National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 – October 15, 2022. To celebrate, we are proud to feature one of our Spanish teachers. Learn more about Erick Juarez, Spanish teacher at Legacy – Cadence:
How long have you been a teacher? When did you begin teaching with Legacy?
I have been a teacher in Nevada for five years. I joined Legacy – Cadence as a Spanish teacher in 2018. I teach all grade levels (K-8) and currently serve as the Spanish District Lead and Specials Lead at my campus for LTS.
~~~
He sido maestro en Nevada por cinco años. Me uní a Legacy – Cadence como maestro de español en el 2018. Enseño a los grados (K-8) y sirvo como el líder de Distrito y el líder de maestros de especialidades en mi escuela.
What do you love most about being able to help Legacy teachers and families?
I love connecting our teachers and families with Spanish culture and language opportunities that build bridges of understanding and enhance academic collaboration and student development.
~~~
Me encanta conectar a nuestros maestros y familias con la cultura hispanohablante y con oportunidades de construir puentes de entendimiento que aporten a la colaboración académica y el desarrollo estudiantil.
Do you have a favorite story or memory from your time as a teacher?
I have a frequent moment that occurs often, that I would like to share. Even though, I love receiving hundreds of letters from students telling me how much they love their Spanish class; the one thing that moves me and keeps me motivated to pursue excellence is the Spanish conversation culture that exists in our schools. It is common to hear students greet each other with “hola amigo/amiga.” Seeing students speak Spanish words kindly to each other, and knowing that these students will continue to use language skills even after graduating from our program, is the most satisfying feeling one can experience as a language teacher.
~~~
Tengo un momento especial que ocurre frecuentemente y quiero compartirlo. Aunque, me encanta recibir cientos de cartas de estudiantes diciéndome lo mucho que aprecian su clase de español; la única cosa que más me conmueve y me sigue motivando a perseguir la excelencia es la cultura de conversaciones en español que suceden dentro y fuera del aula en nuestras escuelas. Es común escuchar a otros estudiantes saludarse en español con saludos como “hola amigo/amiga.” Ver a estudiantes hablar español libremente con gentileza, y sabiendo que estos estudiantes van a continuar desarrollando sus herramientas de lenguaje aun después de completar nuestro programa, es el sentimiento más satisfactorio que uno puede tener como maestro de lenguaje extranjero.
What are your favorite hobbies outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy motorcycle riding, hiking and spending time with my family.
~~~
Afuera del trabajo, me gusta montar en motocicleta, escalar montañas y pasar tiempo con mi familia.
Thank you, Mr. Juarez, for the admirable dedication you display in helping Legacy students become successful and proficient in another language!