In order to create an atmosphere that enables learning in the classroom, it is important to establish rules that can help to organize classes more efficiently. For this, I always try to use first-day classes to do student-oriented activities that engage learners in creating Dos and Don’ts in the classroom. In this way, everyone will have a sense of belonging and responsibility as they learn a new language.

However, and despite all efforts to avoid these kinds of disruptive situations, a student may not always feel motivated to be part of a given activity and thus he or she might distract other students. To solve this, I make sure to understand my students’ learning styles and motivation backgrounds very accurately so that I can give them alternative activities that better suit their learning needs at the moment.

What learning have you experienced recently that had a big impact on teaching and learning for you, and why? Would you be prepared to share this learning with other members of staff, and how would you go about doing so?
Last year, I had the opportunity to work with the Spanish Department and the Social Sciences Department to organize a symposium on Latin American Literature and Philosophy in a multicultural context. Our main aim was to explore and create a transversal learning framework where students could select their favorite Colombian authors whose works in literature have had a great impact and influence on the English-speaking world. We invited students from other schools to be part of this event and then we organize round-table speaking activities so that they could interact with each other in both English and Spanish.
By doing this, we enabled students to exercise a cultural practice through three subjects – English, Spanish, and Philosophy – as well as we allowed them to experience a different way of learning. In the same fashion, this activity also allowed me to learn from the other departments in a way I could understand that it is important to connect our teaching to other learning areas. For this reason, I believe I will be very happy to continue exercising this kind of experimental project in other venues by encouraging teachers and the school community to be part of it. For example, I would love to create new learning ideas with other departments such as Computer Science where English and technology could be experienced by students to their fullest with interesting activities, or with the Arts where students could combine their artistic creativity with their English knowledge to paint a wall with social and cultural messages.

In the end, I believe it is important to let students know that English is not just a subject but a lifestyle that can enrich our cultural understanding of the world.

Describe a time when you achieved excellence within your role.
n July 2018, I had the opportunity to be named best high school teacher during the second academic term at Liceo Moderno Campestre. It was a big surprise for me considering I had been working there for just five months. I believe what made this possible was my willingness to open my heart to new learning opportunities. Also, I have always said that when we believe in what we do anything can be possible.

In what areas do you think you need professional development?
I would definitely like to learn more about Information and Communications Technology and the way they can be better utilized within the classroom to foster and boost language learning.

What is your long-term career objective and where do you see yourself five years from now?