Spanish With Sra Shaw

I have 15+ years of experience teaching secondary Spanish. I believe in using authentic materials to create engaging experiences where my students build a functional proficiency through speaking and listening. I'm passionate about using authentic materials to create engaging experiences where my students build a functional proficiency through speaking and listening. I also love integrating technology to improve proficiency and engagement and sharing classroom management strategies with teachers.

In a 50 minute lesson, I usually have at least 3-6 different activities. We change gears quickly (I teach middle school) and I try to incorporate all three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational) in every class. I am passionate about and experienced in the implementation of technology and Web 2.0 tools, and I do many different activities where students are the ones using the tools. After all, they need to "do" the language to truly learn it.

I graduated from Albion College with Honors. In 2016, my presentation on Integrated Performance Assessments won Best of Michigan at our state conference. I enjoy sharing my ideas with teachers via online webinars and presenting to districts and organization.

I have a B.A. in Spanish, English, and Secondary Education from Albion College. Additionally, I possess an M.A. from the University of South Carolina in Library in Information Science, which is where I really honed in on my love of technology and Web. 2.0.

I live and teach in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I have two daughters, 4 and 7, a loving husband, and I try to balance my work and personal lives as best I can, but it's hard when I love both so much.