Pictured are visitors and the teacher in the Heritage Spanish class at Marshalltown High School on May 9. From left is University of Northern Iowa professor Dr. Elise DuBord, MHS teacher Kristin Stuchis, UNI student and MHS graduate Martha Ortiz Diaz and UNI professor Dr. Juan Carlos Castillo.
Two University of Northern Iowa professors and one student presented on Spanish opportunities to the Heritage Spanish classes at Marshalltown High School on May 9.
Dr. Juan Carlos Castillo and Dr. Elise DuBord, and a recent MHS graduate and UNI student, Martha Ortiz Diaz, presented at MHS. Martha just completed the UNI program called Spanish for Heritage Speakers. Both Martha and her professors said that students form lasting bonds through their shared experiences in Spanish for Heritage Speakers. In fact, the class inspired Martha to major in Spanish in addition to Social Work.
“Students discovered that UNI offers a variety of classes such as translation, linguistics, film, language teaching and even sports in Spain,” said MHS Heritage Spanish teacher Kristin Stuchis. “Throughout the classes, MHS students asked a variety of practical and personal questions.”
Heritage Spanish class at MHS
The Heritage Spanish class at MHS is designed for students who have grown up with Spanish spoken in the home and will expand into three levels next year. Because most Heritage Spanish students speak and understand Spanish, the emphasis is on building reading, writing, and public speaking skills.
