Thomas Sauer is the codirector of PEARLL, a Title VI language resource center at the University of Maryland, where he has facilitated face-to-face and online annual professional development for language teachers. He previously worked as an independent consultant and a K–12 world language specialist for several school systems in Kentucky. Mr. Sauer taught German at the University of Kentucky, Georgetown College, the Kentucky Institute for International Studies, and Kentucky Educational Television. He is a sought-after workshop facilitator, curriculum developer, and keynote speaker. He previously served as an instructional lead for several successful STARTALK teacher programs. Mr. Sauer holds an MA in instructional leadership and school administration from Bellarmine University.

Laura Terrill is a nationally recognized independent consultant who recently worked as the senior associate for professional development for the National Foreign Language Center at the University of Maryland. She taught French at all levels for 21 years before becoming the coordinator of foreign language and English as a second language and then director of curriculum for a school district in Missouri. She has taught methods courses in St. Louis and Indianapolis and continues to present at the local, state, regional, and national levels. She has served on the board of directors for the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and ACTFL. She coauthored the second edition of The Keys to Planning for Learning: Effective Curriculum, Unit, and Lesson Design. Ms. Terrill holds a BA in French from the University of Missouri and an MA in secondary administration from Northeast Missouri State University.

Sharon Soler’s work at the National Foreign Language Center since 2009 has included guiding the creation of language learning materials in over 30 languages, ensuring the quality and timely delivery of all project deliverables, and managing critical processes for the NFLC in its administration of the STARTALK federal grant program. Prior to her work at the NFLC Ms. Soler was an Assistant Director with the Office of Professional Studies at the University of Maryland, where she oversaw enrollment and student services for post-graduate programs targeted to working professionals. Ms. Soler holds a BA in Government from Georgetown University.