One of the many new teachers welcomed this year is Señora Maria Pellot-Rosario. Here at Oakdale, she teaches Spanish 1, 2, and 4, while previously teaching Spanish for Spanish speakers in Montgomery County.
She “always wanted to be a teacher,” Rosario explained, and was inspired by her aunt. She initially pursued a career in nursing, getting her bachelors in that while still living in Puerto Rico. When she moved to the United States she began working as a support staff to other teachers, working to get her masters in Spanish language and culture.
“This is the first time we’ve had a native speaker as a teacher, and I think that’s fantastic so that kids can learn about her experiences and her life and her culture,” shares Señora Bethany Brown, a fellow Spanish teacher and World Language Department Chair, is very excited to welcome Rosario to the staff.
Before coming to Oakdale, Rosario taught Spanish in middle school.
“I switched between middle school and high school and the difference is huge,” she notes. “Here they’re more mature, and they’re more independent, and I think that they love working by themselves.”
Given the difference in ages and preferences, Rosario tweaked her lessons so students will enjoy and relate to them more. With all her different levels, she loves to do speaking activities and let them talk to each other.
She explains how in real life “when you go outside, you are never going to have something to help you.” Due to this, Rosario feels her speaking activities are very helpful in allowing students to develop their ability to express themselves and learn how to communicate with others in Spanish.
Her students agree that the speaking exercises are helpful, and she has a good mix of activities in class.
“I feel like there was a solid mix [of group and independent work]. There were a few group projects and group presentations and then there was a lot of solo practicing and solo presentations as well,” describes senior Spencer Thompson, one of her Spanish 4 students.
When asked what she thinks about teaching at Oakdale, Rosario says she feels like she “won the lottery” being able to teach here. Rosario loves the Oakdale community and the students she gets to work with.
Her passion for teaching and for the Spanish language are evident in her classes, and inspires her students. Thompson noted how he liked Spanish before, but having Rosario as a teacher really inspired him to continue learning.
“I was on the edge before [about continuing in Spanish], but this class really pushed it forwards- seeing how much more there was to improve past it,” he explains.
Thompson had many positive experiences in the class, including class parties with snacks and Rosario’s openness to questions and helping however she could.
“She definitely went out of her way to make sure everyone understood, she was always willing to help and answer any questions,” Thompson added.
