Juan Martín majored in World Languages and Literature with a Theatre minor (dance concentration) at Lewis & Clark College.
Having studied abroad in Paris, France, and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he plans to teach French, Russian, and English (abroad) and also speaks Spanish and Arabic.
Some Fun Facts About Juan Martín
- Theme Song: Edge of Glory (Lady Gaga)
- Happy Place: La Piedad, Mexico
- Favorite Word in Another Language: летучая мышь – (literally "flying mouse"), a bat. I just think it is funny.
What's next following graduation?
Following graduation, I traveled abroad and taught English in the occupied West Bank, Palestine for two months. It was great to be able to teach 7th graders and get a meaningful experience about teaching abroad. Unfortunately, I had to return to the U.S. earlier than planned; however, I look forward to being in the language classroom again in the future.
Currently, I am working as a case manager for a non-profit helping with the reunification of unaccompanied minors who arrive at the border. I am glad to be able to use my language skills in this role to help them out and make sure they are safe.
What are you most excited about when you think of your future classroom?
I am the most excited about sharing all of the things that I have been able to experience and get students motivated to go out there and see the world!
What activities or experiences would you say have most prepared you to enter the classroom or profession?
Community building activities. These activities will allow me to create a safe environment for learning, using a collective community approach rather than the individualistic.
What advice or message would you like to share with fellow future language educators?
We are making a greater impact in the world than you think. We are changing the world for the better :)
What has most surprised you (thus far) about language teaching?
How people learn languages in different ways keeps surprising me. The activity you thought might be useless could actually end up having a greater impact than you think.
What makes an amazing language educator?
The PASSION! If you are passionate about teaching languages it definitely shows in your classroom and in how well your students learn the language.
Anything else you’d like to share about your undergraduate experience and/or the Teacher Scholarship Program?
This scholarship program has been one of the most amazing things that I have encountered in my life. Not only has it helped me a lot financially, but it introduced me to the community I had been looking for. It showed me that there are more people like me out there passionate about teaching languages. It motivated me to keep with my major and become a language teacher
You’re invited!
- Explore the Teacher Scholarship Program and refer aspiring teachers in your network.
- Hear reflections from Juan Martín and fellow graduates in a short video!
- Share your #LanguageDream on social media @LangConnectsFdn.