Experience Summary
I just completed a Spanish Community College Teaching MA program at Appalachian State University a few weeks ago. I have presented research I conducted in my field at a Student Research and Creative endeavors event at Appalachian State University for the past two years. I have experience both traveling and studying abroad as well. In the summer of 2010 I participated in a summer study abroad program in Ecuador in which I studied at an Amazonian Summer Field School and completed related coursework in Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics. In the summer of 2014 I studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain and took courses for my MA program. I have worked as a graduate assistant for the Department of Romance Languages at my university and was responsible for assisting with curriculum research, assisting undergraduate students with projects in the language lab, promoting student awareness of Spanish graduate program on campus and co-hosting International Coffee Hour events on campus. I served as a co-leader of a Spanish Language Immersion Weekend through my university which took place in Camp Broadstone, Banner Elk. The purpose of this program was to facilitate the acquisition of Spanish language skills in undergraduate students. I also have participated in an Alternative Service Experience (ASE) program through my university in which I served as a volunteer working with Bridge Refugee Services in Knoxville, Tennessee over my spring break. My responsibilities included: welcoming newly arrived refugees from South America and the Middle East and assisting them in an ESL class and with purchasing food, furnishing residences, and searching for jobs.
Teaching Style
I think it extremely important to use visual and audio aids in teaching a foreign language to keep the student engaged in the language. I do not believe in excessive error correction. I think it quite important for language teachers to demonstrate passion for the subject as well as maintain a positive attitude. Instead of criticizing students for making errors in the language which can prove harmful to the language learning process, it is much more important to constantly encourage students to do their best to improve their skills in the language.
My Hobbies
My hobbies include reading, creative writing, and learning languages (such as Italian).
Other Comments
I have a profound passion for both teaching and learning the Spanish language. I would love to share my knowledge of the language with others and also teach my native language to those in need.