What drew you to your current position?
I have been in education for 19 years. As a bilingual teacher, I watched my students develop a love for learning. Through this, I saw their confidence blossom and new passions emerge. I was excited to be a Bilingual Coordinator because I believe that if we as educators work together, we can help ALL kids reach their potential and branch out further than they could ever thought possible. My hope is to support teachers and impact our Dual Language students. Kids are amazing and our job as educators should never be taken lightly-we are building our future, as we teach one student at a time.
How do you use writing or art in your life?
Writing can be therapeutic and life changing. Most of my writing is journaling. Journaling has been useful in helping me process my feelings and thoughts. I also use writing to help me keep focused on my dreams for the future. My favorite writing is when I get the opportunity to write cards to encourage others. I find that by writing kind thoughts to others, it has a positive effect on me. When I am finished writing to someone, I end up feeling more hopeful than I had been feeling.
As for art, I am a big doodler. Doodling helps me to learn new things. Also, I love to see the doodles that flow while I’m listening to something.
I love art and though I’m not much of a creator myself, I love helping my students use art to express themselves. It makes me happy to see them use different mediums and to see how even in elementary school, kids are able to create art that demonstrates the way they see the world.
What lessons and/or teachings from your family, home and/or community do you draw on in your teaching – or the work you do in schools?
We can learn so much by listening to someone else’s story. For me, I draw from teachings I learned from my dad through my childhood. He was an immigrant to the US. He arrived alone at the age of 16, with only his desire to make his future better. Through his hard work and sacrifice he taught us sus valores. He pushed us to never be satisfied with the minimum by always saying, “No sea conformista.” Las pláticas de mi papá are now the foundation of the “life lessons” in my classroom. The values my father passed onto me and my siblings are now passed onto my students.
What would you tell your younger self?
When you first start something, don´t give up if it is hard. Even though you may be embarrassed that you aren’t good at something, your persistence will pay off.
What do you want the world to know?
Every single human brings an amazing light and when we are true to ourselves, we make the world we share a more beautiful place.
Something else you want to share?
I know that writing can change the world, so keep picking up that pencil and writing down those ideas. Your words have the ability to impact others beyond your lifetime.
Twitter:
@gloaleman
Somos Escritoras | Writing Workshop 