Professional Development That Works: Practical Strategies from Educators Who Get It
Professional Development That Speaks Your Language (Literally!)
Let’s be honest—professional development can be hit or miss. Too often, it’s a one-size-fits-all approach that leaves teachers wondering how to apply it to their own teaching. At Idioma Education & Consulting, we believe PD should be different. It should be engaging, practical, and, most importantly, useful.
Whether you're looking to align with new curriculum frameworks, build stronger assessments, or support new teachers, we work with schools and districts to create workshops that actually make a difference. Our sessions aren’t about abstract theory—we focus on real examples, hands-on activities, and strategies that teachers can use the very next day.
Designed With Your Team in Mind
Every school and department is different. That’s why we don’t show up with a cookie-cutter presentation. Instead, we collaborate with you to create a plan that fits your goals—whether that’s a one-time workshop or an ongoing PD series.
👉 Trying to align your department’s curriculum? We can guide you through that process with a clear, manageable approach that imbeds your state’s world language curriculum framework or ACTFL standards.
👉 Looking for more meaningful assessment strategies? We’ll help you develop proficiency-based performance assessments and essential questions that actually connect to what students need to know.
👉 Need help getting new teachers up to speed? We offer coaching and a free virtual cohort to help them feel supported.
A Team of Educators Who Get It
Our team is made up of experienced world language educators, department and district leaders, and curriculum specialists who have been in the classroom and understand the challenges teachers face. With expertise in curriculum design, acquisition-driven instruction, assessment, and multilingual learner support, we bring real-world teaching experience and practical solutions to every workshop. We know what works because we’ve done it ourselves, and we’re passionate about helping teachers feel confident and supported in their practice. Meet our team here.
What Teachers and Leaders Are Saying
“Elisa is an extremely personable and approachable presenter. She worked with me to develop workshops to grow the department practices to be in line with the 2021 DESE World Language frameworks. Presenting with real examples, application to curriculum alignment, essential questions, and IPAs, she made every part of the process familiar and lively.”
— Ellen D., Department Chair, Nauset Regional Public Schools, MA
“[Mike was] super responsive, easy to work with, and knowledgeable. It was great to create a progression of our 5 PD meetings in SY 21-22 and a vision for the upcoming 22-23 year. [Elisa] showed up with great resources to share, was a great person to provide feedback and help to the team. She really moved our group forward with our essential questions and themes.”
— Laura E., Department Chair, Methuen Public Schools, MA
“Stephanie was an excellent resource given the many roles she has assumed in her career. She is incredibly practical, affirming, and knowledgeable.”
— Suzanne K., Department Chair, Lowell Public Schools, MA“It was a very thorough presentation; great resources and strategies for outlining and implementing feedback. Content was very user-friendly; there were a lot of great resources.”
— Rich S., Spanish Teacher, Walpole Public Schools, MA
Let’s Make PD Worth Your Time
If you’ve ever sat through a PD session and thought, this doesn’t apply to me, we hear you. Our workshops are built around what you actually need, with facilitators who have been in your shoes. Some of our previous workshop topics include:
Curriculum Development and Assessment Strategies for Proficiency-Based World Languages Programs
Integrated Performance Assessment: Design, Implementation and Evaluation
Unpacking the 2021 Massachusetts World Languages Framework: Proficiency with Social and Emotional Learning and Social Justice in Mind
Beyond the Grade: Empowering Students through Proficiency-Based Feedback
Leveling Up: Proficiency Strategies for Seal of Biliteracy Assessments
Strategies for Communication: Making the Most of the 3 Modes
Enhancing the ACTFL Guiding Principles for Language Learning in the World Languages Classroom: Using Grammar in Context and Comprehensible & Compelling Input
Supporting Multilingual Learners: From SEI Endorsement to Classroom Implementation
