My Story

Hello, I’m Joshua.

I’m a world language teacher, consultant, coach and podcaster with a passion for helping teachers bring language to life in their classrooms. I create and share tips, tools, and resources that help students grow in proficiency and communicate with confidence.

I’ve been teaching French and Spanish full-time for 28 years across grades 1–12, and I still get excited walking into the classroom. I also love working side-by-side with teachers, whether that’s leading a workshop, collaborating with a language department, connecting at conferences or hanging out with on a walk or while driving to school (assuming these are the most likely places where teachers listen to my podcast).

My academic background includes undergraduate degrees in French and Spanish and graduate degrees in Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, Instructional Leadership, Coaching and Mentoring. I’ve served on the boards of several professional organizations and presented over 100 workshops at state, regional, and national conferences. I have also had the opportunity to deliver 16 conference keynotes. Outside of the conference world I work with language teachers and departments in schools and districts through the country, 120+ schools in 23 states. But, who’s counting…LOL?

But enough with the formal stuff, here’s a little more about who I am and what drives me.

When I’m not in the classroom or working with teachers, I’m usually volunteering in Nicaragua. I believe deeply that education is one of the most powerful tools for change. A portion of every resource I sell helps support schools Nicaragua and Haiti, covering books, supplies, teacher salaries, and upkeep. I spend several weeks each summer volunteering alongside the teachers and students in La Concha, Nicaragua.

I’m also a traveler at heart. My college years were spent in Normandy, and I eventually landed in New England, where I went to grad school and started my teaching career. I regularly visit Québec (my mom is Québécoise) and the Azores (my dad is from São Miguel). I also travel throughout the U.S. to work with schools, present at conferences, and connect with teachers.

A few fun facts you might not find elsewhere on the site:

I love airports. The energy of people coming and going, the sense of movement and connection. It never gets old.
Starbucks is basically my second office. I go every morning before school. It’s my prep space and creative hub. I call it “headquarters” and when schools reach out to invite me to collaborate they often include that there is a “headquarters” nearby.
I’m hooked on podcasting. It’s a way to keep the conversation going with teachers like you, wherever you are.
I’m an avid reader. Fiction, nonfiction, professional books…I love it all.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Let’s keep finding ways to inspire our students and each other.

—Joshua