Growing With Proficiency The Podcast

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2051875/open_sms] This episode is a different kind of conversation—one that goes beneath the surface and straight to the heart. 💛 In this episode of Growing With Proficiency, the Podcast, I’m joined by two great friends and incredible educators, Annabelle Williamson (La Maestra Loca) and Bertha Delgadillo. Together, we open up about a topic that many teachers live with, often silently: teaching with ADHD. Annabelle and Bertha share their personal journeys to getting diagnosed, what ADHD looks like behind the scenes, the emotional toll it can take, and the powerful tools and strategies they’ve found to support themselves and their students. We talk about the guilt, the overwhelm, and the pressure to “keep up”—and how curiosity, community, and compassion can help us rewrite the narrative. Whether you’ve been diagnosed, suspect you might have ADHD, or simply feel like you’re always behind and overwhelmed, this episode is for you. Because what if the problem isn’t you—but the systems we’re trying to fit into? 🎧 Tune in to hear: * What ADHD can really look and feel like as a teacher * The challenges no one talks about * Strengths and superpowers hidden under the struggle * Real-life tools like the Kaizen method, morning routines, Asana, and Finch * How advocating for yourself and your students can change everything We’re not experts or doctors—just teachers sharing our lived experiences in the hope that it makes someone else feel seen and supported. 💬 Because you are not alone. You are not broken. And you are exactly the teacher your students need. 📌 Full show notes and resources at growingwithproficiency.com

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2051875/open_sms] This isn’t your typical episode about strategies or games. Today, we’re talking about something real, something we don’t say out loud enough in our teacher circles: What do you do when your school no longer feels like home? I’m joined by the amazing Kia D. London, a world language educator and returning guest, who opens up about the pain of leaving a school she once thought she’d retire from. In this raw and vulnerable conversation, we talk about what happens when your admin doesn’t support you, the grief that comes with leaving, and how to begin again—without losing yourself in the process. Whether you’re in a toxic school environment or supporting a teacher who is, this episode will make you feel seen and remind you: You are not alone. 🎧 Tune in now, and let’s have the conversation we all need. 💛 Show Notes: In this episode, you’ll hear: * What to do when your principal doesn’t support you * Signs of a toxic school culture * Why grief is real when you leave a school (even if it was your choice) * The importance of honoring your emotions while starting over * How Kia rebuilt her confidence and professional identity in a new space * Why we need to normalize conversations about burnout, grief, and integrity This episode is for any teacher who has ever felt stuck, unsupported, or unsure whether it’s time to go. It’s also for those who are rebuilding after a hard transition. 🔗 Links & Resources 🎙️ Kia's podcast:  Wisdom From An (Almost) Failed Teacher [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-from-an-almost-failed-teacher/id1711250570] — Powerful, reflective episodes from Kia’s journey as an educator and human being. 📘 Related Blog Post: What to Do When Your School Is No Longer a Safe Place – A deeper dive into Kia’s story and practical steps for teachers navigating unsupportive environments. 🌐 Connect with Kia: Instagram: @clases_de_london [https://www.instagram.com/clases_de_london/] Website: bit.ly/klondon [http://bit.ly/klondon] Podcast: Wisdom From An Almost Veteran Teacher [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/wisdom-from-an-almost-veteran-teacher/id1782777441] Facebook Group: Culturally Diverse and Equitable Curriculum Design Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/culturallydiverseequitablecurriculum/members] 🌐 Connect with Claudia: Instagram: @growingwithproficiency [https://www.instagram.com/growingwithproficiency] Website: www.growingwithproficiency.com [https://www.growingwithproficiency.com/] 📩 Want more support and resources for your teaching journey?  Join The Spanish Teacher Academy → growingwithproficiency.com/academy 🎧 Subscribe & Review If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. It helps us reach more teachers who need to hear these conversations. 🧡 Gracias for listening, profe. You're not alone—and your story matters.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2051875/open_sms] In a season when we just can't do it all, having clarity about what truly impacts our students’ proficiency journey is key. And this episode? It's the one you’ll want to replay over and over again. This conversation with Dr. Stephen Krashen is one of the most downloaded episodes of the podcast—and for good reason. Dr. Krashen, the architect of the comprehensible input hypothesis, shares the powerful role of reading for pleasure in language acquisition and how simple, self-selected books can create big results. This episode is a reminder of what really moves the needle in our classes—and what we can let go of. ☕ Grab your cafecito and press play. This one is a must-listen (again). 💡 Big Takeaways: * Reading is the most powerful tool for acquisition—it builds vocabulary, grammar, writing, and even empathy. * Easy and self-selected reading works—comic books, picture books, and leveled readers count (and they stick). * Grammar doesn’t create accuracy—input does—and output naturally emerges from rich, repeated input. * Students gain more from reading than formal study—it boosts knowledge in history, science, and beyond. * Heritage learners thrive through pleasure reading—it’s how they stay connected to and expand their language. * Good input doesn’t need to be perfect—even “bad” or imperfect input helps learners grow. Resources:  Dr. Stephen Krashen’s Website [https://www.sdkrashen.com/] Article: The Power of Reading (PDF) [https://www.sdkrashen.com/content/books/the_power_of_reading.pdf] More Resources: How to Teacher Guide: How to Shift to A Comprehensible and Communicative Teaching Approach [https://growingwithproficiency.mykajabi.com/teacherguide]Growing With Proficiency The Blog Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy [http://growingwithproficiency.com/academy] Waitlist Growing With Proficiency TPT Store [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Claudia-Elliott-Growing-With-Proficiency]Join my Free FB Community: Growing With CI [https://www.facebook.com/groups/growingwithci]Connect with me in IG: Claudia @‌IG [https://www.instagram.com/claudiamelliott/]

