I was a Spanish teacher at the middle, high school, and university levels for 6.5 years. I have taught in both private and public school settings, and the majority of my experience was as a middle school teacher in Anchorage, Alaska. I am now a full-time curriculum author and trainer that travels nationally and internationally to train teachers in Comprehension-based methods of teaching languages. Learn more about The Comprehensible Classroom
I began using Comprehension-based methods because they are supported by SLA theory and research. Now, I can personally attest to their efficacy! I incorporate Cooperative Learning and limited Grammar Instruction. My passion is writing lesson plans that (1) teach culture to students in without departing from the target language, even to Novice language learners, and (2) support common core standards through the use of non-fiction, classic literature, and critical thinking and questioning.
Outstanding Student Teacher of World Language (2002) "QAR Strategies for Differentiating Questions" presentation selected as Best of AFLA/Best of PNCFL (2015) President, Alaskans for Language Acquisition (2016)
Nazareth College of Rochester; Bachelor's Degree in Spanish; Adolescent Education 7-12 Certification Program Completed. Syracuse University; Masters Degree in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture; Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Spanish is my second language. I studied Spanish beginning in eighth grade, and I continued through high school, college, and baccalaureate work. In addition to my formal education, my experiences abroad were invaluable to my own language learning journey; living in Valencia, Spain for six months and Oaxaca, Mexico for two months. I now reside in Vermont with my husband and our five children.
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool, Staff, Not Grade Specific
English Language Arts, Reading, Vocabulary, Specialty, Math, Science, Earth Sciences, Social Studies - History, World Language, French, Spanish, Latin, German, Other (World Language), Arts & Music, EFL - ESL - ELD, English, Foreign Languages, Geography, Other (ELA), Religion, For All Subject Areas, Literature, ESL / ELL / EFL, Writing, en Français, Holidays/Seasonal, Christmas/ Chanukah/ Kwanzaa, The New Year, Informational Text, Phonics, Hispanic Heritage Month