Practical Proficiency Podcast · Devon Gunning | La Libre Language Learning

35 - From Teaching on An Island to Transforming Her Program: Diane's Teacher Story & PPN Member Experience

·50 min·10 clips

She tells the story of realizing her teaching could be better and more intentional as she worked through proficiency with students. The change was not quick. It came after years of teaching, a lot of questions, and a growing sense that she needed help. When she started connecting with the Practical Proficiency Network, she felt validated and quickly saw that the work she was doing mattered. The network also reinforced a message that stood out to her: teachers are meant to have lives outside their jobs. That light bulb moment mattered because she was already putting in a lot of hours to make class good for students and build real connections. She also describes getting value from conference sessions, including interviews with experts and a session with Bryce Hedstrom about personal interviews, which she found simple and useful. By the end, the episode feels grounded in the pressure of classroom teaching and the relief of finding both ideas and support. It leaves the listener with the sense that better instruction can also be more sustainable.

As heard by us

A practical teacher-growth episode that keeps the focus on sustainable change, with only a light promotional edge.

The episode is at its best when it stays close to the day-to-day work of moving toward proficiency-oriented instruction without losing sight of well-being.

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Why you'd press play

You want a real teacher-to-teacher conversation about moving toward proficiency-oriented instruction, not a glossy pitch.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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