Meet Christine—a Spanish and French teacher at Waukee High School (IA).
“Teaching a language is more than teaching words—it is teaching ways of thinking, connecting, and belonging.”
Christine McCormick
Educator Spotlight
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The Start of a Teaching Journey
My inspiration to become an educator started at home. My mom was a teacher, and from the time I was five years old, I played school in our living room—lining up my siblings and creating “lessons.” Watching her dedicate herself to her students showed me that teaching is not just a job, but a calling that shapes lives.
As I grew older, I realized I wanted to follow in her footsteps and to create my own version of a classroom that inspires, challenges, and uplifts. That early spark of “playing school” turned into a lifelong passion for helping students discover their voices and connect with the world through language.
Career Highlight
One of the most fulfilling moments in my career was learning that a student I once took on a trip to Mexico had become a Spanish major and eventually worked with migrant farm workers.
She originally went on the trip with her friend, treating it more like a vacation than a learning experience. But one day, when their toilet overflowed, all she and her friend could manage to say was “baño, agua”—and they were understood. That small but meaningful exchange was a turning point for her. She realized that even limited language skills could open doors to real communication and connection.
That spark grew into a passion that shaped her career path, and seeing her use Spanish to serve others has been one of the greatest joys of my work as a teacher.
On Being an ACTFL Member
I joined ACTFL because I believe in the power of community. Being part of ACTFL connects me to educators who share the same passion for languages and cultural exchange.
My favorite part is learning from others—whether through conferences, resources, or simply hearing stories of innovation and resilience from teachers across the country.
ACTFL reminds me that I am not alone in this work; I am part of a larger movement that values global competence, equity, and intercultural understanding. Membership gives me inspiration, professional growth, and the confidence to continue evolving as an educator.
Using Languages Outside the Classroom
Languages have opened doors for me far beyond my classroom. They have allowed me to travel with curiosity and confidence, to connect with people whose perspectives are very different from my own, and to form friendships rooted in cultural exchange. Spanish has given me access to music, literature, and art in their authentic voices, deepening my appreciation of diverse cultures.
Most importantly, language has helped me build community—whether welcoming Spanish-speaking families into my school, sharing stories across cultures, or empowering my own students to see themselves as global citizens.
For me, languages are not only tools for communication but also bridges to empathy, understanding, and belonging.
Advice for Next-Gen Teachers
My advice is to lean into joy and connection. Language teaching is not about perfection—it’s about building relationships and helping students feel safe enough to take risks.
Find ways to make your classroom human-centered, where mistakes are celebrated as signs of growth. Seek out mentors and colleagues who inspire you, and remember that collaboration fuels creativity. Keep learning yourself—through travel, reading, and authentic cultural experiences—because your passion will shine through to your students.
Most importantly, never underestimate your impact. Even small moments—a student greeting you in the target language, or sharing about their culture—are seeds of confidence that can last a lifetime.
Favorite Word or Phrase in Another Language
One favorite word in Spanish is “serenidad.” I first connected with it through the Serenity Prayer: Dame la serenidad para aceptar las cosas que no puedo cambiar…
For me, serenidad is more than calm—it represents strength, balance, and peace in the middle of challenges. As an educator, this word reminds me to focus on what I can control: how I show up for my students, how I create a welcoming environment, and how I model resilience. Teaching is full of moving parts, but serenidad grounds me and helps me remember that growth takes time, and that both my students and I are works in progress.
On Teaching a Language
Teaching a language means creating opportunities for students to see the world with new eyes. It means fostering empathy, curiosity, and courage in young people who may never have imagined themselves as global citizens. It means helping students unlock the power of communication to build bridges, challenge stereotypes, and honor diverse voices.
Get inspired by even more Educator Spotlight profiles in our growing archive of member testimonials! Then explore all the resources available via ACTFL membership.
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