Shahnaz Ahmadeian, Ph.D.

Email

Primary Email: [email protected]

Phone/Fax

Primary Phone: 619-594-0846

Building/Location

Storm Hall - 211D

Bio

Shahnaz Ahmadeian is the Director of Instruction at the Language and Applied Research Center (LARC) and the director of the Southern Area International Languages Network (SAILN). She has dedicated her career to advancing world language education, particularly in the areas of less commonly taught (LCTL) and heritage languages. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia, a master’s degree in Policy Studies in Language & Cross-Cultural Education, and a Ph.D. in Education. Her doctoral research explored how LCTL teachers experience professional development and how sustained learning opportunities can better support their unique instructional context. Since joining LARC in 2008, Shahnaz has led numerous state- and federally funded language education initiatives, including STARTALK and SAILN, working to strengthen language teacher development. 

Areas of Specialization

Professional development for language educators, heritage language education, less commonly taught languages (LCTLs), teacher leadership and communities of practice, language program development and curriculum design.

Languages

Persian, Dari, and English

Fun Facts

Shahnaz discovered birdwatching through her son, and what started as a shared activity has become one of her favorite hobbies. She is now an avid birder and enjoys exploring local trails and nature preserves in search of new species.