Panama Teacher Match: Meet the Teachers! 2015 Participants

Ben Bennett

Washington D.C.

Ben Bennett has taught high school math for six years in DC public schools with Teach For America, pushing his students to succeed academically and to persist in college in a challenging urban environment. Outside the classroom, he founded a school chapter of Teens Run DC, a mentoring program that combines running and socio-emotional learning. Ben is also very involved in local education policy: he’s managed two successful campaigns for to elect teachers to the DC School Board, is a former Teach Plus policy fellow, and leads community organizing meetings around issues that affect DC students. A lifelong learner, Ben spends his free time practicing cooking, gardening, doing home repair projects, reading, practicing guitar, and traveling. Ben is thrilled to be matched with Partners due to their grassroots focus and, naturally, the opportunity to learn more Spanish.

Narda Black

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Narda Black has been a professional educator in Dexter, Michigan for the last 13 years and she has loved to travel and find new adventures all of her life. Having taught a multi-age third and fourth grade classroom with a partner at Wylie Elementary School for 12 years, she is a true team-teaching educator who is excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with another teacher from a different part of the world. She has traveled extensively in Europe and North America and she is now looking forward to exploring Pamana. Prior to her career in education, Narda enjoyed over 10 years in the newspaper business where she worked at major metropolitan daily newspapers all over the country from The Miami Herald to The Sacramento Bee. She is now at a place in her teaching career where she is ready to stretch beyond the boundaries of her local school district and give back to the profession that has given her so much satisfaction. She is eager to share and learn with educators from other parts of the world who have different backgrounds and experiences than her own.

Traci Buckle

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Traci Buckle has been teaching English language learners for thirteen years, in the Czech Republic, Hawai’i, Alaska, Vermont, Illinois, and Minnesota. In addition to teaching she has been an instructional coach for teachers, training them in best practices for teaching English language learners. In her free time Traci is a singer-songwriter and musician, outdoor enthusiast, knitter, ceramic potter, and avid traveler. Her travels have taken her to various countries in Europe, Israel, Guatemala, and 48 or the 50 states in the United States.

Christina Fernandez

Harmony, Pennsylvania

I am excited to have been accepted into the Panama Teacher Match Program and am looking forward to this upcoming experience. I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and graduated from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania with my Bachelor of Arts in World Language education. During my undergraduate years I studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain for a semester and lived with a host family. It was a wonderful experience that was one of the best times of my life. After graduation, I enrolled in classes to obtain my ESL certificate through Penn State University where I was able to teach English in Otavalo, Ecuador as part of a teaching internship. Teaching English there was a challenging yet very rewarding experience. Last year I taught Spanish and ESL at the Mifflin County School District in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. The staff and administration there were a phenomenal team to work with along with the students who showed the upmost respect for their education. This year I was able to move back to my hometown and now work for the Seneca Valley School District where I teach Foreign Language to 5th and 6th grade. My students this year are very excited to start learning a new language and I’m very fortunate to share their enthusiasm with them during their first year of foreign language.

Erik Manuel Giblin Annandale, Virginia

A licensed K-12 instructor, Erik Manuel Giblin has taught secondary level Spanish and Spanish for Fluent Speakers for five years in the highly diverse classroom settings of Fairfax County Public Schools in northern Virginia. Since 2012, he has been teaching at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, where he has used an IB/MYP framework to promote greater self-awareness through meaningful project-based, community service, and technology-centered approaches to learning. Erik has also worked closely with recently arrived students from Central America, in collaboration the ESOL Department and other faculty, to uplift this specific community and connect it with meaningful contacts that promote dual literacy in Spanish/English, personal growth, social mobility, and academic progress. He complements World Language instruction with a certification in Social Studies and over 10 years of NGO, human rights, education, and community work in both local and international settings. Erik’s experience is supported by a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Syracuse University, NY (1998), a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from Oberlin College, OH (1994), and an endorsement in ESOL from the University of Virginia (expected completion in 2016). A southern California native of Salvadoran and Irish American heritage, Erik has traveled, worked, and studied in several countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Kallie Haas

Des Plaines, Illinois

Kallie Haas began teaching special education after graduating from Ball State University (Muncie, IN). Kallie was a hearing impairments and mild disabilities special education major. She lived at the Indiana School for the Deaf (Indianapolis, IN) during her sophomore year where she coached cheerleading, taught dance classes, and worked within all levels of the school. Kallie taught high school level students for eight years in Montgomery County Public Schools (MD) within a variety of classes, including algebra, geometry, U.S. History, and government. She also coached and sponsored a variety of sports and extracurricular activities. She had the privilege of being one of Georgetown University’s teacher exchange members to Egypt, where she learned about ancient and modern Egypt, as well as collaborated with Egyptian educators. Outside of work, she volunteered as a youth group minister at her local church. Kallie was selected for a collaborative learning experience through The Johns Hopkins University, where she eventually earned her Master’s Degree in autism and differentiated instruction. Ms. Haas eventually moved back to her hometown of Chicago and taught within Chicago Public Schools. During the summer of 2014, Kallie traveled to Montezuma, Costa Rica to earn her 200 hour registered yoga teacher certification. Kallie loves traveling, meeting new people, and learning about new culture (and learning how to cook new recipes!). She is very excited for the opportunity to work within a school in Panama and improve her Spanish skills!

