Each month, MFLA will be highlighting the contributions of our members! 

We'd love to hear from you 

What do you teach? How are you involved in your school? Are you a member in other professional organizations? What's a strategy you can share? https://bit.ly/MFLAspotlight2026 

Steve Schawalder is in his 18th year at Clear Spring High School in Washington County, where he teaches Spanish I, II, III, IV (dual enrollment) & AP—yes, all of them, because he is the Spanish department. He is certified in Spanish, Business Education, and Multilingual Learners.

Beyond the classroom, Steve serves as Membership Chair and Treasurer-Elect for the Washington County Teachers Association and stays active in WCTA and MSEA leadership, including attending the Representative Assembly in Ocean City. 

At school, he’s part of the Principal’s Cabinet and School Improvement Team. Within MFLA, Steve’s been a board member for five years, serves on the communications team, manages the website, and recently joined the conference planning committee.

Classroom Spotlight

Steve keeps students on their toes by building movement into daily lessons. One activity he uses is running dictation, where students sprint, memorize, and report back-controlled chaos with a purpose. He also leans on classics like 4 Corners and “Find Someone Who” (interview bingo). They’re low-prep, students already know the routine, and they get kids moving and speaking, which is always the goal (and keeps everyone awake).

He also incorporates QSSSA (Question, Signal, Stem, Share, Assess) to structure student responses and increase participation. This routine gives students time to think, supports them with sentence starters, and ensures more voices are heard, not just the quickest volunteers. It’s a simple way to build confidence while keeping all students engaged in the target language.

Personal Interests

Outside of school, Steve enjoys attending school events, hiking around Western Maryland, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, and relaxing with a good book. If it involves being outdoors, he’s probably in.

He’s also organizing a trip for students and community members to Peru and Machu Picchu in summer 2027! If you’d like more information, please visit www.eftours.com/2860553TH or email schawalder.travel@gmail.com