Making Connections: Chayree Santiago Thomas

by | Mar 2, 2018 | Foreign Language & Business, Foreign Language Learning, Spanish, Teacher Insights, World Languages

I have been doing some soul searching lately and have been spending a lot of time thinking about what we do at the Language Academy and why we do it.  Hands down, the best answer I can give is the people. I am talking about the students and the teachers, and the relationships that we develop with one another.  Over the coming months I am going to share some of these stories in this space.  I can’t think of a better person to start with than with Chayree Santiago Thomas.  Chayree and I met through one of my very first students named Donna and when I say first I really mean it.  In 2004 I started teaching Spanish classes out of my Parents’ dining room in Huntersville and Donna was there. Chayree is not only a great teacher, she is a personal friend, and she’d like for you to know that she’s from the beautiful country of Colombia. I recently sent her a few questions and here are her answers:

  1. How long have you been teaching at the Language Academy?

This year is my 10th year teaching at the Language Academy.

 

  1. How has your teaching style has evolved over time?

My teaching style has been based on motivation. Over time I have learned to understand my students’ needs more quickly and to achieve a productive Spanish class through an encouraging environment, supported by cultural elements, personal experiences, an enthusiastic attitude, and professional training.

 

  1. What’s your favorite level to teach and why?

I enjoy teaching all levels, but I would say the first level could be my favorite, because it is bigger a challenge and student progress is more evident.

 

  1. What do you like most about teaching at the Language Academy?

First, the work environment is professional and like a family at the same time. Second, the students who register at the Language Academy really want to learn and come with the best attitude for learning.

 

  1. What do you like to do when you are not teaching?

I like cooking and talking to my family and friends.

 

 



Craig Snyder is the Owner and President of The Language Academy of the Carolinas, Inc.