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Suggested Reflection Questions
Your role at Burke's
When did this opportunity take place?
Summary of workshop/ opportunity
Goals & Collaborations:
- What were your big takeaways from your workshop or project?
- How does what you learned connect to your goals this year?
- How might this opportunity lead to collaboration with other faculty?
- How does this PD learning or experience impact your work?
Would you recommend this opportunity? Why or why not?
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American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language (ACTFL); 21-23 November 2025
This year I attended the ACTFL conference in New Orleans with the other members of my department. I am grateful for this opportunity for I enjoy learning about different teaching strategies and practices and exploring new technological resources and texts. I am in my 19th year at Burkes and am one of the two Spanish teachers in the Upper School. Initially, the conference can be overwhelming in its many offerings to attendees yet all that is required is a mindful review of the sessions and presentations that best serve my needs and interests. Of the sessions that I attended, several were very informative and useful for my own curricula. In the year after my administrative evaluation, it is my goal to attend more PD and to participate in valuable exploration and discussion with other colleagues. My goal, going forward, is to participate in at least one PD endeavor in an academic year. This could involve some significant travel as well as visiting another school in the Bay Area. My big take aways of this experience landed on two points: one is to flex my creative muscles and write/submit proposals for future conferences and the other is to revamp/freshen up my interdisciplinary sections (in particular the teaching of music and Spanish and women's contributions in my creative projects). Several of the sessions I attended provided me with fresh and imaginative ideas in
these areas. In the past, I was very involved in working collaboratively with other teachers, both at Burkes and from other schools, in leading workshops and sharing best teaching practices. I would like to resume this activity.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to attend this year's ACTFL and I am appreciative of Burke's mission to support the faculty in their professional growth.
AFS
3 December 2025