NAME:
MaryClair Birkemeier
SCHOOL:
Pacific Northwest Academy
CLASS:
Spanish and PE
SCHOOL PHONE:
(503)582-8838
The 2009-2010 school year will be her third year at
Pacific Northwest Academy. MaryClair earned her B.A in Interdisciplinary
Studies (Spanish, International Studies, and Art) before working towards her
education certifications for both Spanish and Teaching English to Speakers
of Other Languages (TESOL, K-12).
Her introduction to Spanish began in early elementary school, where her
inspiring teacher created an entertaining learning atmosphere that
encouraged conversational Spanish language while highlighting aspects of
Latino culture. She has spent time learning language and culture in Spain.
She spent a semester living with a family and studying Spanish in
Queretaro, Mexico. She has since studied in multiple states of Guatemala
and Costa Rica in addition to teaching English as a second language at the
University of Cuzco in Cuzco, Peru.
After completing her student teaching at Morgan Park High School in South
Chicago, she traveled through Mexico and Central America (from Mexico City
to Panama City and back) on a trip that lasted just over four months. The
trip
was decorated by fascinating cultural interactions and informative
museums which offered unique perspectives from the people of Mexico and
Central America. After returning to Oregon, she is ready, and exited, to
apply
what she has learned in an educational community such as Pacific
Northwest Academy.
Philosophy:
“All people can learn to speak Spanish and it is my role to provide a
variety
of activities that meet the needs of different learning styles. I believe
in the
value of cultural diversity, and think we all can gain by seeking to
understand our differences while celebrating in our commonalities.
Children learn best by personal and active participation. Lessons that feel
relative, by connecting to already existing schemes, are more successful.
The genuine enthusiasm of children is inspiring and is better expressed and
celebrated through educational activities, than restricted and controlled.
We
are more receptive to learning when we feel respected and safe in our
surroundings, therefore I believe in establishing clear boundaries that meet
the needs of all students’ needs. Learning gives meaning to our daily
lives,
and Spanish is fun to learn!”
¡Habla en Español!