Vanessa Hall

Alexandria, Virginia

My name is Vanessa Hall, and I am originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I attended Pennsylvania State University from 2008 to 2012, where I received my World Languages Education Bachelor’s degree. I learned Spanish through classes and traveling to Spain and Argentina. Since graduating, I have moved to Northern Virginia to teach middle school Spanish. I was hired by Alexandria City Public Schools, more specifically George Washington Middle School. I teach basic Spanish to a range of ages, from 11 to 15 years old. I have grown substantially since my hiring at George Washington Middle School. I created a new curriculum for two different beginner levels of Spanish, advanced through teaching more difficult courses, and began sponsoring National Junior Honor Society in my school. Living in the Washington metro area has provided many opportunities, such as creating a curriculum for a bilingual public charter school in Washington, D.C. I am looking forward to the opportunity to create a relationship with Panamanian English teachers and to continue the relationship after our stay there.

Jessica Hanson

Hillsboro, Oregon

Jessica Hanson is an ESL instructor, and an avid learner, traveler, musician, gardener, and crafter. She is currently an adjunct instructor at the Intensive English Language Program at Portland State University, but has also taught ESL in a variety of other settings both in the US (community ESL, short-term special programs for visiting students, and community college classes) and abroad in Mexico and Austria. In 2007-2008, she spent a life-changing year in Graz, Austria on a Fulbright grant that led her to pursue a Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is delighted to join the Panama Teacher Match Program and experience ESL teaching in a new context.

Kirsten Hope

Fairfax, Virginia

My name is Kirsten Hope and I am a high school foreign language teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia. I am originally from Chicago, IL and studied English literature and Spanish language at the University of Illinois. I then earned a Masters in Hispanic Linguistics with a focus in second language acquisition from the same University. I lived two years in Barcelona, Spain, which really opened my mind to other cultures and taught me the importance of communication. Since then, I have been teaching in Fairfax County Public Schools at a variety of Spanish language levels, including International Baccalaureate classes. My time in Fairfax has truly deepened my knowledge of foreign language education and given me many experiences that have really shaped me. I am involved in service projects through the IB program, sponsor Spanish Honor Society and have taken students on both cultural and service trips to several countries including Spain, France, Guatemala and Costa Rica. I am ecstatic for the opportunity to teach foreign language in a new setting and learn new teaching tools while experiencing everything that Panama has to offer.

Tess Kania-Lloyd

Fuquay Varina, North Carolina

I grew up mostly in California but have also lived on the East coast, southwest, one year in England and now I live in North Carolina. I have done all my teaching in a Title 1 school with a high LEP population. I was in a first grade classroom for 8 years and was able to use the culture and language of my students to benefit my teaching. This year I have become an ESL teacher and work with students in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade. My school has a dual language immersion program and I have enjoyed seeing the progress and working with the students learning in English and Spanish. When I am not at school I am usually in the water. I coach a swim team, teach lifeguards, water aerobics and swim lessons and play water polo. I am very excited to travel to Panama this summer.

Penny Mc Donald

Tigard, Oregon

Penny Mc Donald is a veteran English teacher and principal who has worked with preschoolers to adult professionals. Her dreams are to visit Latin America often, improving her Spanish and seeking inspiration for writing bilingual children’s picture books. She is now trained in ESL and has led a program of English teachers to Costa Rica and has developed curriculum and trained teachers in Colombia as well. Penny not only travels internationally but also locally in her home state of Oregon, where she moves often in order to care for pets and homes of others who are often out and about somewhere wonderful in the world. Everywhere she goes, she grabs a moment of quiet to work on her children’s picture books including We Share our World/Compartimos Nuestro Mundo and Banana Luna.

