Jacquelyn Duffy
Current job title and employer and briefly describe what it is you do: I am in my fourth year as a secondary high school Spanish teacher at a public school in Central Massachusetts. I am responsible for creating and conducting Spanish as a Second Language (SLS) lessons for students in grade 9-12. Our department utilizes a Comprehensible Input -based curriculum: the class is taught in the target language with resources and materials geared to their level of proficiency according to ACTFL guidelines. I recently returned from a school trip with my students to Madrid and Barcelona.
Academic experience at Saint Michael's College help prepare you for your career: My language skills I acquired from my classes at SMC, as well as my abroad semester in Ecuador, jumpstarted my acquisition of the Spanish language and instilled a lifelong desire to explore, learn and adventure.
Favorite memory or class from your time studying at St. Mike’s: I really valued the time Dr. Lukens-Olson set aside to meet with her students and advisees during office hours: she helped me do a lot of 'soul searching' to help put my degree and education to good use meaningfully. She is the inspiration for my teaching: holds high expectations while also creating genuine connections with her students. She is a language instructor through and through and her classes pushed me to be more and more curious every semester. Her class on Spanish Art and Architecture inspired me to spend a year in Madrid as an English Language Assistant at a public school in Villaverde.
Completed or are completing a graduate program, please provide the name of the degree and institution: MA in Spanish - Idaho State University
Translated your volunteer experience at Saint Michael’s into giving back to your community after graduation: I was able to utilize my skills working over a few summers with the Massachusetts Migrant Education Program, where I met with migrant families and their children primarily from Central American communities. I tutored students in their native tongue and connected with families because of my bilingualism.
Other information you would like to share or advice for incoming or current students: Don't underestimate your language ability and don't be afraid to keep trying: language learning is a lifelong journey. Don't forget to give Professor a greeting when she walks in the classroom!
Contacted via e-mail as a resource for current students: Yes