Teaching & Training
Welcome to my Teaching & Training Portfolio! For me, teaching is more than just a job—it's a collaboration where learning flows both ways. Whether I’m breaking down the complexities of linguistic theory, teaching technology basics, or guiding students through immersive language experiences, I’ve found that the most rewarding moments come when I learn just as much from those I teach as they do from me. Every classroom, workshop, and training session is a chance to connect, share knowledge, and grow together. This page offers a snapshot of that journey, reflecting not just what I’ve taught, but how these experiences have shaped my own understanding.
A Collaborative Journey
Teaching is a passion I carry with me in every aspect of my work. Feel free to explore my full resume or reach out to learn more about how I can bring these experiences to your institution.
In my classes, I prioritize active engagement and real-world relevance. My philosophy is rooted in using language as a tool for understanding culture, identity, and personal expression. Through my interactive, inclusive approach, I strive to make every person feel valued and inspired.
Exploring My Teaching Experiences
University Teaching: Empathy and Flexibility in Action...
One of the most impactful moments in my university teaching was when I reached out to a student who was falling behind, despite their interest in the material. In our meeting, I learned they had transferred from a smaller college and were juggling multiple jobs to support their family, feeling overwhelmed by the new workload.
Together, we created a plan that offered flexibility on deadlines, allowing them to catch up and focus on graduating that year. Their gratitude for this support was a reminder that every student thrives at their own pace, and as educators, it’s our responsibility to provide the tools they need to succeed. This experience deepened my commitment to flexibility and student-centered teaching, as their success helped me grow into a more empathetic and adaptive instructor.
K-12 Teaching: Creativity, Culture, and Gamified Learning...
My K-12 teaching focused on creating spaces where students could make mistakes, learn creatively, and feel supported. As a creative learner, I made it a priority to engage students in fun, hands-on ways that sparked their interests. For example, I gamified vocabulary review through Quizlet challenges, offering small rewards if they could beat my score. The competition helped them master the material while having fun, making assessments a breeze.
Incorporating culture into lessons was also key. When learning about houses in Spanish, students planned how they would build a house in Costa Rica—researching materials and even contacting agencies in Spanish. Their work was impressive, and we all learned together.
One of my most moving moments was when former students, many now in college, created a video wishing me luck as I pursued graduate school. Their reflections on how much my teaching had shaped them were a reminder of how much they shaped me. My teaching journey, especially with middle schoolers, taught me that adaptability and meeting students where they are is crucial for helping them thrive.
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Fall 2021 | Language and Music | Boston University | Grader |
Fall 2018 & Spring 2020 | Say what? Accents, Dialects, and Society | Boston University | Teaching Fellow |
2017 – 2018 | Spanish & Technology | Academy of the Sacred Heart | Instructor |
2014 – 2017 | Spanish & Technology | Saint Joseph’s Academy | Instructor |
2012 – 2013 | Spanish | Louisiana State University | Instructor |
Featured Course
One of my favorite courses to teach was ‘Say What? Accents, Dialects, and Society,’ where students not only learned the intricacies of dialects but also discussed critical social issues like classism and racism. This course helped students see language as a powerful tool in understanding society, which is crucial in any field.
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Training & Collaboration: From Local to Global Events
Throughout my career, I’ve embraced opportunities to collaborate with other educators and professionals, whether at a local or international level. As a high school teacher, I became one of the organizers for a statewide Spanish high school convention, bringing together students and teachers for workshops, competitions, and cultural exchanges. This experience honed my skills in event coordination, curriculum planning, and collaboration with fellow educators.
Later, I applied these skills at Boston University, where I co-organized the Boston University Conference on Language Development (BUCLD). This event, which brought in linguists and scholars from around the world, had run in person for decades—until COVID-19 forced us to transition to an entirely online format. In just a few months, we adapted the conference to be fully virtual, creating a seamless and engaging experience that earned praise for its execution, even during a time when many were fatigued by Zoom and online events.
These experiences not only highlight my ability to organize large-scale events and collaborate across teams but also show my adaptability in facing unexpected challenges. Whether organizing state-level conventions or international conferences, I’ve developed the skills to manage complex logistics, collaborate effectively, and create meaningful learning experiences for participants.