iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT

@erin-eh-austin.bsky.social

163 followers 92 following 360 posts

Author of “Going Global in the World Language Classroom”, 2023 CCFLT Teacher of the Year, NBCT French teacher, travel junky, believer in the Oxford comma, and lover of all things rock ‘n’ roll

Posts Replies Media

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Going through National Board Certification Component 2 (C2) as a world language teacher? Here are 3 tips for designing your required assessments: 1️⃣ Don’t use canned assessments. 2️⃣ Don’t use AI. 3️⃣ Connect both assessments to the unit goals you set. #NationalBoardCertification #NBCT

World Language National Board Certification Component 2 (C2): 3 Assessment Tips

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

If you’re a teacher looking for books that can deepen your understanding of your students and help you grow as an educator, add this one to your reading list. 📚 I absolutely loved it! #BooksThatTeachTeachers #TeacherBooks #TeachersWhoRead #BlackEnough #IbiZoboi

Books That Teach Teachers: Black Enough by Ibi Zoboi | A Powerful Read for Educators

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Are comprehensible input novels really boring…or are we sometimes asking the resource to do the work that we, as teachers, are supposed to do? (Spoiler alert: I hold the potentially controversial opinion that it's the latter....) #WorldLanguageTeachers #ComprehensibleInput #CInovels

World Language Teachers: Quit Complaining That CI Novels Are “Boring”! 😬

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Bring the target culture into your world language classroom with authentic music! Two of my favorite free resources are Radio Garden and Radiooooo 🌍📻 And here’s an idea: assign a class DJ to get the ball rolling every day! #WorldLanguageTeacher #WorldLanguages #RadioGarden #Radiooooo

World Language Teacher Tip: Where to Get Authentic Music From the Target Culture 🎶🌎

Bring the target culture into your world language classroom with au...

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

One of my favorite ways to build relationships with students? Celebrate what they do outside of class. We don't have to coach the team, attend the event, or be involved in the activity. Just notice, celebrate, and let your students know you're proud of them. ❤️ Our kids are so cool. #TeacherTips

Teacher Tip: Celebrate Your Students Outside the Classroom!

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Is it time to re-look at what an F is? 🤔 Equitable grading isn't about making things easier; rather, it's about making the math of our grading systems make sense. It has worked for me, and I recommend giving it a try! #TeacherTips #EquitableGrading

Why I Stopped Giving Zeros: A More Equitable Grading Practice #TeacherTips

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Want good relationships with the people you work with at school? Start with two simple words: thank you. Don't wait for ____ Appreciation Week. Notice the things people do. Say thank you. It's just being a good human. #TeacherTips

Teacher Tip: Say Thank You to the Adults Who Make Your School Run 💛

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Teachers: Instead of learning targets, let’s ask students questions! With rich discussion, students aren't just being told what they're learning; instead, they're developing an understanding of why they're learning it and how the pieces fit together. #TipsForTeachers #TeachingTips #LearningTargets

I Don’t Use Learning Targets. Here’s What I Do Instead. | Tips for Teachers

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Teachers: At the beginning of the schoolyear, I always give small gift cards to my school's support staff who I KNOW I will rely on with last-minute cries of "HELP!" throughout the year. A small gesture can build goodwill that lasts all year long. #TeacherTips #TeacherLife #NewTeacher #TeachingTips

🎁 Teachers: A small investment in gift cards = an entire year made easier!

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

One of the many benefits!

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

World language teachers, here's your reminder: Don't panic about the "90% target language" guideline! #WorldLanguageTeacher #LanguageTeacher #TargetLanguage

World Language Teachers: Stop Stressing About the 90% Target Language Rule! 🌎🗣️

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

World language teachers: Are you working on National Board Certification C1? Here's an important tip that many overlook: If you have a disability, a health condition, or English is not your first language, you may qualify for an extra time accommodation. Take it! #NationalBoardCertification

National Board C1 Tip: Don't Skip the Extra Time Accommodation! ⏳

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Teachers: Planning a student trip abroad? Here's one piece of advice that can save you countless headaches: don't allow adults to join student travel programs. #TeacherTips #StudentTravel #EducationalTravel

🚫 A Big Mistake Teachers Make on Student Trips Abroad: letting ADULTS sign up for a student trip

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Teachers: Need administrative approval for a new idea, initiative, project, field trip, club, or classroom change? Stop asking, "Can I do this?" and start asking, "How can we make this happen?" #TeacherTip

Stop Asking “Can I?”: The Admin Approval Trick Every Teacher Needs

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Teachers: STOP asking the question “Does anyone else want to share?” No one likes it! Instead, try, “Let’s hear from X more people.” It works beautifully in classrooms, conference sessions, and PD!

Stop Asking "Does Anyone Else Want to Share?" | Teacher Participation Tip

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Loved presenting at #InnEdCO2026 in Breckenridge! I hope more teachers put their passion to print and get their books out there! 📖 ✍️

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Teachers: Apply for one of these grants!

