What I have learned about participating in professional communities:

1. “Start to act like you like them, like you're glad to see them, and like you're actually entertained by their boyish playfulness. This may be a “fake it till you make it” effort, but give it a try.” –Troy Fullerton What I have learned about participating in professional communities: I have learned that some people say some absolutely insightful things while others frankly need to put some more time into their thoughts. I have learned that there are numerous opinions about different topics and that I may not agree with them, but that does not necessarily mean that they are “wrong” or that I cannot grow from thinking about these perspectives. I have also learned that professional communities really hold a wealth of information and they are great to look into if you want to improve whatever it is you are doing. “Besides, I do know that I can probably do a better job getting the kids to communicate in French in my classroom than I am currently doing.” –Denise Wagstaff “Also, I don't do a "unit" just on por and para until the kids ask for one (usually sometime in Level IV)  I teach them expressions instead like por la mañana, por la tarde, por la ventana, para mi cumpleaños, veinte dólares por la blusa, etc, la tarea para mañana, para mí.  Otherwise it's just confusing and it's not helpful when the kids are speaking to learn two lists (which they often confuse anyway).”-Bill Heller

2. How my understanding of teaching and learning a world language has changed as a result of participating in FLTEACH: Learning a language is a very long process that takes a tremendous effort from both the teacher and the student. On the teacher’s part that means being able to get up every day in front of a class and engage students by relating to them and having a presence that radiates enthusiasm and a willingness to use all kinds of techniques (including sometimes making a fool out of yourself) necessary in order to get them to learn. It also means being able to know how to teach concepts and pace that teaching in order to best facilitate learning and at the same time get through material that needs to be covered. “The Walrus and the CarpenterWere walking close at hand;They wept like anything to seeSuch quantities of sand:"If this were only cleared away,"They said, "it would be grand!" "If seven maids with seven mopsSwept it for half a year.Do you suppose," the Walrus said,"That they could get it clear?""I doubt it," said the Carpenter,And shed a bitter tear.” –Lewis Carroll Often language can be so complex and with so many tiny details to know and/or to teach it can seem like so much sand on a beach that needs to be cleared away. But if we take a moment to feel out the sand, even take a rest in it, we find that it’s not so bad; it’s actually quite comfy.