Wilson Ramirez
Spanish
Washington-Liberty High School, Arlington
Years teaching: 25
● “Being fluent in a language is not only being fluent in the grammar and vocabulary, it’s also knowing the context of the language—the culture, customs and mindset. Learning those is choosing to respect and value that culture and language.”
● “I start every class asking [students] how they are feeling today. They have to answer in Spanish, of course. Maybe they feel nervous, strange, tired, happy—but I like to hear how they are doing.”
● “I love teaching because it’s a way to help people develop their potential. When I’m in front of my class, all I see is possibility. My job is to help them see that as well and support it.”
● “In this globalized connected world, we need to have the ability to exchange information. We are a richer [world] if we understand what makes us all unique.”
● “For me, teaching is not only about knowledge. It’s creating strong relationships and connections. I may have the title, but I’m always amazed how much my students teach me.”
● “I was a teacher first in Colombia and then in Spain. I left Colombia in 1999. It was a very difficult political, social and economic moment. There was a war between two armed groups, the paramilitary and guerrillas. They [tried] to recruit my students and I didn’t like that. I did what I had to do and moved.”
● “Teaching and learning need to be joyful acts. I have fun in my class. It’s all about practice. I don’t look for perfect grammar. I look to see if they are able to communicate. When they are able to communicate, they start fixing the grammar mistakes.”
–Matt Blitz