Teaching is one of the single most important tasks that all societies need done. All societies need to pass down knowledge to the next generation. Kids need to learn how the world works in order to prepare for their space in it. Those who enter this profession want to do all they can to assist those they teach.
Understanding the perspective of others is crucial. Another point of view can help clarify how the students in their class learn and how they see the world. This is why educational organizations that work closely with teachers wish to help them understand the student population better. One such organization is Rocketship Education. At this organization, they strive to make sure all teachers have the tools they need to bring every educational opportunity to all students. This is why they offer many forms of help to all those who choose this life and career path.
One Specialist’s Experiences
One educational specialist who decided to step up and take full advantage of all that Rocketship Public Schools offers is Emma Volpe. As an English Language Learner specialist, she was pleased to have the opportunity to do all she could to think where many of her students hailed from. Those who work with the organization are given numerous opportunities for professional development. In fact, the organization awards a thousand dollars to people who have been there for there for three years or longer. They want to encourage staffers to explore new points of view and see the world in a different light. Those who receive such funds are free to use them at their discretion. For Volpe, the funds were a chance to think about the population she teaches every single day in a new way. This is why she choose to explore the language that many of her students speak.
A Spanish Odyssey
Many of her new students have Spanish as their primary language. As such, this is the language they use to communicate with each others. It’s also the language that many of the parents of the kids she teaches have as a first language. With her money in hand from Rocketship, she decided to make a trek South to explore the region south of the border. Her destination was Antigua, Guatemala. This Central American country is home to a thriving population and an ancient culture that has been here for many centuries. Her own goal in visiting this part of the world was twofold. In the first place, she wanted to the country and the area in person and speak with locals. Her second goal was to switch from being the person teaching it to being the person learning a second language.
Immersing Herself
Ultimately, Volpe was able to accomplish both goals. She found that being in Guatemala enabled her to see a beautiful country in person and speak closely with many residents. She had the opportunity to tour the town, speak with her host family and see several of the region’s most admired sites. She also had the chance to understand the Spanish language better and immerse herself fully in it for a week. This valuable time is one that she will always cherish for the rest of her life. She hopes to take away even more from the experience. It’s given her a foundation in the Spanish language and helped her learn more about how others learn another language. In the process, she’s found a great sense of renewal. She knows she can return back to teaching kids with the understanding that she truly needs.
