ESL, Spanish Literature, Bilingual Education at any level...How many years of teaching experience do you have? I have been teaching since 1977. I have taught at all levels and institutions in education, from pre-school to university. Where do you live right now? Currently, I am living in Antigua, Guatemala. What languages do you speak (and at what level)? I speak both Spanish and English fluently. I also speak some French What country or area are you looking to work in and why? I would like to teach in Antigua, but am open to other opportunities throughout Guatemala. What countries have you worked in? I have worked in the United States and in Guatemala. What countries do you have a visa to work in? I can work in Guatemala and in the United States. What field do you currently work in? Education, always. Would you be willing to travel? If the traveling pertained to education, and in Guatemala, yes, I would. What qualifications do you hold? I have a Teaching Certification from the State of Illinois in Bilingual Education K-12. I also hold a B.A. in Modern Literary Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, 1999. I hold an M.A. in HIspanic Literary Studies from the Uniersity of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 2003. I have a Montessori Certification, 1981, Houston. I hold a TESOL Certification, IGA, Guatemala, 1979. Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? I believe both are very valuable. A formal education gives you the theory, and practical every day experience gives you the experience you need to do it right. Describe the benefits of working with others In my experience, working with others is when I learn the most. It's as simple as that. I have learned to respect others, but at the same time stand up for my own value system. When something doesn't feel right, I won't do it. Describe the benefits of working alone Some people like to work alone. They enjoy being alone. I enjoy working with people. I love exchanging ideas and insights. What was your worst working experience? My worst working experience was confronting child abuse in the workplace. What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? Never, never, never judge a book by its cover! What unique skills do you have? My education and my experience. I'm a good story-teller. I love to tell and to listen to stories. I also enjoy playing with words--where they come from, their various meanings, etc. I am a good organizer. I like to have things neat and in order. I also like to see projects through. I get an idea, talk to people about it, and then figure out a way to make it happen. I love to see people work together on new projects--especially if it's something new and realated to the arts or literature. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? My dream teaching job would be a program with lots of creativity--I want to see kids trying out new things, exploring...not just sitting in classrooms listening to a teacher feed them the information. What are the most interesting aspects of your field? The students and learning that takes place. The interchanging of ideas. What are the least interesting aspects of your field? Monotony. Teachers, parents, and administrators who always do things as they have always been done, never wanting to try new methodologies in teaching and learning. Name some characteristics of a perfect boss? My perfect boss, principle or director is honesty, communication, respect, enthusiastic and creativity. How can potential employers contact you? Please, if you think that we are a good match, send me and email. lugomez53@yahoo.com | 
