ACTFL Voices - The Future Speaks Through Us

ACTFL Voices Podcast - S1E1 - Cracking the Code - Simple Shifts to Student Engagement - feat Leslie Grahn

38min | 01/14/2026

Description

In our inaugural episode of ACTFL Voices, we’re diving straight into one of the most pressing challenges in today’s language classroom: the engagement gap. From student work refusal to the quiet hum of disengagement, many educators are finding that the "old reliable" methods aren't quite clicking with Generation Z.

Join us as we sit down with renowned educator Leslie Grahn to unpack why traditional hooks are falling flat and how we can pivot our approach. Leslie shares her latest insights from the field, offering a fresh perspective on the Gen Z mindset.

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Bio

Leslie Grahn has twenty-seven years of language teaching experience at the middle and high school levels and twelve years of experience at the central office level, most recently as Coordinator of World Languages for the Howard County Public School System in Maryland. Leslie is a frequent presenter at state, regional, and national conferences, specializing in best practices. She curates and creates resources to support language teaching and learning and shares them through her website (www.grahnforlang.com) and on Pinterest (grahnforlang). Leslie is the co-author of The Keys to Strategies for Language Instruction and has served on the boards of NECTFL, NADSFL and ACTFL.

Cracking the Code resources: https://bit.ly/CrackCodeGrahn

Leslie's website: https://www.grahnforlang.com/

Leslie's Pinterest boards: https://www.pinterest.com/grahnforlang/

Please visit: www.ACTFL.org for more information about ACTFL.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About ACTFL Voices - The Future Speaks Through Us

Welcome to ACTFL Voices: The Future Speaks Through Us—the podcast where the world of language education meets the leaders of tomorrow. If you’re a language enthusiast or interested in language learning, join the conversation.

In each monthly episode, we dive deep into the heart of the global classroom. We’re bringing together dedicated visionary educators to explore why language is the ultimate bridge-builder. We’ll discuss how multilingualism isn't just a skill, but a competitive edge in the global workforce, and how being a global citizen changes the way we see the world—and ourselves.

The world is changing, the conversation is evolving, and the future is speaking. Let's make sure we're listening.

ACTFL is the premiere organization for language educators everywhere, and leads the world in proficiency-driven learning, assessment and research.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About ACTFL Voices - The Future Speaks Through Us

Welcome to ACTFL Voices: The Future Speaks Through Us—the podcast where the world of language education meets the leaders of tomorrow. If you’re a language enthusiast or interested in language learning, join the conversation.

In each monthly episode, we dive deep into the heart of the global classroom. We’re bringing together dedicated visionary educators to explore why language is the ultimate bridge-builder. We’ll discuss how multilingualism isn't just a skill, but a competitive edge in the global workforce, and how being a global citizen changes the way we see the world—and ourselves.

The world is changing, the conversation is evolving, and the future is speaking. Let's make sure we're listening.

ACTFL is the premiere organization for language educators everywhere, and leads the world in proficiency-driven learning, assessment and research.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

In our inaugural episode of ACTFL Voices, we’re diving straight into one of the most pressing challenges in today’s language classroom: the engagement gap. From student work refusal to the quiet hum of disengagement, many educators are finding that the "old reliable" methods aren't quite clicking with Generation Z.

Join us as we sit down with renowned educator Leslie Grahn to unpack why traditional hooks are falling flat and how we can pivot our approach. Leslie shares her latest insights from the field, offering a fresh perspective on the Gen Z mindset.

_____________________

Bio

Leslie Grahn has twenty-seven years of language teaching experience at the middle and high school levels and twelve years of experience at the central office level, most recently as Coordinator of World Languages for the Howard County Public School System in Maryland. Leslie is a frequent presenter at state, regional, and national conferences, specializing in best practices. She curates and creates resources to support language teaching and learning and shares them through her website (www.grahnforlang.com) and on Pinterest (grahnforlang). Leslie is the co-author of The Keys to Strategies for Language Instruction and has served on the boards of NECTFL, NADSFL and ACTFL.

Cracking the Code resources: https://bit.ly/CrackCodeGrahn

Leslie's website: https://www.grahnforlang.com/

Leslie's Pinterest boards: https://www.pinterest.com/grahnforlang/

Please visit: www.ACTFL.org for more information about ACTFL.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About ACTFL Voices - The Future Speaks Through Us

Welcome to ACTFL Voices: The Future Speaks Through Us—the podcast where the world of language education meets the leaders of tomorrow. If you’re a language enthusiast or interested in language learning, join the conversation.

In each monthly episode, we dive deep into the heart of the global classroom. We’re bringing together dedicated visionary educators to explore why language is the ultimate bridge-builder. We’ll discuss how multilingualism isn't just a skill, but a competitive edge in the global workforce, and how being a global citizen changes the way we see the world—and ourselves.

The world is changing, the conversation is evolving, and the future is speaking. Let's make sure we're listening.

ACTFL is the premiere organization for language educators everywhere, and leads the world in proficiency-driven learning, assessment and research.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About ACTFL Voices - The Future Speaks Through Us

Welcome to ACTFL Voices: The Future Speaks Through Us—the podcast where the world of language education meets the leaders of tomorrow. If you’re a language enthusiast or interested in language learning, join the conversation.

In each monthly episode, we dive deep into the heart of the global classroom. We’re bringing together dedicated visionary educators to explore why language is the ultimate bridge-builder. We’ll discuss how multilingualism isn't just a skill, but a competitive edge in the global workforce, and how being a global citizen changes the way we see the world—and ourselves.

The world is changing, the conversation is evolving, and the future is speaking. Let's make sure we're listening.

ACTFL is the premiere organization for language educators everywhere, and leads the world in proficiency-driven learning, assessment and research.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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