I began teaching Spanish in Illinois in 1994. I have taught levels 1-4 in a small rural high school, 8th grade introductory Spanish, Biology 1, and Spanish 101 and 102 at the community college level. My Spanish classes are partnered with the community college to offer students 16 semester hours of dual credit on completion of Spanish 4. In 2011 my first reader was published with Fluency Matters and I continue publishing through Wayside Publishing and Somewhere to Share today.
My readers:
La hija del sastre (with Carol Gaab)
I have also authored many teachers resource guides and classroom units (including the Huellas and Empreintes curriculum) for students from novice to upper intermediate.
In 2006 I became National Board certified and I have served as a mentor both for candidates seeking certification in world languages other than English and a virtual mentor for candidates in all certificate areas. National Board certification is something I encourage teachers to explore.
I completed my Masters degree in Spanish education in 2011 and did my research on the use of Understanding by Design to create meaningful cultural units for the language classroom.
In October 2013, I was named ICTFL Teacher of the Year and in March 2014, I was named the CSCTFL Teacher of the Year. In November 2014, I was one of 5 finalists for the honor of ACTFL Teacher of the Year! Not sure how this happened, I’m just a regular teacher doing my best with regular students like everyone else, but I was so thrilled to have the opportunity.
In the fall of 2017, I received National Geographic Educator Certification and am having a great time incorporating science, geography, and the environment into my classes at all levels.
You can reach me via email at carrie@somewheretoshare.com