Thanks to our partnership with the former Spanish Consulate, two G.I.S Spanish teachers were awarded scholarships to participate in an international professional development program alongside educators from around the world. Malena attended Academia Mester in Salamanca, while Wendy studied at Academia Mester in León, where they gained new strategies and best practices for teaching Spanish as a second language. We are proud to support our teachers’ continued growth and know that the knowledge they bring back will enrich the learning experience of our students.
In Salamanca, Malena, our 1st and 2nd Grade Spanish teacher, had a truly enriching experience. She attended classes throughout the week, with each day focusing on a different topic led by a different instructor. Her classmates were also Spanish teachers from countries around the world, including Italy, France, the United States, England, and the United Arab Emirates. During the program, she learned new strategies for developing listening comprehension, using film as a tool for teaching Spanish as a second language, adapting instruction for classrooms with students at different proficiency levels, and supporting learners with disabilities.
The group also enjoyed cultural excursions throughout Salamanca. They visited the University of Salamanca, the Salamanca Cathedral, the Garden of Calixto and Melibea, the Spanish Civil War Archive, the Art Deco Museum, explored the historic city center, sampled traditional local cuisine, and experienced the city’s famous tapas route.
In León, Wendy, our 5th Grade Spanish teacher, participated in an intensive professional development program focused on innovative approaches to teaching Spanish as a second language. Throughout the course, she explored how to create and adapt instructional materials based on students’ age, interests, and proficiency levels, as well as strategies for differentiating instruction in classrooms with learners at different language levels.
The program also emphasized incorporating literature into language instruction, teaching pragmatics and authentic communication skills, and exploring the many ways Spanish is used in everyday life. In addition, participants examined important aspects of Spanish culture and history, including the Camino de Santiago and the Spanish dictatorship.
Beyond the classroom, Wendy enjoyed guided tours of the historic city of León, visiting landmarks such as the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Mercado, Gaudí’s Casa Botines Museum, the Cathedral of Santa María de Regla, and the Museum of the Basilica of San Isidoro.
This exceptional experience combined meaningful professional learning with a rich cultural immersion, providing Malena and Wendy with fresh ideas, valuable teaching strategies, and a deeper appreciation for Spain’s language, history, and traditions—knowledge she is excited to bring back to the G.I.S community.
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