Igniting Your Personal and Professional Growth

Describe one or two, specific learning experiences from your fellowship. In words, show us this experience and explain why it was powerful.

Two strangers embarked on a mini amazing race. Our goal was to meet one another in Concepcion, El Salvador. The common denominator was Melvin, Carmen’s eldest child & my student. He was a part of this race as he guided us via FaceTime. 3 mini & 4 regular buses, taxi, boat, & tons of walking. We were calling out to one another as we got closer. Finally, we ran towards each other & hugged. We talked as if we had been friends forever. I realized how powerful our relationship was because of Melvin.

What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn professionally?

Professionally, learning is a never ending quest. There is a wealth of info that I acquired that will help me enhance my teaching. By learning about my student's culture &/or meeting their family, I will have a more meaningful understanding of the reality of my student's prior life and challenges they faced and continue to live. It also broadens my educational scope to a significantly deeper level. All this will help me achieve a more meaningful relationship with my students who I love.

What were some unplanned or unexpected experiences or outcomes of your fellowship? Or, how did the fellowship you crafted differ from the actual learning experience?

My host in Mexico suggested I visit an indigenous community. She was able to make this happen thanks to a teacher family member. They were most welcoming. It was an amazing experience to see students practice for the end of year event. I learned that there are many communities like the Chamulas whose 1st language is their native language & Spanish is 2nd language. Huge surprise! I visited 4 additional countries where many of my students are from: El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador & Colombia.

Impacting Your Classroom, School and Community

Outline specific plans you have to implement your fellowship and reach your student goals.

My goal is to integrate ML students to the HPHS community. I want them to have a sense of belonging. Have students create a portfolio of their progress in Transitional Bridging the Gap Seminar class. Ensure that ML students participate in 1-2 school-wide events Encourage students to regularly visit the Multilingual Corner. Log visits for data.

What is one way you can leverage your fellowship to create one authentic learning experience for students? (e.g. hands-on learning, projects, community engagement)

HPHS Multilingual Student/Mentor Program - Many students are unaccompanied minors & do not know when they will reunite with their parents. They especially would benefit from this program. Having a caring role model is another lifeline towards success. Students will interview with professionals (from their countries) from the community and/or organizations to be matched as their mentor. 1 phone or virtual meeting & 1 in person meeting monthly End of the year celebratory luncheon

How, specifically, will your fellowship extend beyond your classroom? (e.g. families, school-at-large, afterschool groups, surrounding community, colleagues, etc.)

Transitional Bridging the Gap Seminar class M-F 7:30-8:20 am specifically addressing student's needs (conversational Eng, basic math & intro tech) Multilingual Corner offering academic, social & emotional support during & after school Hispanic Heritage Month where ML students can showcase their country, culture, history, etc. Teachers from various disciplines will be available to support students. Global (Central & S America) Peer TESOL Program Global Email Exchange Global Libra

Inspiring the Future

What change(s) did you make in your classroom or community this year because of your fellowship learning?

I included posters with historical & geographical information, multilingual library, flags scaffolded from the ceiling, music, etc. from the various countries of my students. Ethnic Attire Celebration where students displayed/wore native attire & orally shared the significance & history regarding the clothing. I shared my academic investigation finding with several community organizations. My goal is to collaborate with them in 2024-25 by implementing new prog - LatinX Mentors, Youth Presenters.

How did your change(s) impact students?

Students demonstrated a sense of belonging. They became more engaged. The environment provided them culturally sensitive learning. They felt empowered when inviting other students and teaching them about their country or introducing them to a game native to their country. Students thrived as they made gains academically, socially, emotionally and linguistically.

In what ways was this opportunity transformative for your teaching?

Learning is a lifelong journey. FFT gave me the opportunity to grow culturally in several Central & South American countries. Although Spanish is the common language there, learning about their educational systems allowed me to service students with purpose.