Monica Johnston


   

                   

Position:

Teacher of Spanish I and Spanish II

Contact:

E-mail: Monica.Johnston@gcisd.net

Education:

Master of Arts—Spanish / Master Interuniversitario Hispano-Norteamericano en Lengua Española y Culturas Hispanas

University of Houston and Universidad de Salamanca 2005
William A. Nestelrode Scholarship for UH Spanish Study Abroad

Master of Arts—Political Science
Tulane University 1990
Fulbright Scholar

Juris Doctorate
Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil 1984
Valedictorian

Bachelor Degree—Political Science
Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil 1981
Valedictorian

Background:

My background and education offers Spanish language students not only the technical aspects of Spanish communication, but also the rich texture of cultural experience and the perspective of a native speaker. I was born, raised and educated in Guayaquil, Ecuador. My studies there included university and law school studies that obviously demanded advanced technical training and knowledge of written and oral Spanish communication skills. As a lawyer in Ecuador, I reinforced my Spanish language skills on a daily basis. As a Fulbright graduate student at Tulane University, I expanded my studies of Spanish language, culture and law into the social and political spheres vibrant in Spanish speaking countries.

Educational Philosophy:

I had the good fortune of being born into a family that placed a great value in education and that nurtured in me the disciplines necessary to achieve the various goals I set for myself. My desire is to impart to my students the sense of accomplishment derived from attaining knowledge in general and foreign language in particular. I strive to help students communicate in Spanish and build up their confidence and their enjoyment in the learning of and use of Spanish. The main strategy I use is an interactive approach stimulated by promoting student participation in a structured environment.

Personal Statement:

I enjoy traveling, reading, watching foreign movies but above all, I enjoy spending time with my husband here and my family in Ecuador.