Tutor profile: Jenny N.

Why did you choose to study Spanish?

In addition to studying elementary education in college, I also study Spanish. I did not choose to study Spanish because it stands out on a resume or because I could work abroad. Instead, I fell in love with the emotions and experiences the language can convey. In the three years, I have been learning Spanish, I have traveled to both Havana, Cuba and Chiapas and Mexico City in Mexico. During my times abroad I have met an array of incredible people who I have learned from. I aspire to teach and tutor Spanish as a way to connect people to share and enjoy these experiences and dialogues.

How do you adapt your classroom to fit the needs of each student?

A student's first school is their home, so I always use this as the foundation for their education. I always communicate with families to learn details about their lives in order to better shape the student's time in school. I focus on the family and the community's demographics followed by the child's individual needs inside and outside of the classroom.

What is your teaching philosophy?

My philosophy revolves around learning, however it branches from the standard core curriculum that many education programs push. In addition to teaching fundamental and foundational skills that are seen in the common core, I strive to promote the idea that learning is a lifetime process. I believe that students should be learning both inside and outside of the classroom through critiquing and questioning what they see in the world around them. Rather than specifically learning towards a standardized test, I promote a deeper level of thinking to not only challenge a student but also empower them to learn.