable. Enjoy!

The following TELL-US podcasts as well as other NFLRC podcasts can be accessed from our NFLRC Soundcloud channel.

Bringing Language and Culture To Life Through Authentic Resources in World Language Education (2025)

Episodes