I believe that it is important for everyone on this planet to get to know other cultures, and one of the best ways of accomplishing this is through the acquisition of a world language. To me, working with the living language is vital to better understanding each other at this time in our history. Not only communication, but also personal and meaningful dialog, can serve to open many doors in this rich and varied world. I also believe that the study of a world language improves one’s brain power by strengthening the connections between synapses and forcing an individual to focus and be clear. There is ample evidence that students who are successful learners in world language tend to do better on standardized tests as a result of their studies.
I have a particular affinity for Spanish, whose speakers in the United States alone number fifty million. Many of my former students have found jobs in the Spanish-speaking world, working in banks, insurance and investment companies, multi-national corporations, and schools. If we take a look around us, we see Spanish speakers in every aspect of American life, from politics to entertainment; the Spanish culture (food, music, art, etc.) is certainly part of the American scene. This is why every able student should study Spanish.
I have taught all levels of Spanish in public, private, and homeschool environments. I have been teaching AP Spanish for thirteen of the last 20 years, having initiated and developed the course at Cheltenham High School in Pennsylvania. I possess a B.A. in Spanish and a M. Ed. in secondary education, both from Temple University. In addition, I possess a B.H.L. and M.H.L. in Hebrew Literature from Gratz College. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend much time abroad, including full summers, and my junior year at Temple, mainly in Mexico, Argentina, and Spain, where I have visited six times. I have written curriculum for the classroom for Univision (2001) and was recognized as AP Teacher in Spanish for the Northeast Region in 2002. Those whom I have taught say that my strong point is in the crafting of specific language drills and "game activities" for students to practice at their appropriate levels, with the purpose of enhancing and personalizing the classroom experience.