This academic year, from Nov. 20 to Nov. 23, Spanish teacher Plinio Gutierrez-Delgado joined more than 6,000 world language teachers from the United States, Canada, and the world, in New Orleans, LA, for the 2025 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Annual Convention and World Language Expo. This is the most important event of the year for language teachers, and Delgado attended to learn new ideas, share teaching tips, and discover new tools for making his Spanish classes better.

The 2025 ACTFL convention provided more than 800 educational sessions, exhibitors workshops, meetings, special events and more than 200 exhibiting companies. The educational sessions and workshops included topics like technology, culture, communication, and how to help students succeed in real-world situations. Delgado attended educational sessions running from the ethical and effective use of Artificial Intelligence in the world language classroom to fostering success in Heritage language learners.

The keynote speakers made a positive impact on Delgado and teachers who packed The Great Hall of the  New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The opening speaker was Miguel Cervantes -the Broadway actor known for playing Alexander Hamilton in “Hamilton”– whose message reminded teachers that learning a language is really about finding your voice. The closing speaker was Steve Boyes, a National Geographic explorer, conservationist, and environmental scientist. His message explained how language and culture play an important role for understanding people around the world and for protecting the planet. Both keynote speakers showed that language skills can help students become better global citizens.

Spanish teacher Plinio Gutierrez-Delgado returns to Bellarmine eager to share new ideas, teaching tips, and techniques with his colleagues, after his participation in the ACTFL 2025. He is grateful for this professional development opportunity that he believes will make a difference in his Spanish classroom.