Mrs. Jaquelyn Ortiz, a dedicated Spanish teacher at Green Hope High School, embarked on her teaching journey in 2019 after she graduated from the University of North Carolina Pembroke with a degree in education. Although her path was not always focused on Spanish education, an important interaction she engaged in eventually led to her joining the Green Hope community, contributing to the vibrant community of staff and students.
“When I graduated from UNC Pembroke in 2019, I started teaching at Green Hope in the fall of 2019,” said Mrs. Ortiz, highlighting this milestone as the beginning of a new chapter in her life. The transition included a shift from an education major to a major in Spanish education, a decision she proclaimed as the “best decision” of her life.
The allure of working at Green Hope captivated Mrs. Ortiz, fresh out of college when she engaged in a conversation with Dr. Hedrick, then-principal at Green Hope. “When I spoke to Dr. Hedrick, the way she spoke about the school drew me here,” Mrs. Ortiz said, reflecting on the pivotal moment that solidified her commitment to the school.
A distinctive element of Mrs. Ortiz’s approach to education is her commitment to providing students with immersive experiences beyond the classroom. “I took students abroad to Costa Rica and Panama last spring break, and this upcoming spring break, we will be going to Peru,” she said. These educational trips offer a unique opportunity to deepen student-teacher relationships, creating an environment where students can express themselves more freely in addition to fostering a deeper appreciation of the Spanish language.
“It’s honestly a great way to connect with students on another level,” added Mrs. Ortiz, highlighting the unique connection formed during these excursions. Stepping outside their comfort zones, students and teachers bonded over shared experiences. Mrs. Ortiz further explained how students were able to practice their Spanish in real scenarios. “What was great is that since we were in a Spanish-speaking country, they got to use their Spanish. It was validating for students since they got to use a learned language in a real-world experience.”
When asked about the motivation behind teaching Spanish, Mrs. Ortiz shared insights into her favorite aspects. “I get to perceive people differently,” she said. For Mrs. Ortiz, witnessing overcome challenges and persevere through difficulties is a rewarding aspect of the teaching profession. Beyond just language skills, Mrs. Ortiz sees teaching as a holistic profession, where she strives to be there for students in every aspect of their lives.
“I try to build relationships with my students where they feel comfortable enough to come with me with whatever is going on in their lives, ” said Mrs. Ortiz, emphasizing the importance of mentorship with students extending beyond their academic journeys.
Through a Spanish education, Mrs. Ortiz revels in the opportunity to broaden students’ horizons. “I introduce students to different foods, music, and different types of people,” she added. Encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones in the classroom can be challenging, especially with shy individuals. However, Mrs. Ortiz focuses on creating an open and non-judgemental environment that allows students to embrace new ideas.
As a member of the Green Hope community for nearly five years, Mrs. Jaquelyn Ortiz successfully embodies the spirit of education as a journey of growth and connection. Through language and cultural exploration, she not only equips students with valuable real-world skills, but creates an environment where students feel acknowledged, heard and inspired to reach their highest potential.