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2051875/open_sms] In this re-released episode, I'm sharing one of the most powerful practices I started a few years ago—and yes, I still use it today! It's called the S.T.E.P. Forward Protocol, a simple yet transformative 4-step process to help you reflect, reset, and refocus your teaching at any point in the year. In this episode, I break down each part of the S.T.E.P. process: * S – Student Survey (Hear how I use surveys to gather meaningful student feedback) * T – Teacher Reflection (Why starting with your wins matters more than you think) * E – Explore Concepts (How to go deeper in the areas where you want to grow) * P – Plan Ahead (Set one intentional goal—and a trick to make it stick!) 💡 Whether you're wrapping up your year, in the middle of a semester, or planning ahead, this episode will help you reflect with intention and move forward with purpose. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned: ✨ Free Reflection Guide (with survey link included): https://growingwithproficiency.com/reflection 🎧 Curated Podcast Playlists [https://growingwithproficiency.mykajabi.com/playlist-lp] based on your area of growth: 🎙️ Related Episode: Ep. 33 [https://growingwithproficiency.com/students-voices-how-to-use-students-feedback-as-a-tool-for-reflection-and-growth/]– How to Use Student Surveys in a CI Class Growing with Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy Waitlist [https://growingwithproficiency.mykajabi.com/waitlist]  “We need to do more of what’s working—but first, we need to know what’s working.”  Let this be your reminder to pause and celebrate your growth—just like I encourage my students to do. If this episode resonates, don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a colleague

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2051875/open_sms] There’s nothing like a good game to bring life back into your classroom—especially when everyone (including you) is counting down the days to summer 🌞. In this conversation, I’m joined by my friend and amazing teacher, Dahiana Castro, to talk about simple, low-prep, and super engaging games you can use right now—yes, even if you feel out of energy and your students are done. You’ll walk away with:  ✅ A fresh take on classroom favorites like Trashketball and Grudge Ball  ✅ Easy movement-based tweaks to boost participation  ✅ A brilliant twist on scavenger hunts that your students will love  ✅ Game templates you can use tomorrow Whether you’re looking for a last-week lifesaver or just need a break from your regular plans, this episode is packed with ideas to make your life easier and your class more joyful. 👉 What game are YOU going to try first? DM me or tag me on IG with your favorite! 🎧 Listen now to this special re-release of Episode 94 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2051875/episodes/17205801]of Growing With Proficiency, the Podcast. Get ready for an amazing episode with Dahiana Castro, an amazing Spanish and French teacher! Dahiana is sharing with us today three super fun games that will bring back the energy and excitement to your classroom. These games are like hidden treasures that you'll want to keep until the perfect moment. So, grab your popcorn and tune in to discover these awesome activities that your students will be dying to play! What I love most about these games is how easily they can be adapted to any content, language, or level you teach.  If you're looking to spice up your lessons and inject energy into your classroom, this episode is a must-listen! Join us as Dahiana Castro spills the beans on these hidden gems.  Hit play, and let's get the party started! Links & Resources My Framework [http://www.growingwithproficiency.com/myframework]Growing With CI FB Community [https://growingwithproficiency.com/ourcommunity]Blog [https://growingwithproficiency.com/]Teacher Pay Teachers Store [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Claudia-Elliott-Growing-With-Proficiency]IG & Twitter: @claudiamelliott GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List [https://growingwithproficiency.com/academywaitinglist]Register here for CI Rebook 2025 [https://fluencyfast.com/CIREBOOT/] Use code Claudia2025 to get $20 off Hasta la cima template [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gEebz1VlTBrQ2N0QwzixwOHv0Al0aoY2/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104432564051735801352&rtpof=true&sd=true]Grudge Ball [https://comprehensibleclassroom.com/2016/04/12/grudge-ball-resentimiento/]