Dr. Krista Chambless

Southern Conference on Language Teaching Educator of Excellence, University of Alabama

Dr. Krista Chambless is an Associate Professor of Spanish, French and Foreign Language Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She holds a Master’s degree in Romance Languages (Spanish/French) and a PhD in Foreign Language Education. Dr. Chambless has over 25 years of teaching experience at all levels (PreK- Graduate Level). She was the SCOLT Educator of Excellence in 2013 and is a frequent presenter at state, regional, national and international conferences. She has served on numerous boards including the Alabama World Languages Association (current Professional Development Director), Southern Conference on Language Teaching (current President-elect), The Alabama World Languages Education Foundation (current Executive Director) and frequently serves on various ACTFL committees. She is Director of the Elementary Spanish Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She and a colleague host a podcast called Step Into Mondays about world language teaching.

Strategies for Student Success

Students want to be successful in their language learning journey, yet, often, don’t have the proper tools to successfully learn a language. They enter WL classrooms with a wealth of school experience, assuming that skills acquired in other classes will help them in a language class. However, the 21st century language class is quite different and can be disconcerting for students who expect the focus to be grammar, rather than communication. Taking time to teach students how languages are learned and giving them communication strategies helps reduce stress and frustration for both the teachers and the students. Come learn how to equip students with strategies for success.

This presentation will be available for on-demand viewing on December 2nd during Global CRED. Register for Global CRED below, it’s quick easy and free!