Anna Moore

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Anna Moore is a licensed Spanish teacher employed at the Friends School of Minnesota in St. Paul. She has a B.A. from the College of St. Benedict in Hispanic Studies, with minors in Secondary Education and Psychology. Anna has lived abroad in Chile and traveled to Spain, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia and Uruguay. She hopes to continue exploring and traveling as long as she is able. Anna grew up in Montevideo, Minnesota, a small town in western Minnesota with a strong and historic sister city relationship with Montevideo, Uruguay. Growing up, Anna’s family frequently hosted visitors from Montevideo, Uruguay, allowing her to learn about the customs, lifestyle, values and language of a different culture from a young age. Anna has experienced first hand the benefits of cultural exchange, and is thrilled to be a part of the Panama Teacher Match. She is excited to share her knowledge of English and United States culture, increase her knowledge of Panamanian culture, and exchange educational practices with other teachers from both Panama and the United States.

Mayra Morales

Cameron, North Carolina

Mayra Morales earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a double major in English and Spanish and a certificate in Translation. During her tenure at UNC Charlotte, she was heavily involved as a Leadership Fellow, Resident Advisor, and Student Assistant for Housing and Residence Life. Upon graduation, Ms. Morales joined Central Carolina Community College as an instructor for the Continuing Education department. After two years of service with the college, Ms. Morales wanted to follow her passion for education and enrolled at North Carolina State University. where she earned her Master of Arts in Teaching English as A Second Language. She is currently working with Harnett County schools in North Carolina where she teaches English as a Second Language. Ms. Morales truly values the gift of education and is committed to ensuring her students grow to be confident, motivated, independent and successful young professionals. Ms. Morales was born in Mexico in the state of Guerrero to migrant farm workers. She relocated to the United States at age three. She has revisited her home state throughout the years and has volunteered to teach English in the rural outskirts of Coyuca de Catalán in Guerrero. During her spare time she can be found spending time with her family and friends.

Carolyne Odenwelder Raleigh, North Carolina

I am a teacher with many years of teaching as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in North Carolina. During my career, I earned my Master’s degree in ESL, as well as my National Board Certification. As a teacher, I provided instruction to all levels of students, kindergarten ~ adults. I partnered with various groups in my community, such as: Boys’ and Girls’ Club, county library, Project Enlightenment, and Back Pack Buddies to enhance the learning and quality of life of my students and their families. I also provided Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) training for teachers in my county and state. Teaching ESL is my passion!

Sarah Robinson

Torrance, California

Travel and languages are my passion. I have lived abroad in both Europe and Latin America and make it a point to travel to a new location every other year. I began my career in education ten years ago teaching middle school Spanish in New York City. After two years, I returned home to southern California where I have been teaching high school Spanish since 2007 in Redondo Beach. In addition to my role as a classroom teacher, I am a union leader and mentor for new teachers. Recently, I spent nine months working in Bocas del Toro, Panama where I volunteered as a translator, developed curriculum, and taught a community English program to local residents. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Masters’ Degrees in both European Studies and Secondary Education.

Mia Taylor

Alexandria, Virginia

I am originally from a very small town in Pennsylvania, but I have been lucky enough to have traveled to many different countries including Spain, Italy, Bahrain, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Chile, and Ecuador. I love to travel, meet new people, and learn about cultures, traditions, and languages that are different from my own. As a third-year ESOL teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia, I have had the pleasure of working with students from all over the world. Some of the home countries represented in my classroom are Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Bangladesh, the Central African Republic, and Ethiopia. Part of what makes my job so unique and so fun is that I get to learn new things about my students’ cultures and first languages every day. The most rewarding part of my job – the aspect that keeps me coming back each year – is watching my students make major progress in their English language skills over the course of the year, all while making new friends from all over the world!

Chantay Thompson

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sending greetings from the Big Apple! My name is Chantay Thompson, and I’m an enthusiastic middle school teacher in Brooklyn New York. I teach all Core subjects to 6th, 7th and 8th graders and for the last 6 years, my joy has been rooted in teaching and encouraging my students to excel in all of their aspirations. I’m a Philadelphia, PA native and was born into a family of educators. I’ve earned a Bachelor’s degree from Temple University with a double-major in Broadcast Communications/Mass Media and African-American Studies, and at Long Island University I earned a Master’s degree in Education: Students with Disabilities. My daily motto is that life is much of these three things-“The 3 T’s: Teaching, Traveling, and Talking.” Every day, it’s my intention to do as much of these three as possible to ensure that I’m making a positive difference in the world around me.

Tess Wilson

Meriden, Kansas

Tess Wilson is a Kansan who has transplanted herself to Pittsburgh to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. She has taught in a variety of capacities – from summer camps at the Mulvane Art Museum to writing classes at the Allegheny County Jail to undergraduate courses at Chatham University. Through a Schweitzer Fellowship, she was able to create and direct Inside/Outside, a weekly writing workshop for girls, in collaboration with local libraries in Pittsburgh. Her most recent travel experience includes a year spent in Ireland, two weeks in Belize, and a short trip back home to Kansas, where she was able to enjoy the wide prairie she loves so much.