Reflections on Teaching Language and Literature at the American School of Madrid

American School of Madrid

This academic year has been both a privilege and a joy as I have served as a Language and Literature teacher at the American School of Madrid in Pozuelo.

What can I say about a school whose mascot is Roci and whose symbols are Don Quijote de La Mancha and Sancho Panza? I feel a deep connection to its logo, and I cherish every moment spent reminiscing about my time at Blain High School during my senior year in Minneapolis.

The experience has been a wonderful challenge, surrounded by professionals who approach their subjects with dedication and passion. Coupled with a fantastic group of students and a supportive non-teaching staff, the overall experience has been exceptional both professionally and personally.

I cannot mention all the professionals who have welcomed me as one of their own from the very first moment, as I would inevitably leave some out and feel remorseful that they might think I have forgotten them. However, I would like to highlight five individuals for their significant roles in facilitating my work and exemplifying the values of the institution.

Lucía: My Right-Hand Woman

I will start with Lucía, my right hand and left hand. She has been my eyes, my guide, and the person who has shown the most patience, joy, and kindness during both good times and difficult moments. The challenges I faced were not inherently negative but rather a buildup of work and stress, as is common in any job. During those times, I was fortunate to have a colleague whose first response was always a smile.

Her smile was followed by leading by example. Lucía's commitment to her vocation and her ability to persevere, even while dealing with a health issue that could have kept her from work, was nothing short of inspiring. She helped me ensure that my students did not miss their regular teacher, allowing them to progress smoothly through the course.

Lucía is a True Professional

Lucía exemplifies a professional who loves her work and possesses an enviable natural ability to manage any situation with students, connect with parents, and uphold the institution's reputation through hard work and determination.

Throughout the year, she took on additional responsibilities voluntarily, dedicating her limited free time to assist my students, guiding them and opening her classroom to answer questions I could not. She also opened her doors to me, for which I am truly grateful, as we spent countless hours organizing classes, subjects, schedules, and all the administrative details that I, as a newcomer, often overlooked.

Thank you, Lucía, for being such an excellent professional example.

Maribel: The Language and Literature Coordinator

Maribel was the first to believe in me, as she was the one who interviewed me and took a chance on a Mr. García, who, despite having prior experience in two schools, had never taught in an American school with all its unique characteristics.

I am grateful for her patience as I navigated this new environment. I tend to work at full throttle when I feel trusted, and when I need help, I prefer to ask multiple times for different explanations rather than move forward with misunderstandings. Maribel's patience and her ability to help me internalize the evaluation criteria and philosophy of the school were invaluable.

Thank you, Maribel, for your understanding.

Felim: The Upper School Director

Felim has also been a source of support, maintaining his smile and exhibiting commendable kindness and professionalism. He is someone who can manage and coordinate the entire school while also being willing to roll up his sleeves and clean the cafeteria tables, demonstrating humility and dignity in his work.

He is one of those individuals you feel fortunate to meet, and from whom you can learn so much without them even trying to teach you.

Thank you, Felim, for your exemplary conduct.

Eric Foinquinos: The Underdog Friend

Eric is the quiet type, the one you encounter and initially do not recognize in a new professional environment, only to discover he is integral to the institution's essence.

He is the person whose existence you are unaware of until you need assistance. When you do need help, he is there, genuinely concerned for your well-being, providing guidance, support, and friendship. He has been my underdog at the school, always present when needed, demonstrating commitment and an innate ability to connect with students. Parents can take comfort in knowing that there are professionals like him dedicated to educating and mentoring their children.

Thank you, Eric, for everything, and for sharing your passion for cinema, comics, and culture with me.

Acknowledging More Colleagues

I could spend hours writing about the wonderful colleagues I have encountered. As I mentioned, I regret not being able to mention everyone. Ben, the director of the entire school, is a genuinely empathetic person.

Rehema and Tesa are two professionals who ensure that when you need help, there is no need to panic, as they are always there to guide you with common sense and sound logic.

Bárbara is that light at the end of the tunnel, helping you navigate through the darkness with the assurance that she is there to illuminate your path.

Mafalda in Communication and Society

Mafalda has been an extraordinary tool for teaching the richness of the Spanish language and its various manifestations across all Spanish-speaking countries.

Her local varieties, different evolutions, and the crucial work of the RAE in maintaining the integrity of the Spanish language—an enduring remnant of the Spanish Empire—have been invaluable, thanks to the continuous contributions from its academies.

Each Mafalda comic strip serves as a sociological study that has aided in explaining not only communication but also the concept of society.

Language and Literature Instruction

I intended to discuss cinema, yet I found myself writing about people—individuals who truly deserve recognition.

Returning to the initial topic, I want to provide a mosaic of films that I have utilized throughout the year to illustrate various themes in my classes, including Language and Literature, as well as Communication and Society.

In all my classes and grades, I have employed these films to help students grasp the material within its historical and literary context, framing readings and authors, different literary periods, and movements, using cinema to make the subjects more accessible.

Films Used to Illustrate Literary Material and Historical Context with Cinema