Emily Garcia's Journey into Language Education

Highlights from the 2024 CLTA Summer Seminar

Emily Garcia, a major in Italian ’25, had the opportunity to attend the Annual Summer Seminar for Language Teachers, organized by the California Language Teachers’ Association (CLTA). This year’s seminar took place at the University of California, Santa Barbara, from July 19-24, and offered a wide range of program strands aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of language professionals. Emily participated in the Student Strand, a program specifically designed for language majors and minors who are interested in exploring careers in world language education. This strand provided Emily with valuable insights into the teaching profession, including shared stories about how educators first entered the field, memorable encounters with students, and daily inspirations that kept the audience engaged. The program also involved creating potential lesson plans, demonstrating how to integrate D.E.I. values and personal strengths into the classroom. Emily's participation in the seminar was made possible through funding from a CLTA grant, which supported her attendance and allowed her to engage in this valuable professional development experience. Brava, Emily!