Sixth Grade Teacher

Name: José Sánchez

Education:  Masters in Bilingual Education 2007 at Northeastern Illinois University

                   Masters in Middle School Mathematics 2011 at Loyola University

                   Dentist 1990, Colombia

Born and raised: Cartagena, Colombia

Position and Start Year at IAMS: 6th Grade Bilingual Teacher

Why are you in education?  I like to see the smile of success when children are learning and I want to contribute to that smile in a positive way.

What are the traits you admire most in others? Honesty, generosity, trustworthy, determination.

What profession, other than education, could you also see yourself doing?  Dentistry.

Who has been the largest influence on your life? My wife and my children.

What do you believe is your main role as a teacher? A facilitator that will bring meaningful activities in which all students will be actively engaged.

Where did you learn Spanish/English? Spanish in Colombia; English in USA.

What attracted you to a dual-language program? Since I am bilingual, and I learned about the efficiency of dual language during my Masters, I was looking forward to implement this program and I find out about its effectiveness.

What do you think is the greatest benefit of being bilingual? It makes you more resourceful since you can listen, speak, read and write in two languages.

What is the main challenge of teaching/working in a dual-language school? Lack of resources to implement the program well or the lack of support from parents, students, teachers and staff to ensure the benefits of the program.