Active Latin with Justin Slocum Bailey
The Paideia Institute is thrilled to announce a new professional development program for Latin teachers as part of a partnership with Justin Slocum Bailey. Justin is a second language acquisition expert, an innovative Latin teacher, and an experienced teacher-trainer, who specializes in boosting joy and success in language learning. Justin has mentored and advised hundreds of teachers and learners while consulting for schools, districts, publishers, software developers, and non-profits. His presentations and classes are characterized by glee, discovery, camaraderie, and adaptability to the interests, needs, and gifts of those present.
At Paideia's Active Latin training workshops Justin provides hands-on training for Latin teachers interested in experiencing and learning more about teaching Latin via active methods in their classrooms. At the workshops, teachers will get...
- practical techniques for helping students process increasingly complex Latin in real time
- a variety of activities for working with Latin texts, including activities for building up to and following up on reading
- a refined understanding of the relationship between explicit linguistic knowledge and reading proficiency
- ways of capitalizing on students' interests to maximize buy-in and long-term learning
- tools for designing lessons that help students interact not only with Latin, but also in Latin
- the opportunity to hear classical Latin spoken--useful both for "activating" teachers' own Latin and as a model for speaking Latin with students
- guided practice in many of the techniques Justin models
The Revised Standards for Classical Learning
The American Classical League, the Society for Classical Studies, and regional classical associations are collaborating to develop thoroughly updated Standards for Classical Language Learning. Although they are still in draft form, it is clear that the revised Standards will take seriously the power of research-informed practices that include the active use of classical languages during the learning process. Justin’s workshops are an ideal source of training in implementing these new Standards.
The Need for Teacher Training in Active Latin
Latin instructors at all levels have become increasingly convinced of the power of language teaching and learning practices informed by research in applied linguistics--witness the booming of online support groups for teachers implementing such practices and the increasing percentage of job postings for Latin teachers that emphasize active use of the language--but many instructors have not had the benefit of training in these practices, and training events can be hard to find. These workshops have been specifically developed to fill that gap.
CEU's and Certification
The Paideia Institute is a certified provider of Continuing Education Units (CEU's). All registered participants at active Latin training events earn CEU’s. The specific number of CEU’s awarded will depend on the length of the event. The Paideia Institute will also issue an Active Latin Certificate to all participants. This certification will document to potential employers of formal training in the active approach.
Professional Development Grants
Participants are encouraged to apply for professional development grants in order to fund the cost of attending these teacher training sessions. Available grants include those offered by CANE, CAAS, CAMWS, the National Latin Exam, among others.
Upcoming Regional Events
We have no upcoming events.
Host an On-Campus or Regional Event
If you are interested in having a teacher training session at your school or in your area, please click the button below to fill out an online request form and we will contact you with a proposal and a quote.
Testimonials
"Justin is an extremely talented linguist and communicator. He speaks Latin in a way that is expressive and authentic, full of idiom and careful, deliberate word choice. He also speaks in a way that is inviting to those around him, using his humor, his kindness, and his intuition to engage people in conversations whose purpose is not just to practice a foreign language but also to connect as people."
Anna Andresian, MSt, Educational Software Developer; Author of Looking At Latin
2011 Awardee, Excellence In Teaching At the Precollegiate Level, American Philological Association
"Justin Slocum Bailey is the ultimate educator. He brings to every one of his pursuits extensive knowledge, curiosity about both language and people, a sense of humor, and an extraordinary ability to connect. As I strive to improve my own teaching, I try to channel what I have seen in him. He is thorough, clear, exciting, talented, interesting, and fun."
Jacqui Bloomberg, MA
Latin Teacher and World Language Department Head, Dana Hall School (MA)
"In 25 years of working with teachers, Justin is one of the best I have ever met. His understanding of pedagogical research is impressive and not limited to the classic schoolroom: I have seen his pedagogical expertise masterfully used in a variety of settings with learners of various ages and fluency levels. I have seen his constant attention to student engagement, equity, and empowerment create safe and supportive learning communities like no other. I am particularly amazed at his students’ ability to become pedagogical ambassadors outside his presence, bringing the encouragement, confidence, fluency, and teaching-and-learning tools they have gotten from Justin to other students and teachers to create a truly campus-wide learning community. If everyone taught language like Justin Slocum Bailey, we would have a world of self-directed polyglots."
Evan Gardner, Language revitalization expert and activist
Inventor and owner of Where Are Your Keys
"Justin Slocum Bailey took a language most people consider long dead and brought it to life as if it were the lyrics to my son’s favorite song. He not only taught Evan the joys of language—all language—but he also inspired him to approach life as deep thinker, a global communicator, and a passionate advocate for the interconnectedness of all people. And he ignited in him a passion for learning that has extended into every part of his life. I will be forever grateful."
Ed Solomon, Hollywood Screenwriter
Men In Black, Charlie's Angels, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, Now You See Me
You can find more testimonials from past workshops on his website.