The most important thing about teaching is what goes on in the classroom, whether it be a physical space in a building or an online lesson. I believe in creating a supportive atmosphere that teaches the whole student, not just the content but how to approach the world.
In my career, I have taught students at all grade and ability levels, from grade 5 through high school, from college-prep to gifted. At all levels my philosophy is the same: exposure to authentic language and culture, interactive learning, and an emphasis on communication.
In this section, you will find a summary of what I’ve taught through the years, as well as some concrete examples: materials I’ve created, work my students have done, and the tech tools I incorporate. You can also view some of the comments from students, parents, and colleagues that I’ve received over the years.
Content Taught
This list is not meant to be comprehensive, but rather is intended to give you an idea of the breadth and scope of topics I’ve had the pleasure of teaching.
- Describing how illnesses affect systems and parts of the body
- Nutrition and living healthy
- Describing weather and climate
- Describing character, identity and origin
- Expressing emotions and feelings
- Describing celebrations, parties, and cultural festivals
- Going to the market and bargaining
- Describing a house and modernist style
- Education and literacy
- Expressing agreement and disagreement
- Making suggestions and recommendations
- Expressing desires, doubts, wishes, conjectures, and possibilities
Cultural Topics
Again, this list is not exhaustive, but provides a sample of the authentic culture that I incorporate into my teaching at all grade levels. I try to incorporate the tenets of social justice education and equity whenever possible.
- Education and literacy in Puerto Rico
- Revolution and Nationalism in Cuba, Mexico and Catalunya
- Art as a tool for social justice and change
- Cultural syncretism in Latin America: African and indigenous influences
- Endangered animals of Latin America
- Refugees in the USA
- The art and life of Frida Kahlo
- Identity and place in society
- The role of the elderly in Spanish-speaking families
- Homelessness and Hunger in NYC
- Gender stereotypes in popular culture: music and advertisements
- Spanish Civil War: causes and implications
- Sustainable Tourism