"Best of" Oklahoma"
Do you know a World Language teacher who should be "Spotlighted" ? Please Let us know by filling out the form!
¡Hola! My name is Shane Zumwalt and I am the New Teacher/Member Liaison for OFLTA. I teach Spanish at Longfellow Middle School in Norman. I teach Exploratory 6th and 7th grade Spanish, Spanish I and Spanish II. I wanted to become a Spanish Teacher after taking Spanish 2 - AP Spanish with Darcy Pippins at Norman High School. I graduated from OU in December 2020 and I started teaching in February 2021. I was introduced to OFLTA while going through the World Language Education program with Dr. Rebecca Borden at the University of Oklahoma. I love being involved with OFLTA because I love being able to connect with other World Language Teachers and get new techniques and activities from them, especially since I am the only World Language Teacher at my school. I am so grateful for OFLTA and the many excellent educators that are in my life to support me in the beginning years of my teaching career. In my free time, I like to spend time with my nieces/nephews, watching TV, traveling and being involved with my church.
OFLTA Recognitions
OFLTA's 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year
Whitney Stafford-Najibi, French Teacher Westmoore HS
My name is Whitney Stafford-Najibi, and I have taught French for 24 years. I received my Bachelor's in French from Webster University in St. Louis, MO, and my Master's in TESOL from Oklahoma City University. I am certified in middle school English and taught 8th graders at Brink Junior High for 3 years. I am the Director of Education for the Alliance française of Oklahoma City, and currently serve at the Executive Secretary-Treasurer for OFLTA. I have created activities and reading for teachers' guide materials for many of the French-language novels sold by Wayside Publishing (Vol des Oiseaux, Claire, la voyante, L'Étudiante étrangère, and Les Découvertes incroyables to name a few).
I have been an acquisition-driven teacher for 19 years! I focus on a language-rich, high-frequency, Francophone-centered classroom where students feel a part of the classroom community. Since acquisition is always the goal, my teaching never feels like a "method", or a "technique". I also love serving the World Language teachers of Oklahoma. Whether it is instructional coaching, mentoring, serving as a cooperating teacher, speaking to future teacher candidates, or presenting at conferences, I am committed to my profession, and to the future of World Languages in Oklahoma.
In my life outside of school, I am a busy mom to two kids, a six-year old and an eight-year old. They are truly my pride and joy. In my spare time, I love to create on Canva, play the piano, listen to music, and spend time with family. You will also see my rooting for my hometeam, the St. Louis Cardinals!
Thank you to OFLTA for this wonderful opportunity!
OFLTA Teacher Spotlight