Calling to teach

My path to teaching was non-traditional, but it allowed me to immerse myself deeply in Spanish and Latin American culture and civilization. Over time, my true calling emerged from a passion for Spanish and Portuguese languages—and a desire to share the transformative power of multilingualism with my students.

As a language learner, I found success through meaningful interactions with native speakers and by engaging with authentic cultural content. These experiences shape my teaching philosophy, which integrates technology, media, and real-world immersion activities to engage students and highlight the advantages of multilingualism.

To create authentic language-learning opportunities, I regularly collaborate with TESOL and EFL educators in Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Brazil, and beyond, incorporating international virtual exchanges into the classroom. These partnerships provide students with valuable immersion experiences, reinforcing language acquisition through meaningful, real-world communication.

Educational Mission

I believe that a well-rounded liberal arts education, taught by passionate and skilled faculty, empowers students to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners while equipping them with the knowledge and skills essential for success in their chosen fields.

My mission is to design engaging, student-centered curricula that foster linguistic proficiency, intellectual curiosity, and cultural awareness—encouraging learners to take ownership of their education and inspiring a lifelong passion for learning.

Active Research Agenda

My interest in virtual language exchanges began with my doctoral dissertation, where I sought to address gaps in language curricula by developing immersive, action-oriented learning experiences through instructional design, action research, and educational technology.

Recognizing the limited access many students have to meaningful immersion, I began initiating class-to-class and peer-to-peer virtual exchanges with EFL teachers worldwide. These structured interactions elevate linguistic proficiency by providing authentic, real-world engagement with native speakers.

Through collaborative instructional design and systematic evaluation, my research partners and I:

Design and refine virtual exchanges to maximize immersion and communicative impact.
Employ action research methods to examine the effectiveness of teletandem interactions.
Continuously improve exchange models based on student outcomes, engagement data, and qualitative feedback.

Maintaining an active research agenda that directly informs my teaching is central to my work as an educator. By innovating immersive learning strategies, I aim to bridge cultural divides, enhance language education, and equip students with the global competencies needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

Core Values for Education

The following principles guide my philosophy and approach to teaching, mentorship, and leadership. They shape how I design meaningful learning experiences, nurture student growth, and promote global citizenship, ensuring that I create meaningful learning experiences that empower students and foster global citizenship.

Dedication – Commit fully and pursue excellence with purpose.
Integrity – Act ethically, authentically, and with sound judgment.
Inclusiveness – Respect every stakeholder and create space for all voices.
Humility – Listen deeply, lead by example, and remain open to growth.
Gratitude – Recognize the value in every experience and express appreciation genuinely.