Reimagining World Language Teaching: A Book Study of Common Ground
Jan 27, 2026—Mar 24, 2026
Location
Virtual
Cost Early Bird Pricing for Members (Available until January 9) $930 members; $785 group-rate 3+; $1,470 non-members
Categories Curriculum & Pedagogy, Ongoing Program, Online, Teachers
Reimagining World Language Teaching: A Book Study of Common Ground
SESSION 1: January 27, 2026 | 3:45 - 5:45pm
SESSION 2: February 17, 2026 | 3:45 - 5:45pm
SESSION 3: March 3, 2026 | 3:45 - 5:45pm
SESSION 4: March 24, 2026 | 3:45 - 5:45pm
Do you work at an independent school outside of California? Click here for a discount on our non-member registration!
ABOUT THIS ONLINE ONGOING PROGRAM
Join a vibrant community of world language educators ready to rethink, refresh, and reinvigorate their teaching practice.
If you've ever longed for a professional read that's both intellectually engaging and immediately applicable, this is it: Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom by Florencia G. Henshaw and Maris D. Hawkins. Concise, accessible, and refreshingly practical, this book is a must-read—especially for educators championing the shift toward proficiency-based, communication-centered instruction.
With its conversational tone, relatable classroom examples, and clear organization, Common Ground makes second language acquisition (SLA) theory approachable and actionable. Whether you're new to SLA or looking to deepen your expertise, you'll likely find yourself wondering: “Why didn’t I read this sooner!?”
What to Expect:
This isn’t your typical book club. It’s a collaborative, purpose-driven experience designed to spark meaningful reflection, deepen your understanding of SLA principles, and support real changes in your classroom practice.
- Structured Discussions: Each session will focus on a section of the book, guided by thought-provoking questions and prompts to foster rich conversation.
- Collaborative Reflection: Share insights, ask questions, and explore solutions alongside fellow educators navigating the same instructional journey.
- Practical Application: Between meetings, you’ll engage in purposeful reflection and classroom-based tasks that bridge theory and practice.
- Supportive Accountability: Stay motivated with regular check-ins, a shared reading schedule, and a community that supports your growth.
- Professional Community: Connect with like-minded language educators and build relationships that will inspire and sustain your teaching long after the book study ends.
Come with a friend, a colleague, or simply your curiosity—and leave with fresh insights, renewed energy for your teaching, and a deeper connection to a community that builds meaningful, student-centered language learning.
Participants will:
- Explore key concepts of second language acquisition (SLA) theory as presented in Common Ground, and examine how these concepts challenge or align with current classroom practices.
- Understand the principles behind proficiency-based, communication-focused instruction, including the research-informed rationale for strategies that promote real-world language use and student-centered learning.
- Practice applying SLA-informed strategies through guided reflection, peer discussion, and classroom-based tasks that support the implementation of more effective, equitable, and engaging language instruction.
AUDIENCE
World language educators in grades K-12.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Michael Vossen is a Spanish teacher, also fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and Italian, with over thirteen years of experience in public and independent schools in the California Bay Area. Michael currently serves as president of the Foreign Language Association of Santa Clara County (FLASCC) and regularly presents at regional and national conferences on world language education. A Fulbright grantee who taught English at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and a three-time winner of the Next Vista for Learning video contest (Creative Spark, Bridge, Wave), he also enjoys practicing partner acrobatics, learning French, playing music with friends, and especially dancing salsa in the Bay Area and beyond.
Cancellation Policy
Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.