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Teachers: Are you planning a student trip abroad? One of the BEST things I've ever done for safety is to require students to APPLY for the trip. ✔️ A student application ✔️ A parent recommendation ✔️ 2 teacher recommendations #StudentTravel #TeacherTips #EducationalTravel

Teacher Travel Tip: Make Students APPLY for International Trips

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Working toward National Board Certification in World Languages? Don’t overlook the 5 Core Propositions! They are woven throughout all four NBCT Components and can help guide your thinking, writing, reflection, and decision-making throughout the certification process. #NBCT #WorldLanguageTeacher

NBCT World Language Tip: Use the 5 Core Propositions to Guide Every Component

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Teachers: Want for a simple, low-effort fundraiser for student travel? “Pay for a Day” has been a game-changer for me. I create the handout, but STUDENTS take it from there, asking friends and family to “sponsor a day” of their trip abroad. #TeacherTips #StudentTravel #FundraisingIdeas

Easy School Fundraiser Idea 💡 “Pay for a Day” Student Travel Tip for Teachers

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Working toward National Board Certification? Here’s your reminder: this process does NOT define you. Whether you certify as an NBCT or not, the work you do for students throughout this process matters. #NBCT #professionaldevelopment

Don’t Let National Board Define You | NBCT Motivation for Teachers

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Teachers? Want a stronger grant application? Here’s a key tip: be specific. Include: ✔️ How you’ll implement the project ✔️ When each step will happen (I love a great timeline!) 💡 Clear plan = confident reviewers = better chances of funding #TeacherTips #GrantWriting #EducationGrants

Grant Writing Tip for Teachers: Be SPECIFIC to Get Funded 🎯 | The How, The When & The Plan Matter

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Applying for education grants? Here’s a powerful tip that can boost your chances of getting funded 👇 #TeacherTips #GrantWriting #EducationGrants

Grant Writing Tip for Teachers: Start With NEEDS (Not the Budget!) 💡 | Win More Education Grants

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Working on Component 1 of National Board Certification as a world language teacher? This video breaks down Constructed Response 3 (CR3) and what assessors are really looking for. #NationalBoardCertification #NBCT

NBCT Component 1 CR3 Explained | World Language Teacher Tips for National Board Certification

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

✈️ Considerinf going abroad this spring or summer and taking your young children with you? Here is my latest blog post for Colorado Congress for Language Teachers with my top tips for taking young kids abroad! #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #TravelWithToddlers #GlobalEducation #RaisingGlobalCitizens

Tips For Traveling Abroad With Young Children by Erin E.H. Austin

I was overjoyed when my two kids got their first passports! From the time they were born, my husband and I were in agreement that traveling internationally with them would be a priority, and we would ...

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Want to boost engagement and comprehension in your world language classroom? 📚 Try using readers—also known as comprehensible input (CI) novels—to give students meaningful, level-appropriate language in context. #WorldLanguageTeacher #ComprehensibleInput #CIReaders #WorldLanguageClassroom

World Language Teacher Tip: Use Comprehensible Input Novels (Readers) in World Language Class

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Part 2 of my Top 10 Tips for Taking Young Children Abroad! #springbreak #vacation #travelabroad

Top 10 Tips for Taking Young Kids Abroad (Part 2) ✈️

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

If you’re a parent who wants to take their littles abroad, check out Part 1 of my Top 10 Tips for Taking Young Children Abroad videos! #familyvacation #travelabroad

Top 10 Tips for Taking Young Kids Abroad (Part 1) ✈️

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Tips for world language teachers working on the Selected Response questions for Component 1 of National Board Certification #NBCT

NBCT Component 1! Key Study Topics for World Languages #nbct #worldlanguage

YouTube video by Explore Curriculum

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

World Language teachers working on CR2 of C1 for National Board Certification, here’s a description of what you’ll do, along with my tips! #nbct

NBCT Component 1 CR2 Explained | World Language Teacher Tips for National Board Certification

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Here, I share how saying YES to the CORRECT PART of a student’s response (even if it’s imperfect) builds confidence, increases participation, and creates stronger target-language output as a class. Instead of correcting and moving on, we co-construct better language together. #WorldLanguageTeachers

Stop Saying “No” in Language Class! Try This Instead 👇 | World Language Teaching Tip

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Teachers, stop spending your own money on classroom supplies! 📚✂️ In this video, I share a simple teacher hack: join your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook to get FREE paper for student projects.

Free Paper for Your Classroom?! Join Your Local Buy Nothing Group (Teacher Hack!)

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

#CLTA and #SWCOLT world language teachers: check out this FREE workshop ($25 for non-members) coming in March! If you've ever wondered about National Board Certification, this is for you!

Flyer for a webinar for world language teachers called "Achieving National Board Certification in World Languages: Yes, you can!", brought to you by CLTA and SWCOLT.

