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

What does it really take to become a National Board Certified Teacher as a world language educator?

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Bartels, a veteran language teacher whose passion for languages began in a high school classroom and grew into a career spanning more than two decades. From teaching in international schools in Africa and the Philippines to supporting multilingual learners and families in the U.S., Lisa brings a deeply informed, global perspective to language instruction.

As a National Board Certified Teacher, past president of the North Carolina AATF, and recipient of multiple state and national honors—including the 2023 Foreign Language Association of North Carolina Teacher of the Year—Lisa offers a clear, honest look at the National Board Certification process specifically for world language teachers. We talk about what the process entails, why it matters for professional growth, and what teachers should know before deciding to pursue certification.

Whether you’re considering National Board Certification or simply looking to grow as a language educator, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and actionable takeaways.

Lisa is also co-author, alongside Erin Austin, of Achieving National Board Certification in World Languages: Proven Strategies and Tips for Accomplished Teaching (2026, Routledge, Taylor & Francis). Her insights in this conversation reflect the same practical, teacher-centered approach found in the book.

Be sure to enter the code 25AFLY4 when you check out for 20% off the book!

Lisa's Website: www.explorecurriculum.com

LinkedIn: lisa-bartels

YouTube: @explorecurriculum

Facebook: /explorecurriculum/

Twitter: @explorecurric