Communication and expression are arguably two of the most important aspects of a society. Ancient civilizations would use hieroglyphs, sign language, pictograms, and architecture to convey their ideas. Years later, society is still centered around these ideals as students taking a foreign language class in a high school study the various components of language and expression to fulfill their graduation requirements. While some students enjoy the process of learning a new language, others begrudgingly do their work with numerous complaints. The difference in the attitudes of these students may just boil down to one thing: their language teacher.
Kevin Hernandez, a first-year Spanish teacher at Flower Mound High School, credits his previous teachers for being a positive light in his journey and for giving him the motivation to pursue education. His first year as a teacher has been gratifying as he appreciates the students, teachers, and community that helped to make his year memorable.
“I love connecting with students and creating relationships and bonds that allow me to better help them understand themselves or improve in their personal aspects, academic aspects, or their future journeys in education,” Hernandez stated. “I think [Flower Mound High School] has an amazing school community, and I really like the environment within the people that work here, and just in general, how the formats of classes are here, and the expectations and quality of work of kids.”
As a Spanish 2 and Spanish 3 Honors teacher, he notices a difference in the class expectations, with the honors students being used to certain standards. However, different approaches to learning and alternative teaching methods can make all the difference when sparking students’ interest in a new language. By implementing grammar topics in different formats, such as an article, video, or authentic print, Hernandez is able to incorporate concepts and cultural understanding that relate to experiences and environments his class can navigate through. Within the different levels of Spanish, each student has a unique learning style that Hernandez strives to accommodate.
“I like to make sure people understand that language is a fun thing, and it’s a resource that shouldn’t be torture, but more so enjoyable,” Hernandez said. “I usually try to get to know my students one by one. At first, I try to see what works better, so it’s always a test. It’s like a trial-and-error type of situation where you see kind of how things work and the outcomes that come from that. I try to give a generalized approach where everyone can kind of pick up and then [I] work independently with students that need that extra boost or extra assistance…”
Regardless of the differences in each student’s style of learning, comprehending information can be more emotionally demanding some days than others. Students’ lives are often turbulent while they are at the height of their adolescent emotions. Feeling drained or irritated doesn’t make for the most effective learning conditions, especially when the teacher has trouble understanding the teenager’s perspective. Hernandez prioritizes creating bonds with his students and believes that being honest and authentic makes it easier for the students and teacher to be able to trust each other.
“Sometimes you can forget that they’re teenagers and…you are going through a lot of changes and emotions, and it can be a little bit tough…So I think I just try to make sure I keep myself level-headed in terms of what you guys are going through, to make sure if I can meet you halfway through struggling,” Hernandez commented.
While being a teacher is filled with many positive aspects, just like in any profession, there are often challenges that can arise. In his first year of teaching, Hernandez noted that time management is a constant struggle, such as understanding when things need to be done and pacing topics. Harder topics take more time to teach and for the students to grasp, which ties into the perpetual wrestle with time. In his future years of teaching, he hopes to improve his time management, be more organized, and create a more engaging classroom environment.
While having at least two foreign language credits remains a graduation requirement, much to some students’ dismay, an engaging language class can make all the difference. Making sure to incorporate each student’s unique learning style, crucial grammar concepts, and cultural understanding while simultaneously creating bonds with the students ensures a positive learning experience for all involved. Hernandez strives to make learning effective and engaging in his classroom so that more students experience genuine intrigue in the material, even if they just need to fulfill their graduation requirements. If ancient civilizations had to painstakingly communicate through hieroglyphs, then high school students can survive their foreign language class as they are exposed to new ideas and forms of expression in an engaging environment.
