Tips for Teaching a Heritage Speakers Class

Tips for teaching a heritage speakers class can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just getting started or find yourself with heritage speakers placed in novice-level courses. A SUPER common question I see pop up in Facebook groups centers around how to support these students when the level clearly is not the right fit for them. Sometimes, you’re starting a heritage speakers class and not sure what to do for curriculum or where to even begin. In this post, I’m sharing helpful and practical tips for teaching a heritage speakers class that will give you a solid foundation, no matter where you are in the planning process.

Tips for Teaching a Heritage Speakers Class

I have personally never taught a heritage speakers class, but my friend Courtney from Profe Nygaard is a pro! I reached out to her and she agreed to share her expertise with us. She’s going to answer our top asked questions, and then give us some resources for where we can get more support if needed!

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your teaching experience? How did you come to teach a heritage Spanish speaker class?
2. Who are heritage speakers exactly? What is the difference between a heritage speaker and a native speaker?
3. What does the curriculum look like with heritage Spanish speakers?
4. What is the biggest challenge with teaching a heritage Spanish speaker class?
5. What is your favorite thing about teaching heritage Spanish class?
6. What ideas do you have for someone that has heritage speakers mixed into their L2 classes?
7. What resources can you recommend for learning more about teaching a heritage Spanish class?

Links mentioned:

• www.profenygaard.com
• www.heritagespanish.com
• https://adventuresinheritageteaching.com/
• https://growingwithheritagelearners.home.blog/
• https://growingglobalcitizens.com/
• https://mygenerationofpolyglots.com/

Real Talk: Teaching a Heritage Speakers Class

Okay, so you’ve got a class full of heritage speakers, now what? Whether your school just handed you a full section or you’ve got a few mixed into your regular class, you might be wondering how to actually meet their needs without a boxed curriculum. First things first: you’re not alone. Tons of us have been there, and while it might feel intimidating at first, you’re about to learn so much (and your students will too).

One of the best tips for teaching a heritage speakers class is simple, listen more than you talk. These students already have lived experiences with Spanish. They might use it at home, at church, or with abuelos over FaceTime. Start there. Build your curriculum around identity, culture, and real-world use. And yes, you can absolutely still teach grammar and writing, but not like it’s Spanish 1. Think editing messy text, digging into formal vs informal voice, or unpacking regional vocabulary.

Connect with Courtney

Learn more from Courtney on her website profenygaard.com. If you just found out you’re teaching a heritage class or just need some new ideas to spice up your curriculum with relevant, meaningful content, that’s the place to be. She shares real classroom experiences, practical strategies, and thoughtful insights that will help you feel more confident and prepared to meet your students where they are.

Make the Class Fit Them, Not the Other Way Around

Your heritage students are not blank slates. They need meaningful tasks, not busywork. Skip the basic verb drills and go for assignments that let them bring themselves into class. Personal storytelling. Creative writing. Discussing Spanglish. Interviewing their own family members. Every student is going to come in with different strengths, so lean into flexibility.

One of the most useful tips for teaching a heritage speakers class? Don’t do it alone. Lean on your department, browse teacher blogs, or hop into a Facebook group full of folks who get it. And if you’re lucky enough to follow Courtney at Profe Nygaard, she’s a total go-to.

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