Learning a new way of teaching: Discover AIM’s teacher training options
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Learning a new way of teaching: Discover AIM’s teacher training options

Learning a new skill takes time. But, what if we said that how you teach languages can rapidly accelerate student language acquisition? 


With AIM, you get a proven methodology that makes learning immersive, interactive, and inspirational so your students develop new language proficiency faster than traditional teaching methods. For maximum flexibility, especially for those who are already full-time teachers, we offer our teacher courses live in person, through local workshops, two-day intensive Institutes, and online workshops.


Teachers globally have learned the AIM methodology and have become certified AIM teachers. Becoming “students” themselves, they learn a new way of teaching:


“...I enjoyed experiencing the workshop from the other side, that is, becoming a student in Wendy's class. It was easier to see what I could be doing better for my students to help grasp and engage with French during my own lessons.”

  • FSL teacher in British Columbia

  • In this article, we’ll explain our teacher training options, from Level 1 through to certification. 

    Level 1 – Let’s get started with AIM!

    This in-depth course is your first step to understanding the AIM methodology and becoming an AIM-certified teacher.  


    Level 1 teaches you the core AIM methodology, including:  

    • How to confidently implement the ‘Gesture Approach’ to accelerate language learning
    • Know a Step 1 kit well and how to introduce, review, and develop students’ language proficiency 
    • Understand how rhyme, rhythm, music, and dance support language learning 
    • Practice modeling simple language manipulation activities and storytelling to support maximum proficiency in the French language
    • Learn strategies to support a truly immersive learning classroom through AIM routines and systems. 

    When learning any new skill, practice is key. As you begin implementing AIM, with the support of the detailed Teachers’ Guide, your skill level, familiarity, and comfort with the methodology will grow. 


    After you’ve completed your Step 1 kit with your students, you’ll notice the difference. Your students have settled into the language and are growing their proficiency. 


    Now you may be ready to enhance your own skills and deepen your knowledge of the AIM methodology in our Level 2 teaching workshop. 


    “I was at the workshop and quickly began the AIM almost immediately. The kids just love it. I teach 4 blocks of 75 min. periods of French in a day. By the end of the first day my last class and a few students had got word from the morning class & they were talking to me. It was and is amazing to see the enthusiasm on their faces. The second day I could not get them to stop talking. Amazing!” 

    - Bridget Kehoe

    Level 2: Refresh, reinforce & consolidate your practice 

    Level 2 gives you the continued opportunity to practice your Level 1 skills, but with increased confidence and proficiency. This level requires that you have:

    • Good, practiced knowledge of the Step 1 kit gestures
    • Actively used AIM in the past two years 
    • Completed at least one Step 1 kit in full

    We love seeing the boosted confidence in teachers after they experience a Level 2 training: 


    “I Love teaching again. I've been looking for years to try and teach in the target language 100% of the time no one could show me how and I could not figure it out. This method lays it all out for you and I've even become more confident in French. I'm the teacher I've always wanted to be.

  • Maritza Chavez-Cisneros

  • Many AIM teachers build their confidence and love of the methodology and then choose to continue to Level 3. 

    Level 3: The Creative AIM Teacher 

    Have you completed at least two years of teaching AIM and have reached Step 3 kits (or beyond) in your classroom? If you’re ready to further your AIM practice and develop your own and your students’ creativity, then our Level 3 teacher training course is for you! 


    Your knowledge and confidence of the AIM methodology will deepen further and will begin to feel second nature to you. With Level 3 you will:

    • Further your knowledge of higher-level techniques and strategies to improve student oral and written French language and literacy skills 
    • Learn more fun, creative literacy activities
    • Develop stronger confidence in AIM’s three-step inductive approach to grammar 
    • Share a creative AIM-style activity or game with your peer group and teach them to other course participants. 
    • Learn advanced strategies to keep students continuously engaged and motivated to take ownership of their learning. 

    “My students in Grade 5/6 Core French are able to write page-long essays and longer stories even using the past tense! With AIM I feel confident that when I only speak French in class my students understand. I can't say enough about this methodology. It works!”

    - Lisa Venn (Ontario)

    Beyond Step 3: Become AIM Certified

    The final step of your AIM education is to become AIM certified. Receive one-to-one mentoring to move your practice forward with AIM. Certification is divided into two parts: Pre-Certification and Full Certification.  It typically takes teachers at least two years before they can apply for Pre-Certification and three years for Full Certification. 

    Though the Certification process, you’ll share video samples and student work and will receive highly personalized guidance and feedback based on your implementation of the AIM methodology. 

     

    “Thank you for a wonderful refresher!! Your program is absolutely amazing and I am thankful that we had the opportunity to come in as a division to your workshop. I hope to be able to attend another one in the near future. If I run into any questions I will be sure to ask.

    Thanks again!”

    - Jen Lyttle

     

    And, as you develop your ability to speak knowledgeably about AIM to others, you may be invited to be a guest speaker or workshop facilitator with AIM. 

     

    “I see success every time I use the AIM (which is everyday!). I can't believe how, over a decade ago, it has provided me with the perfect tools to impart the importance of second language learning to others in a fun and confidence-building way. I should be thanking YOU for this opportunity to see everyday success stories. So, THANK YOU!” 

    - Tamara Scott (Brentwood Bay, BC)

     

    Contact us for more information about our AIM Leveled Training Options.

     

     

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