In the News / In the Know

I was invited by the Language Collaboratory (a shared professional development endeavor developed by several language centers and institutes in the Big Ten) to informally discuss a concern centered around accessibility. I chose to initiate a dialogue focusing on how to identify elements of ableism in language course design. I asked participants several reflective questions …

Continue reading "Is my language course ableist?"

This September, I was asked by the MSU Graduate School to speak to Graduate Teaching Assistants about accessible teaching and learning as part of their professional development series. I discussed some easy-to-implement habits that can quickly improve the accessibility of content and materials, considerations for cultivating participation and interaction opportunities that are as equitable as …

Continue reading "Introduction to Accessible and Inclusive Teaching for Graduate Teaching Assistants"

I developed a survey about the accessibility of university second/foreign language courses for disabled learners/learners with disabilities. The survey inquires about accessibility in face-to-face, remote delivery, and online language courses. I hope to use the responses to help instructors as they navigate making their language courses more accessible. Please feel free to share with other university …

Continue reading "Survey of Accessibility in University Second/Foreign Language Courses"

In 2018 and 2019, I was part of various teams that organized accessible art events on  MSU's campus. I created, together with my colleague Dr. Jessica Kane, a "playbook": a manual of organizational strategies employed in the creation of these accessible art events. In the playbook, you'll encounter an intimate glimpse into various parts of …

Continue reading "“Playbook” for organizers of accessible art events"

I was invited to write a piece for FLTMAG.org: Accessibility Essentials for Online Language Teaching. In this piece, I highlight some basics that language instructors should consider when they do the work of making their online language courses more accessible. Accessibility work is never done, but these concepts are a good start!

On June 1, I begin work as the Assistant Director of the Center for Language Teaching Advancement (CeLTA) at Michigan State University. I'm excited for the opportunity to bring my skills to such a collaborative team whose innovative endeavors support many language learning endeavors at MSU and in the local community.

2020 has brought some unique challenges to teaching in higher education. Thankfully, I am surrounded by colleagues who put a premium on inclusive pedagogy and are working tirelessly to assist faculty and students in our transition to remote course delivery. As undeserving as I feel compared to the legions of staff in academic technology who …

Continue reading "Teaching in the time of COVID-19"

As part of my responsibilities as Outreach Chair for the 2019 Accessible Learning Conference, I'm collaborating with various MSU campus entities to offer diverse accessible events for Accessibility Week leading up to the conference, Nov. 21 & 22.

I have been invited to discuss the lessons I have learned through research at the intersection of second language acquisition, learners with disabilities, and accessible teaching and learning at the ITBE Fall Workshop on October 19, 2019 at Harper College! Take a look at my abstract and ask your questions in advance of the talk …

Continue reading "Plenary: Illinois TESOL and Bilingual Education Fall Workshop"

I am looking forward to working with these talented fellows who do such amazing work!