I am a native Spanish speaker who came to this country as a young girl. Learning a second language and learning about a new culture has helped me understand the challenges my students experience in learning how to speak Spanish. However, it also makes me living proof that it is possible to learn a second language and become a bilingual and bicultural individual.I attended private school in West New York, New Jersey, and hold a BA in Spanish Education from the University of Delaware. I have taught all grades and levels in Delaware and Maryland. When I moved to Maryland, I was lucky to find a position at McLean. I have been teaching at McLean since 2002. I have learned that a “cookie cutter” approach does not work in the classroom. Every student learns differently, and every group of students learns differently from year to year. I have learned that flexibility is a key word besides creativity and patience to be a good teacher. As a teacher, I have to modify and adapt my curriculum, along with how I teach, according to the group I teach. This re-inventing is healthy for me and for my students.
I have been grading AP exams for several years now. Grading the AP Spanish Exam has provided me with a deeper understanding of the rigorous curriculum, enabling me to better prepare my students. Additionally, I had the opportunity to network with educators from across the United States, allowing us to exchange ideas on effective teaching and assessment strategies. Furthermore, I interacted with the textbooks’ authors, enhancing my knowledge and teaching approach.
McLean School is a very special place. No matter how much we tell incoming faculty, parents, or students this–you cannot understand how true it is until you are involved and experience firsthand the great work that is done every day in the classroom. The day-to-day activities, the struggles and accomplishments, the caring and respect we have for one another, our desire and commitment to understand our students and help them achieve their potential, and our willingness to find new and creative ways to reach each student make me proud to be a part of this community.