Michelle Olah is a passionate advocate for language educators and an expert in proficiency-based professional development with over 23 years of experience in world languages consulting, curriculum design, and instructional leadership. Inspired by her own transformative experience studying Spanish in Minnesota—which led her family on a trip to Spain after she fell in love with the painting Las Meninas—Michelle has channeled that love of language and culture into a career dedicated to empowering teachers.

As Director of Professional Learning at Wayside Publishing, Michelle leads a team dedicated to coaching and supporting educators in implementing proficiency-based teaching strategies. A recognized national leader in the field, she has served as Past President of both NNELL (National Network for Early Language Learning) and FFLA (Florida Foreign Language Association), and as a Past Board Member of SCOLT (Southern Conference on Language Teaching).

Michelle is also the creator and host of Wayside Publishing's Language Lounge podcast—one of the most diverse world language podcasts available—featuring candid conversations with leaders in the field on topics ranging from innovative teaching methods and proficiency assessment to educator well-being and classroom technology. A sought-after presenter at state, regional, and national conferences, Michelle brings the same enthusiasm and expertise to every stage she steps onto.

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