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Working on Component 1 of National Board Certification as a world language teacher? This video breaks down Constructed Response 1 (CR1) and what assessors are really looking for. #NationalBoardCertification #NBCT

NBCT Component 1 CR1 Explained | World Language Teacher Tips for National Board Certification

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

World Language teachers: Are your insatiable need to travel and your bank account not supportive of each other? Then this Saturday morning session at #CLTA26 is absolutely for you! Come to "Global Travel Minus the Expense" to learn ways to get abroad for free (or ridiculously cheap)! #teachers

flyer advertising a session called "Global Travel Minus the Expense" at the CLTA 2026 conference

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Teachers: Check out Ruth Chen’s fantastic memoir, “Uprooted”! It's a super powerful graphic novel about growing up between cultures. Chan reflects on her family’s move from Canada to Hong Kong and the experience of navigating identity, language, and belonging as a multil-culture kid. #memoir #books

Books That Teach the Teachers 📚 "Uprooted" by Ruth Chan | Identity, Culture & Belonging

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Today is publication day for "Achieving National Board Certification in World Languages" with Routledge 🎉 Our goal with this book is simple: to make the journey clearer, more manageable, and more empowering for world language teachers. #NationalBoardCertification #WorldLanguageTeachers #NBCT

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

If you’re pursuing National Board Certification, getting a mentor can make a huge difference. In this YouTube Short, I share two essential tips for NBCT candidates: why you should secure a mentor early in the process and why fairly compensating your mentor matters. #NationalBoardCertification #NBCT

Getting a National Board Certification Mentor: 2 Tips Every NBCT Candidate Needs

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Try this simple reading rotation model: Start with whole-class, out-loud reading to build confidence and comprehension. Then move to small-group reading while the teacher circulates for support. Finish with independent reading to build stamina and autonomy. Repeat! #WorldLanguageTeachers #WLTeaching

Reading Rotations That Work in World Language Classes 📚✨

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

When we ask students “Why are we doing this?”, “What’s the objective?”, or “What’s the point of this activity?”, we shift the cognitive load and help students truly understand the learning goal. #TeacherTips #StudentOwnership #LearningObjectives

Let's Ask Students “Why Are We Doing This?” | Teacher Tip for Student Ownership

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Great podcast episode about National Board Certification for world language teachers! #NBCT #worldlanguage

podcasts.apple.com

Episode 30 (Season 4: Episode 6): National Board Certification for World Language Teachers with Erin Bartels

Podcast Episode · World Languages Collaborative Podcast · 02/06/2026 · 26m

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Book clubs are a powerful way to build literacy in the world language classroom 📚🌍. In this teacher tip, I share how using book clubs supports reading comprehension, vocabulary growth, and student engagement in language classes. #WorldLanguageTeachers #LanguageTeaching #Literacy #BookClubs

Book Clubs in the World Language Classroom (Literacy Boost for Students)

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Going through National Board Certification as a world language teacher? You don’t have to do it alone! Here are some key resources available to support language teachers pursuing National Board Certification. #NationalBoardCertification #NBCT #WorldLanguageTeachers

National Board Certification Resources for World Language Teachers 📚✨

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Want an easy way to get classroom supplies without asking? Add your Amazon Wishlist to your email signature! 📚✏️ #teachertip

Teacher Tip: Put Your Amazon Wishlist in Your Email Signature 📧✨

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Pre-orders start TODAY, Wednesday, January 28, for "Achieving National Board Certification in World Languages"! The publication date is February 18. Enter code 25AFLY4 at checkout for 20% off! #NBCT www.routledge.com/Achieving-Na...

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

#Teachers: “Educating for Global Competence" by Veronica Boix Mansilla and Anthony W. Jackson is a must-read! It breaks down the skills, dispositions, and classroom practices teachers need to help students investigate the world, recognize perspectives, communicate ideas, and take informed action.

"Educating for Global Competence" 📘 | Books That Teach the Teachers

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Teachers: Is there a STAFF dress code at your school? If so, try what my admin did--Teacher Connection Days!--to meet staff partway! #TeacherConnectionDays #TeacherMorale #SchoolCulture

Teacher Connection Days: A Fun Twist on Teacher Dress Code 👖✨

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Teachers: Are you tired of students constantly asking "Do we have to keep this?" or wasting time on classroom organization? 📚 Are you struggling with how to teach the soft skill of organization? Try this tip!! #WorldLanguageTeacher #LanguageTeacherTips

World Language Teacher Tip: The Binder + Tab System That Keeps Student Papers Organized

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

000

Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT @erin-eh-austin.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Allowing students to take written world language assessments with a partner mimics real world language use, produces superior written language, AND cuts down on teacher workload...all without sacrificing rigor! #EduSky #langchat #mfl youtube.com/shorts/UbjOq...

World Language Teacher Tip: Allow Students to Take Written Tests with a Partner

YouTube video by Erin E.H. Austin

Reposted by Erin E.H. Austin, NBCT

Governor Tim Walz @governorwalz.mn.gov · 15/01/2026

Watch my address on the ongoing federal presence in Minnesota: youtu.be/fGTsYXBWQgU

Governor Walz Addresses Ongoing Federal Presence in Minnesota

YouTube video by Office of the Governor of Minnesota