Sra. Veronica Guevara is in her first year as a member of the global language department at Moravian Academy. In addition to teaching post-Spanish Immersion in the fifth grade and also seventh-grade Spanish in the Middle School, Sra. Guevara is a member of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, and a fifth grade homeroom teacher. 

Let's get to know Sra. Guevara.

Why did you choose education/teaching as your profession? 

I love sharing what I have learned and love to do. I love making a difference in student's lives.

Why Middle School? 

Although I have taught all levels of Spanish, I have a great affinity for Middle School students and this important developmental stage. There is so much growth in this time, and potential for huge leaps in perspective and finding one's passions and callings. I love the 'sturm and drang' of everyday Middle School life. Middle School students are special.

What aspect of your curriculum/program do you enjoy teaching the most and why?

I love teaching culture as the hook into communicative tasks and connections with Spanish speakers. After all, we teach languages so that they can be used, no? It's what keeps me investigating, traveling, digging for new resources and connections for my classes--this new way of seeing the world and communicating in new contexts.

What is your favorite moment/event at Moravian Academy during the school year?

Lovefeasts. It is amazing that we take the time to celebrate connections with families in this special way. I especially loved seeing fathers, grandparents, (and hopefully soon, mothers) sitting in Chapel with their children/grandchildren. Such special moments.

What do you most enjoy about teaching at Moravian Academy?

Community. I appreciate the welcome I have felt and that my perspective, teaching style, and contributions are valued. I appreciate the balance between reverence for the past, and looking for ways to meld that with the future. I think our current onboarding of virtual school is a great example of the responsiveness of faculty, students and families to respond to the current situation with joy, enthusiasm and hope.

What do you hope to provide to students in your classes and what do you hope they take away?

I hope they feel they can 'do'  Spanish, and in turn, that they can enter into new cultures and contexts, with delight, curiosity, and desire to connect with people who think, look, act differently than they do.

What do you value about the home/school partnership?

I value the responsiveness and support between home and school. This is essential in creating a dynamic learning environment.

What Moravian Academy tradition do you enjoy most?

I enjoyed the International Festival this year... So joyous and celebratory of many of the identities of students and families.

What is a classroom activity unique to you?

I wouldn't say it's unique to me, but I especially loved the field trip to C-Town with the 7th graders, and then cooking/ sampling some of the items we purchased. I really love taking students out in the community to explore the nearby Latinx communities, and empowering students to communicate and feel comfortable in new settings.

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned from your students?

To listen and be more responsive.

What's something we don’t know about you?

I'm a PADI Scuba Instructor and NACD Cave Diver and Red Cross Lifeguard. I love being in or near the ocean and water.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love community gardening and walking or running with my dog Toby.