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Meet Jo Ann—a professor of Spanish and German at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
“Teaching a language means making a world of new ideas and perspectives accessible to others. For me, it means being a coach, a mentor, and a cheerleader every day."
The Start of a Teaching Journey
There were several influential teachers and professors who were excellent role models and shared their passion with their students. Going abroad several times in my teens and being asked to present about my culture to Panamanian highschoolers in Spanish forced me out of my comfort zone early and built my confidence speaking to classes.
Later, as a tutor at the University of Delaware, I realized how rewarding it was to explain language concepts and see students’ eyes light up with comprehension. Every day I still savor those “aha” moments of realization when students get it and can use it to communicate. As their fear of making mistakes fades, their confidence blossoms, as does their motivation to put in the effort to learn more.
It’s also rewarding when students excitedly share how they use their language skills in their everyday lives and careers. They’re so proud, as am I.
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There has not been one memorable moment in my long career. With every new cohort of students, there are new, unique possibilities. As language teachers—given the nature of the subject matter we teach—we get to know our students better than most.
Since I teach at a small, liberal arts college with an awesome team of colleagues within and supportive allies outside of our department, we get the opportunity to interact with students from the beginning to the end of their college careers and beyond! We give them language tools and build up their confidence, then encourage and support them to seek out opportunities. Once they have that internal motivation, they can thrive. Those students and alumni return to our campus to share the skills they gained during their life and career experiences, and their infectious enthusiasm helps build the momentum which attracts other students.
Using Languages Outside the Classroom
As a child, my grandparents spoke Czech when they didn’t want us to understand. This fascinated me, and I so wanted to figure out the puzzle of those incomprehensible sounds. In high school, I chose German, since it was the “closest” to Czech and loved it. My teacher, Mr. Greenfield, said I had a knack for languages and really encouraged me.
Then I met Julio, an exchange student in my mother’s class, who suggested I stay with his family, since his mother was an English teacher. At 16, I went on exchange to Panamá knowing no Spanish. I loved it all, began studying Spanish, and stayed with that host family two more summers before college.
From then on, I was hooked on languages and culture, studied several more, lived and traveled abroad and have tried to share my enthusiasm with students and our community—for example, through our international film series.
On Teaching a Language
Teaching a language means making a world of new ideas and perspectives accessible to others. For me, it means being a coach, a mentor, and a cheerleader every day.
Language and intercultural awareness are such powerful tools which help break down barriers to clear and respectful interpersonal communication. They provide a foundation for meaningful human connection on a deeper level with compassion, empathy, and knowledge of other cultural perspectives.
Knowledge of other languages and their cultures enriches our students’ lives; it can transform their views of the world and improve their adaptability and ability to navigate unexpected situations in their own culture as well.
