This is my 23rd year at District 211 of which the last 16 years have been spent at the best school in the district, Palatine High School.  I have enjoyed every moment thus far and look toward more enriched memories.  I am currently the World Language Department Chair at PHS, but I have had the pleasure of teaching in two department, English as a Second Language (ESL) and World Language as the Spanish for Native Speakers classes.  I have also worked with Title 1 as a Services Coordinator during the 2012-2013 academic school year and have taught Adult ESL during evenings for 5 years.

 

Activities that I have and or am participant of but are not limited too include: 

 

• Commit to the Pirate (CTTP) Teaching Committee

• ACT Testing Administrator

• PHS Technology Innovation Grant recipient and Initiatives

• Hispanic Monthly Bilingual Parents Committee and Meetings (Meets at POC) also known as Palatine Community Outreach Meetings which currently meets the first Saturday of each month from 10 to 11 am.

• Teen Outreach Program in Palatine

• Intramural Cardio Club

• Foreign Exchange Club

• District 211, Adult Night School Program (PHS site)

• Volunteer with various Palatine organization including the Palatine Park District, Northeast Palatine Summer Camp Program, ICOMPETE Program and Translating of documents for various local organizations and programs

• Union School Representative

 

Aside from the above mentioned programs and clubs I have also volunteered my time with the Hoffman Estates Park District (HEPD) as one of two coaches for my son's Soccer Team, Barcelona, an outdoor soccer team with the HEPD (2009-2011).  I also love to workout, run, visit Chicago cultural centers including motorcycle and car shows, see movies, go bowling, Rollerblade, watch any sporting event, hang out with the family and travel.    

 

A recent activity that I have undertaken is golf.  Who knew such a simple game would take so much of my time to try and learn.  Like with any language or activity, the answer to getting better is to practice, practice, practice; and only through mistakes and facing challenges and adversity can you actually understand the learning process in order to reach mastery.  So for those of you reading this looking to learn about me know that I aim at taking control of my golf game and will improve through a growth and open mindset along with practice, focus and determination.  If you want to learn something and be at the mastery level, practice and find within you that drive or determination and you will succeed.  Without that spark or want it won't be attainable.  You can try, but you will find yourself frustrated, so change your aptitude of life and rise to your own challenges but have a growth mindset.  At times you may have to also be vulnerable, but by doing so you will be able to reach your goals faster and make great connections along the way. Best of luck to you on your new endeavors in life.