Maria Ana Zalduendo
When Maria Ana Zalduendo immigrated to Canada in 2003, she was approached to teach Spanish. "People thought that because I was a teacher in Argentina, and because I spoke Spanish, that I could teach it. But before you can teach something, you have to learn how. It is not enough to know the topic."
Maria didn't accept that first offer to teach Spanish, but, having just arrived in the country with her husband and two teenage children, it motivated her to search for—and eventually take—a program that would help her teach languages. In 2008, the family settled in Calgary.
"I wanted a complete program," says Maria. "And I liked that there was a cultural component in this program."
She took both online and classroom courses, enjoying both. In class she was able to see how other students taught their languages. "I learned a great deal about other cultures in my classes, and from other students' experiences as second language teachers."
Maria was pleased with the calibre of instruction. "Of course I had favourites," she says of her instructors. "...But they were all excellent...committed, and always prepared."
"The teachers are amazing, always willing to help, even after you have finished the program."
Today, Maria is a learning assistant at the Foundations for the Future Charter Academy, a middle school that includes Spanish in its curriculum. She works with children who are having difficulties learning. Mostly, she assists in science and math—for which she draws from her background as a science teacher in Argentina—and Spanish, for which she draws on her learning from the TSL certificate program.
"When I teach Spanish or English, I use the skills and techniques I was taught in the program," says Maria. "The certificate has helped me improve myself, and helps me do my job."
Maria completed her program in approximately a year.
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