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Partnership Highlight: P.K. Yonge and SPN 3533’s Innovative Collaboration

Group of people in a classroom, with some text projected on the whiteboard. Group of people in a classroom. There is some text projected on the whiteboard.

In the heart of our educational community, a partnership blooms, showcasing the power of practical learning and the joy of sharing knowledge. Under the guidance of Jennifer Wooten, students from SPN 3533: Spanish for Educators have embarked on an enriching journey of teaching and learning with the vibrant young minds at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School’s afterschool program.

This collaboration, initiated by Grisell Santiago, enters its second successful year, reflecting the shared belief of Wooten and Santiago in the transformative impact of early language education. It’s a space where theoretical knowledge from university coursework transcends the classroom boundaries, converting into interactive Spanish lessons that resonate with the enthusiasm and curiosity of fourth and fifth graders.
Group of people in a classroom, engaged in an activity.

The synergy between SPN 3533 students and the P.K. Yonge afterschool program is a testament to the potential within active learning. Our students, like Mahir Rahman and Hannah Law, have experienced firsthand the rewards of their dedication, echoing the sentiment that this initiative is more than a mere academic requirement—it’s a gateway to growth for both the teacher and the taught.

As we reflect on the milestones achieved and the bridges built between future educators and young learners, we are filled with a sense of pride and a fervent hope for the future. The Department is committed to fostering this partnership, as it not only enhances our students’ educational journey but also solidifies the foundation of bilingual education in our broader community.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration, confident that it will keep unfolding new chapters of innovation in language teaching and learning. Together, we are paving the way for a more interconnected world, one lesson at a time.

View the SPS Newsletter: Fall/Winter 2023