Miss MaryClair Birkemeier
Spanish

MaryClair recently moved back to Oregon, where she is closer to her home community and family.  The 2007-2008 school year will be her first year at Pacific Northwest Academy.  MaryClair earned her B.A in Interdisciplinary Studies (Spanish, International Studies, and Art) before working towards her education certifications for both Spanish and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, K-12).  

Her introduction to Spanish began in early elementary school, where her inspiring teacher created an entertaining learning atmosphere that encouraged conversational Spanish language while highlighting aspects of Latino culture.  She has spent time learning language and culture in Spain.   She spent a semester living with a family and studying Spanish in Queretaro, Mexico.  She has since studied in multiple states of Guatemala and Costa Rica in addition to teaching English as a second language at the University of Cuzco in Cuzco, Peru.  

After completing her student teaching at Morgan Park High School in South Chicago, she traveled through Mexico and Central America (from Mexico City to Panama City and back) on a trip that lasted just over six months.  The trip was decorated by fascinating cultural interactions and informative museums which offered unique perspectives from the people of Mexico and Central America.  After returning to Oregon, she is ready, and exited, to apply what she has learned in an educational community such as Pacific Northwest Academy.

Philosophy:
“All people can learn to speak Spanish and it is my role to provide a variety of activities that meet the needs of different learning styles.  I believe in the value of cultural diversity, and think we all can gain by seeking to understand our differences while celebrating in our commonalities.   Children learn best by personal and active participation.  Lessons that feel relative, by connecting to already existing schemes, are more successful.   The genuine enthusiasm of children is inspiring and is better expressed and celebrated through educational activities, than restricted and controlled.  We are more receptive to learning when we feel respected and safe in our surroundings, therefore I believe in establishing clear boundaries that meet the needs of all students’ needs.  Learning gives meaning to our daily lives, and Spanish is fun to learn!”