Jessica M.

specializes in Profesora Jessica · female

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Personal Statement

In May of 2007 I graduated with my master’s degree in Spanish Literature and Linguistics. In my program of study and beyond I have developed various skills in foreign language, teaching, and beyond. I also completed coursework in education at Wichita State University, have taught at Spanish at Wichita State University, and I also teach Spanish at the high school level. I have gained new insights into foreign language pedagogy as well as how students learn to improve my teaching during these appointments. I offer a distinguished record of achievements in the classroom as both student and teacher that enable me to provide a broad range of literary and linguistic material in foreign language instruction. During the last seven and a half years I have successfully taught all of the courses that complete the four-semester sequence of basic Spanish instruction geared toward proficiency at the University of Nebraska as well as courses that lead into the Spanish program at Southeast Community College, Butler Community College, and Wichita State University. In addition I have taught all levels of Spanish (1-4) at the high school level as well. As a teacher it is my objective to creatively direct students through the various mental processes to enable them to grow in their understanding of foreign language, both oral and written, and then to successfully communicate their mental growth through both the written and oral output of the language. Above and beyond an understanding of the language in itself, it is my belief that instruction in culture, history, and literature are of extreme importance in providing a well-rounded foreign language education. My background in literature makes the incorporation of these elements of study one of my strengths. I am fond of incorporating grammar lessons with examples of current music or literature at or just beyond students’ level of language skill, so that they are able to contextually place what it is they are learning. In each class I try to instigate learning using the distinctive senses, stimulating both students’ strengths and helping to strengthen their weaknesses. I am an extremely active teacher that enjoys engaging students mental processes through visual instruction and physical movement. There are also various opportunities in which technology may be used to more successfully connect students with the language and cultures they are studying. I take great pride in not only instructing my students but in learning from them as well. I have found one of the major keys in developing a successful relationship between student and teacher is effective communication of the goals and expectations of each course from the beginning of each semester. Due to this, I enjoy constructing efficient syllabi, fluidly planning my daily classes, and making myself available to students outside of the classroom to provide them additional assistance. In addition to my strengths of providing students with creative activities that motivate their successful acquisition of the language, I offer experience of language use outside of the classroom environment. In my work as a veterinary technician I have provided my workplace with the opportunity to diversify their clientele through my abilities as both interpreter and translator. I offer skill not only in basic language instruction, but in the development of more specific curriculum geared toward the professional, both business and medical, in gaining a working knowledge of Spanish to use on a daily basis in their jobs. In meeting the constantly evolving understanding of language in a more global perspective, I also have experience with programs of study abroad. I studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain and have maintained a close relationship with the director of that program that would enable me to mentor students in similar programs.

Wichita, KS 67203