Contributed by Laura Bertrand
Hi, my name is Laura Bertrand. I am in my eighteenth year as the Spanish teacher at Explorer Middle School and my fifteenth year as the seventh grade volleyball coach. One of the special things about being at Explorer for most of my career is that I’ve taught many students as well as their siblings. I’ve gotten to know entire families and some really wonderful people. I love when former students stop by to tell me how far they’ve gone with their Spanish studies in high school and beyond. Three of my former students have become Spanish teachers. Two of them from my undergraduate alma mater, The University of Arizona. It’s so encouraging to know that I’ve impacted a child’s life in such a positive way. That is one of my greatest rewards as a teacher.
When did you begin your interest in languages?
I was born into an immigrant Italian family on the east coast so I think my love of languages and culture started from birth! My native tongue is Italian. I began learning English in Kindergarten. In middle school (7th grade), I began learning Spanish and immediately loved it especially when I realized I could “experiment” and communicate with so many more people. In high school, I studied Spanish and French and began teaching myself German and then added more formal learning of German in college. So, I have learned, I have taught and I speak five languages.
To where have you travelled?
I have travelled to over 20 countries. Traveling has always been a passion of mine. While in college, I studied for a semester in Florence, Italy. Over the years I have had the pleasure of visiting Europe, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. I feel it my duty/”homework” to explore Spanish-speaking countries since that helps me to bring the language and PARTICULARLY the culture to my students at Explorer Middle School.
What are some of the favorite places to which you have travelled?
I have enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Argentina most recently, since my daughters have both lived and taught in South America.
What experiences can students at Explorer Middle school expect in your classroom?
Everything Spanish! An exciting mix of language-intensive studies, tech based discovery projects, Spanish current events, holidays such as Día de los Muertos, Latino celebrities and music, y mucho, mucho más.
What are some goals you have for your Explorer Middle School students?
As beginners, if students come away with an appreciation for another people and culture and are able to communicate in Spanish that is a great start! Without a doubt, knowing a second language greatly enriches one’s experiences in life.
What would you tell anyone trying to learn another language?
If possible immerse yourself in the new language and culture – be patient and understand that the skill is like a muscle and must be used frequently to become stronger. Learning another language opens one’s world to new perspectives, possibilities, and relationships.
What are some of your career accomplishments?
I am proud to say I have taught at Explorer Middle School since we opened our doors in 1997. I have been honored with several awards. Most recently, the AZLA (State) Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year award and the Southwest Conference on Language Teaching’s Teacher of Excellence (Secondary) Award.
