I just returned from the SCOLT conference in Nashville, and wow—my cup is full. These events always leave me inspired, but this time, something stood out more than any breakout session or keynote.
It was the people.
The hallway hugs. The quick catch-ups between sessions. The “I’ve been following your work!” moments. The long conversations over coffee (or drinks 😉) about teaching, leading, and learning.
And it reminded me of something we don’t talk about enough in professional development: the power of connection.
In our world of world language education, we talk a lot about comprehensible input, interculturality, and performance-based assessments. But one of the most transformative things you can do for your practice—and your career—is to find your PFFs: Professional Friends Forever.
These are the colleagues-turned-friends who:
Let me share a quick story.
As my PFF Amanda and I rode from the airport to the hotel in the shuttle, someone leaned over and asked, “Are you heading to the conference?”
She was attending SCOLT for the first time. She didn’t know many people, but she took a chance—she said hi.
We talked all the way to the hotel, and over the next few days, we kept bumping into her. Each time, we’d check in: “How’s the conference going? What sessions are you loving?”
And each time, our connection grew.
On the last day, she found us again—just to say thank you. She shared what she had learned, the people she’d met, and how energized she felt.
Before she left, she smiled and said, “See you next year.”
All of that started with one small question. One moment of courage. But taking a risk can be hard. So let's look at some easy ways to start.
Building your professional community doesn’t always require hopping on a plane. Whether you're attending a national conference or connecting from your classroom, here are a few ways to find and nurture your PFFs—Professional Friends Forever—wherever you are.
If you’re attending an event like SCOLT, ACTFL, or even a local meet-up, resist the urge to just follow a packed session schedule. Instead, stay open. Some of the most meaningful moments happen outside the breakout rooms—over lunch, between sessions, or in the elevator. Smile. Say hello. Sit next to someone new. Be curious, not just about content, but about the people around you. That’s often where true connection begins.
Engage with Intention Online
If you can’t be there in person, you can still be part of the conversation. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram offer a rich space for connection—if you use them intentionally. Follow educators who inspire you. Leave comments that go beyond “Love this!” and really speak to what resonated with you. A quick DM saying, “Thank you for that post—it really helped me think differently,” can open the door to a lasting professional relationship.
Feeling brave? Take it a step further and ask if they would like to have a Zoom coffee chat to talk more about it. I know I love it when people reach out to me to connect at a deeper level.
Sometimes, your people are just waiting for the space to gather. If you’re not finding the kind of community you need, consider starting one. That might mean a group text with fellow language teachers, a monthly Zoom reflection session, or a private online group where you can share ideas and questions. These don’t have to be big or formal—they just need to be intentional and consistent.
My PFF Meredith introduced me to an app called Marco Polo. I'm incredibly awkward at it now but will master it soon! :)
Not every connection needs to be brand new. Think back to someone you really connected with at a past event or in a previous teaching role. Reach out. Send a quick note to say, “I was just thinking about that session we attended together—how are things going for you?” People appreciate being remembered, and you never know what kind of reconnection could reignite a valuable PFF relationship. I have a list of PFFs (and potential PFFs) that I am reaching out to this week, just to say “Thank you.” “It was wonderful seeing you,” or "How can I support you?”
That educator on the shuttle reminded me: connection begins with a single step.
So, what would it look like for you to take a small risk this week?
Comment on this post and tell me your PFF story. I'd love to hear about how your PFFs support you.
Want more ideas and support on building your professional community—and growing as a leader in world language education?
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