Teacher Professional Development: I need Rosetta Stone CDs to improve my Spanish skills to better communicate with the families of my students. <profdevpilot>
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Grimes's classroom raised $425
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
"Hola, como estas?" I know the basics in Spanish, as I studied for three years in high school, and one year in college. However, I don't know enough Spanish to communicate well during parent conferences, phone calls, and meetings. I really want to improve my skills.
I have been teaching special education for 17 years.
I fell in love with this field when I was about 18 years old, during the time I was volunteering with adults who had Down Syndrome. I have always loved watching my students learn and grow, and nothing is more rewarding than helping my students reach their personal goals. After graduating from college in Ohio, I moved to California and have taught in a variety of special education settings. I earned my Master's degree, and taught classes for adults earning their teaching credentials. I currently work in a Resource Room setting, where I serve children aged 4 - 9. After 17 years in the field, I am still as excited about teaching as I was on day one.
My Project
Despite years of formal training in Spanish, I still struggle to communicate effectively with families of my students. In my school, the majority of my students are English Language Learners, with Spanish as their home language. While the school district provides translation services, I know that if I can improve my Spanish skills, my communication with families will be much more effective. When I need to call a parent, it would be very beneficial to be able to discuss instructional concerns in parents' native language. Discussing a child's reading level, for example, or giving ideas for math games, would be some of the areas strengthened by improved language skills on my part. I am currently enrolled in Spanish II at a local community college, and Rosetta Stone CDs would be extremely helpful in supporting my language development skills.
"Estoy muy bien, gracias!" I have told my students that I am practicing my Spanish in night classes, and they are thrilled to "help me," with little phrases.
I have received positive feedback from my students' parents, as well, and they are willing to practice with me in Spanish. By improving my Spanish skills, I am not only showing my students that we are all life-long learners, but I'm improving my communication ability with students' families. Rosetta Stone CDs will help speed this process.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Grimes and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
