Department of One: How Isolated Teachers Collaborate and Connect
Central States Conference for Teaching Languages 2022 (Virtual)
Presenters
Amanda Lanier, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Jaime Danks, Pipestone Area Schools, Pipestone, MN
Description
Remote learning and teaching can make any teacher feel isolated. When you are the only world language teacher in your program, though, returning to “normal” does not mean better collaboration and supervision. It just means continuing to plan curriculum, recruit students, and manage other departmental duties alone. Through reflective case studies on two specific language programs with a “singleton” teacher, we highlighted the challenges of teaching for proficiency in a department of one, particularly the lack of collaboration and supervision that teachers in larger departments can expect from their peers and leadership. However, we also offered strategies, resources, and opportunities to connect with teachers in comparable contexts.
Video
Slides
https://sites.google.com/msu.edu/department-of-one-csctfl2022/
