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In Episode 86 of "Growing With Proficiency The Podcast," we had a powerful conversation with AC Quintero, a remarkable Spanish teacher, writer, presenter, trainer, and coach in language acquisition.

In this conversation, we dove into the significance of free voluntary reading in the classroom, exploring how to make reading an engaging and meaningful experience for students of all levels. Alicia emphasized the importance of building a supportive community and understanding students' diverse relationships with reading before initiating free voluntary reading activities.

Throughout the episode, we discussed the social benefits of reading, implemented engaging pre-activities, and shared practical strategies for fostering student engagement with reading materials.

Alicia also provided valuable insights into her approach to teaching reading, including the incorporation of pre-loading essential literary vocabulary during discussions.

Join us for a great conversation where we explore the power of free voluntary reading and its impact on students' language acquisition and cultural competence. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and tune in to this inspiring episode!

A.C. Quintero is currently a Spanish Teacher at College Preparatory in Chicago, IL. She has 18 years of cumulative experience as an International Baccalaureate middle school teacher, high school teacher, and adjunct instructor. She holds a Master’s in Latin American Literature and Cultures coupled with a Master’s in Educational Leadership. These dual degrees have afforded her a vantage point from both ends of the educational spectrum. A.C. has been sharing her unique perspective on pedagogy and language acquisition for over ten years at national, regional and state conferences. She was most recently recognized by AATSP for her role in improving DEI initiatives for students. In addition to championing equity both inside and outside the classroom, A.C. is also an accomplished author. She has authored several compelling comprehensible novels such as La clase de confesiones, El escape, y Las apariencias engañan that allow students to solidify their language skills while experiencing a wide range of different cultures.

AC Quintero TPT Store

Books by AC Quintero

AC Blog

Upping the Ante: Free Voluntary Reading with Upper-Level Students

How to set up your library for free:

• https://www.donorschoose.org/
• https://educationfoundation.com/linksforteachers/classroom-grants/
• Revista literal

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