LMWLP Programs for 2025-2026

Join the IE/LA STARS as they embark on their second exciting year at Loyola Marymount University!

Get an exclusive look at our innovative 2024–2025 programs designed to inspire and transform your language teaching.

Discover fresh ideas, practical strategies, and hands-on tools to elevate your practice and make a lasting impact on your students.

Register today to take the next step in your professional growth journey and be part of a dynamic community of educators!


01- Rooted and Relevant: Thematic Instruction for Spanish Heritage Learners
Teaching Spanish Heritage Learners requires more than grammar drills—it calls for a culturally responsive, thematic approach that builds on students lived experiences and linguistic strengths. In this session, participants will explore best practices for designing thematic units that integrate identity, culture, and literacy development. Learn how to create meaningful, rigorous lessons that empower HHL students to connect deeply with content while advancing their academic Spanish.
Dates: November 15, December 6, January 10, February 21, March 7
Instructor(s): Vivanie Barrios, Ana Mendoza                                                            Units: 4 CEUs, (40 hours)
Cost: $350.00

02- CI- the secret ingredient for World Languages success!
Rediscover the JOY of acquiring a new language w/comprehension-based method! This highly interactive workshop models high-leverage teaching practices (ACTFL WL CORE practices) with an emphasis on target-language comprehensibility throughout. Learn to scaffold students successfully to culturally authentic materials and assessments by backward planning classroom communication using learner-centered TPR, PQA, clip chat, and story-based instruction. Implement these comprehensible input strategies step by step in your own WL classes with the support of expert CI coaches to maximize your students’ language proficiency and interculturality.
Tentative Dates: December 13, January 24, February 28, March 28, and April 18
Instructor: Jason Fritze and Crystal Hsiao
Cost: $350.00

03- Teaching Advanced Level Spanish Literature and Culture (2nd Cycle)
Participants will learn to re-engage students, respond to their socio-emotional needs and address learning loss. Teachers will learn to optimally deliver a standards-based and framework-aligned program of Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture. The program will feature the content and format of the examination and the AP Framework; explore major historical periods and literary movements in Spain and Spanish America; strategies for the analysis of poetry, prose and drama; study of representative authors and works; and examination of parallel manifestations in art.
Dates: December 6, January 17, February 21, March 21, April 25
Instructor(s): Ana Estangüi and Ana Rubiales López                                             Units: 4 CEUs, (40 hours)
Cost: $350.00

04- Instructional Strategies for Advanced Spanish Language and Culture
Participants will enhance innovative teaching strategies for student engagement in all three modes of communication aligned with World Language Standards. Teachers will explore various resources and tools to strengthen their teaching practices including standard based unit design, use of technology, project-based learning.
Dates: December 13, January 24, February 28, March 28, April 18
Instructor: Suyapa Hurtt                                                                                          Units: 4 CEUs, (40 hours)
Cost: $350.00

05- Leveraging Tech and AI in the World/Dual Language Classroom
No need to fear, technology is here! Participants will explore AI-driven lesson planning, automated grading systems, and engaging digital resources that enhance language instruction. Moreover, emphasis will be placed on teaching students to responsibly use AI and digital tools, fostering essential digital citizenship skills. Through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and pertinent discussions, participants will gain practical strategies to integrate technology effectively, making their workflow more efficient while preparing students for a digitally interconnected world. This description was created by ChatGPT with modifications made by the presenters.
Dates: December 6, January 10, February 7, March 7, April 25
Facilitator(s): Dr. Valerie Sun, Maggie Chen, and Iman Hashem                           Units: 4 CEUs, (40 hours)
Cost: $350.00

06- Bridging Strength and Structure: Elevating Spanish HL Through the Four Modalities
Spanish Heritage Learners bring rich language and cultural knowledge into our classrooms. In this interactive session, World Language teachers will explore practical strategies to engage these learners through the four language domains. Discover how to design tasks that honor students’ identities, close literacy gaps, and build academic language.
Dates: January 24, February 28, March 14, April 4
Instructor(s): Vivanie Barrios, Ana Mendoza                                                         Units: 3 CEUs, (30 hours)
Cost: $350.00

07- Coaching Tools, Mindfulness Practices, Human Organizational and Community Development and Leadership
Participants will learn an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Model for professional coaching: (1) Meeting Ethical Guidelines, (2) Establishing the Coaching Agreement, (3) Creating Trust and Intimacy, (4) Coaching Presence, (5) Active Listening, (6) Powerful Questioning, (7) Direct Communication, (8) Evoking Awareness, (9) Designing Actions, (10) Planning and Goal Setting, and (11) Managing Progress and Accountability. A Guided, Focused Mindfulness Strand (GFM) will bring about relaxation to enhance participant wellbeing, specifically reducing stress and negative thinking and envisioning and bringing about positive outcomes. A strand focusing on Human and Organizational Development and Leadership will focus on actualizing positive change in individuals, groups, teams, and larger organizations.
Dates: February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, April 11, 18, 25, May 2
Facilitator: Dr. Brandon Zalow PCC, C.Ht                                                              Units: 6 CEUs, (60 hours)
Cost: $550.00

08- From Performance to Proficiency: Traveling on the WL Standards and Framework Train
In this hands-on, interactive course, participants will use California’s World Languages Standards and Framework to explore and create ways to implement high-leverage teaching practices that lead language learners from performance to proficiency over time. Emphasizing the role of authentic materials, thematic units, and contextualized target language interaction, participants will design culturally-, age-, and range-appropriate instruction that develops students’ Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational communication skills.
Dates: January 24, February 7, February 21, March 7, March 21
Presenters: Tonja Byrom and Svetlana J. Lazarova                                             Units: 3 CEUs, (30 hours)  
Cost: $350.00

09- Connected Classrooms: Designing Engaging World Language Lessons with SEL and Standards
Workshop Description: This hands-on workshop is all about making your World Language lessons more engaging, meaningful, and connected. We’ll blend SEL, cultural content, and standards into practical routines and activities you can use right away. You’ll leave with fresh ideas, and tools to help your students feel confident, connected, and excited to learn.
Date: 10/18/ 2025
Presenters: Ana Mendoza and Vivanie Yaniree.
Cost: $50