Born and grew up in Palau, Coahuila Mexico. Living in San Antonio, Texas, for 20 years. Excited to be part of UTSA. I have been in the teaching environment for over 15 years. I earned my Bachelor’s and my Master's in Spanish, and two graduates’ certificates in Linguistics and Latin American Studies at UTSA. During the past seven years, I studied abroad in Spain at Logroño, La Rioja University. Also, took Professional Development courses to teach AP courses in Language and Culture at the University of Salamanca, Spain. Have Quality Matters Digital Teaching Credentials for Texas, a valid Teaching Certificate with required endorsements for Spanish K-12. As a Spanish instructor, my main goal is transformation. I want to transform young minds and hearts into passionate learners not only of English, history, or mathematics subjects but also a second language acquisition, passion to provide students with high-quality, real-world, and engaging learning activities to help the students attain their maximum potential for intellectual growth. For example, in the short term, students will be communicating in the Spanish language with Spanish speakers. I want all my future students to be able to establish formal and informal Spanish conversations at the workplaces, and any other social and educational area. All of these will be possible with the applications of many amazing theories just to mention some, Gardner; “Multiple Intelligence”, Vygotsky; “ZPD”, Moll et. Al; “Funds of knowledge” and Maslow's “Hierarchy of needs”, and of course be part of campus problem-solving, attends and participate in faculty meetings, and serves on staff committees as required, as a part of the Code of Ethics for Educators Currently working on my National Board Teacher Certification.
Teaching
Past & Recent Courses
SPN 1014
SPN 1014 Heritage
Future Courses
SPN 1014 & 1024
Research Interests
NEW RESEARCH MAKES A POWERFUL CASE FOR PBL
The use of technology in the classroom
The role of critical thinking in education
Immigration and education
Degrees
M.A. in Spanish, University of Texas at San Antonio (2021)
B.A. in Spanish with Teacher certification, University of Texas at San Antonio (2017)
Honors and Awards
Presentations
Juarez, Ana and Mejia-Vazquez, 2020. La educación en la comunidad hispana durante el COVID-19.
Grants, Patents and Clinical Trials
Publications
Publications:
2022 Integrating a project-based curriculum for K-12 and University level. with the objective to enhance language, culture, technology, and social skills for Heritage students.
2023 La Profe Me Preguntó: Resistance and Redefining with Bad Bunny and #nosabokids and K-12 Implementing Music.
Stay Connected to the College of Liberal and Fine Arts
Vision
UTSA's College of Liberal and Fine Arts will become an internationally recognized college providing the core intellectual experience that prepares students for their role as responsible citizens in a free society.
Mission
The College of Liberal and Fine Arts will meet the needs of the diverse population of Texas through quality research and creative work, exemplary teaching, and professional contributions to the community.