TESTIMONIALS - Indwelling Language

In 25 years of working with teachers, Justin is one of the best I have ever met. His understanding of pedagogical research is impressive and not limited to the classic schoolroom: I have seen his pedagogical expertise masterfully used in a variety of settings with learners of various ages and fluency levels. I have seen his constant attention to student engagement, equity, and empowerment create safe and supportive learning communities like no other. I am particularly amazed at his students’ ability to become pedagogical ambassadors outside his presence, bringing the encouragement, confidence, fluency, and teaching-and-learning tools they have gotten from Justin to other students and teachers to create a truly campus-wide learning community. If everyone taught language like Justin Slocum Bailey, we would have a world of self-directed polyglots.

Evan Gardner, Language revitalization expert and activist; inventor of Where Are Your Keys

Justin Slocum Bailey took a language most people consider long dead and brought it to life as if it were the lyrics to my son’s favorite song. He not only taught Evan the joys of language—all language—but he also inspired him to approach life as a deep thinker, a global communicator, and a passionate advocate for the interconnectedness of all people. And he ignited in him a passion for learning that has extended into every part of his life. I will be forever grateful.

Ed Solomon, Screenwriter (Men In Black, Charlie’s Angels, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Mosaic, Now You See Me)

Justin has a gift for integrating all the components of language learning and helping learners experience language in a wide variety of comprehensible and interesting ways. Working with Justin has not only created in me a love for language and for learning, but also led me to form high expectations for language learning, coursework in other fields, and life in general. I highly encourage any person trying to learn a new language and any teacher trying to improve his or her skills to adopt Justin’s approaches.

Darian Epherson, Political Science and Spanish graduate, UC Berkeley

Justin is without a doubt the best teacher I have ever known. I’ve never met a teacher more excited for or more skilled at teaching a language through whatever methods work with his students, whether they be formal and traditional or cutting-edge. Justin has astonishing vision for big picture language learning goals and how to achieve them through day-to-day, small-picture processes. His immense knowledge of language acquisition research and his wide experience in the classroom make him an incredible asset as both a teacher and a teacher trainer.

Clayton Chmiel, Spanish Teacher and World Language Department Chair, The Episcopal School of Dallas

Anonymous feedback on Justin's courses, workshops, and talks

The best professional development workshop I have ever attended.

I loved the interactivity with the teacher and other participants. Justin’s enthusiasm and sense of humor were amazing!

You won't find a more dynamic, practical, and informative workshop for your practice as a teacher.

The best keynote I've ever heard!

I got to see things I can ACTUALLY use in my classroom! Learning how to create these tasks and texts step-by-step was huge, as were the take-home resources.

One of the most inspiring teachers, and humans, I've had the pleasure of knowing.

Justin should be the keynote speaker at every conference!

Amazing and masterful teaching. Classroom management was seamless and Justin actually used students' behavior in his lessons with humor, but also a clear message on how to act.

I truly didn’t want today to end! This is the type of professional development that teachers crave.

It was crucial to see the real-world application of the techniques, to see the techniques come alive.

One of the best speakers I have seen in my entire career!!

I tend to get distracted and overwhelmed at PDs, but what you were presenting and the way you presented it, was not overwhelming and was engaging for me 100%.

JSB is my new hero. I mean, I really enjoyed watching him work and hearing him speak. He's authentic, intelligent, sincere. The real deal.

You're fun, encouraging, and you make Latin, Spanish....everything!!! feel accessible. I am super excited!!!

The best thing about this workshop was the safe environment. I didn’t feel intimidated or pressured to convert my entire classroom. We learned very reasonable strategies and activities to use immediately.

Awesome energy!

You treated everyone in the class like they mattered PERSONALLY to you. You looked them in the eyes, you remembered their names, you TOLD them they were interesting. You were laughing, they were laughing, and you let the mistakes be part of the fun. Their successes were yours - you were EXCITED by their success.

Justin's ease with students is pure magic.

Whenever I face a pedagogical decision, however big or small, I ask myself, "What would Justin do?"

Holy gifted batman! Justin's command of a classroom is amazing. Not only did I understand and learn Latin as an observer, but I learned a great deal about classroom management as well.

I learned a mountain of wonderful strategies!

I was amazed by how high my comprehension was and how confident I felt, which was certainly on account of Justin’s amazing teaching style.

He was so engaging and so entertaining. SUCH a great speaker and so inspirational!

Justin was great. I like that he is animated, yet low-key. He inspired me to recommit to a focus on communication as the essential task in my classes.

Quería darte las gracias por la clase de hoy, en verdad fue muy divertido e inspirador. Estaré al pendiente de tu vuelta a México para volver a tomar otro taller. ¡Gracias!

Justin is so passionate and dynamic.

Ausgezeichnet! Your energy and true caring shone through so beautifully and I think I can do some of the wonderful things you do.

The movement! The hacks for staying in flow... So needed!

It was one of the best PDs because it not only gave me ideas for things to do w students (without it being thrown at us as that) but also just general ways to improve ourselves as teachers. It was engaging, kept me involved and engaged, interesting, fun, practical, and energetic (not like aerobics energy, but more positive healing uplifting energetic).

Justin is an amazing presenter. His demos were so much fun and very compelling!

I loved the balance between activities for first and second year students and ideas for teaching advanced texts and content.

One of the greatest teachers I have ever encountered.

High energy but calm at the same time. Justin was very subtle in how he redirected students' attention and got them back on track. He also modeled what he wanted them to do. He reacted to their comments but didn't get off track.

His enthusiasm and engagement model so well.

Great explanations on strategies and management!

What I appreciated most was the specific activities I learned, combined with Justin’s willingness to engage with our questions and ideas.

My new mantra is "Teach like JSB is watching!"

An amazing experience.

Wow! Really enjoyed your presentation and energy. Thanks for all the ideas. Namaste.

Justin's presentation freed me up to do what I have long felt was best.

So fun and students (and adult observers) were completely engaged.

Your energetic demos were awe-inspiring, and your insights into ready-to-implement techniques and the underlying theoretical basis have equipped me to incorporate even more comprehensible input into my classroom regardless of the constraints.

Your (Justin's) exemplary skills + empathy + humor. An inspiring model.

A totally accomplished and expert presenter! I will be studying this presentation in depth.

The best thing about this experience was…JUSTIN.

The kind of teacher/presenter I'd like to have a beer with.

I learned by experience that I really can do this!