Meet Lía—a Spanish teacher at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School in Wake County Public School System (NC).
“Teaching a language means opening doors to new cultures, new people, and new ways of seeing the world.”
Lía Vanina Decker
Educator Spotlight
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The Start of a Teaching Journey
My mother was an educator, and I always admired her profession. Growing up, she would come home with stories about her students—their accomplishments, struggles, funny moments, and small things that made a difference. I loved listening because they showed me that teaching was about people, not just a subject.
I have always been passionate about languages and cultures and fascinated by how language connects people and creates opportunities. Over time, I realized that teaching would allow me to combine these interests in a meaningful way. My path to education was not direct, but once I stepped into the classroom, I knew I belonged.
What inspires me most is helping students gain confidence, discover new perspectives, and see themselves as part of a larger world. I learn from them as much as they learn from me, and that continues to make this work rewarding and meaningful.
Career Highlight
One of the most fulfilling moments of my teaching career has been seeing my students embrace their identities and realize their voices matter.
One of my most meaningful accomplishments is founding the Latino Club at my school. I wanted to create a space where Latino students feel seen, valued, and represented. The club has become more than an activity—it has helped students celebrate their heritage, build leadership skills, and strengthen their sense of community. Watching them gain confidence and pride in who they are has been deeply rewarding.
I am also proud of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, where students share their cultures, learn from one another, and help build a more inclusive school environment.
For me, the most meaningful moments are when students feel empowered, find their voice, and know their identity is valued. Helping create those moments is one of the greatest privileges of my career.
On Being an ACTFL Member
As an international educator, ACTFL connects me with a global community of language teachers committed to excellence. The ideas, relationships, and professional growth I have gained continue to enrich my classroom practice every day.
Using Languages Outside the Classroom
Languages have played a transformative role in my life. Spanish is my mother tongue, English is my second language, and I also speak German fluently. Learning additional languages has expanded my worldview and opened doors I never imagined.
Having lived, studied, and worked in different countries, I understand both the challenges and rewards of language learning. I often remind my students that an accent is a sign of bravery—it shows they are taking risks to connect with others beyond their native language.
Outside the classroom, languages have helped me build friendships, access opportunities, and experience different cultures.
I also remind my students that speaking another language is a privilege. It allows us to connect, understand different perspectives, and build empathy in an increasingly interconnected world. My goal is for students to leave my classroom with confidence, curiosity, and the desire to keep learning.
Advice for Next-Gen Teachers
My advice to aspiring language educators is to prioritize relationships over perfection. Students may forget lessons but remember how you made them feel and whether they felt valued.
Give yourself permission to grow. Teaching is a journey shaped by reflection, challenges, and learning. Stay open, seek feedback, and keep learning.
I encourage new teachers to find mentors and join professional communities. I have learned so much from colleagues who shared encouragement and support. I also served as a Partnership Teacher with University of North Carolina Wilmington—mentoring a teacher candidate who later became a Spanish teacher—reinforcing the value of collaboration, paying support forward, and shared growth always.
Most importantly, your impact goes beyond language instruction. You help students build confidence, discover strengths, and see the world differently. The seeds you plant may take time to grow, but they last. Never underestimate the power of believing in your students.
Favorite Word or Phrase in Another Language
One of my favorite phrases in Spanish is “Si lo puedes soñar, lo puedes crear.” It means “If you can dream it, you can create it.”
I love this phrase because it reflects both my personal journey and my philosophy as an educator. My path into teaching was not linear, and there were moments when I could not have fully imagined where I would be today. However, each step taught me that growth begins with believing in possibility.
In the classroom, I share this mindset with my students. Progress begins with a dream, and grows through practice, persistence, and courage.
This phrase also connects deeply to my belief that education is transformative. When students are encouraged to dream, they begin to see themselves differently. They start to believe they can participate in new conversations, access new opportunities, and engage with the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
On Teaching a Language
Teaching a language means opening doors to new cultures, new people, and new ways of seeing the world. It is about helping students find their voice in another language and giving them the confidence to use it.
It means creating a space where students feel safe to try, make mistakes, and grow. It also means showing them that every effort to communicate is valuable, even when it is not perfect.
Teaching a language means building connections—between students, between cultures, and between ideas. It helps students understand that the world is bigger than their own experience, and that their voice matters in it.
Most of all, it means inspiring students to believe that they can connect with others beyond borders and discover new opportunities through language.
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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