Spanish for Educators is a course designed to meet the communication needs of educators, and other school personnel, who need to interact with non-English speaking students and their families in the context of school situations.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Evaluation
Give me your opinion on this class. Please include your biographic information (in English), so I can identify whose response it is.
I am really enjoying the class and I like how we focus on the speaking aspect. Also, when speaking with parents and students at my school I am able to pick up on key words and I know what they are talking about. I am able to respond to more and more in Spanish
I am really enjoying this class so far.I am learning and am able to understand more in spanish, but still struggle to gather the words to respond quickly enough and still make sense.
I look forward to learning more spanish and I really enjoy this class. I like the oral communication time/activities to help with vocabulary and fluency. It is so much fun learning more!
PLUSES: the two colored bulk packets -green & pink-, the flash cards, the cultural videos, the music videos, the printouts for all verbs tense conjugations & vocabulary words, guest speakers, the weekly HW, oral exam, and mini written assignments (field trip, letter to a parent etc.) ARE ALL EXCELLENT! I feel I can get them done. This is one of the best Spanish instructor ever!! ! My peers "rock", tambien. d(^_~)b =*a wink logo
My weaknesses: I find that "listening and comprehending" the oral dialogue continuing to be some struggles. However, I tend to get lots of chances to use my Spanish in this class at everyday school sites with students and parents alike.
I enjoy the class and the three hours pass quickly because there are a variety of activities. I like the partner activities which force us to speak, as well as the cultural videos. The only thing that is problematic for me sometimes is the grammar instruction because it goes fast and sometimes I need to write things down and internalize it more.
There are a lot of opportunities to speak Spanish with each other in class. It is a little fast paced and a lot of vocab at once. But the instructor is very willing to help you. It has helped me learn more Spanish then I knew before!
I enjoyed the class. The instructor makes the class interesting and fun. He is very willing to help you and tried to make the lessons applicable to educators. However, be prepared for a fast paced class.
I have really improved in my ability to speak Spanish and to be able to understand conversations that I hear in Spanish. You have created a climate in your classroom that lets me take risks. I like that and don't feel uncomfortable making a mistake. I also like when you have us work with other students, especially when we have to have conversations in Spanish. I like you infusion of cultural knowledge along with teaching the Spanish language. I am looking forward to my continued learning in your Spanish for Educators - course 2 this summer.
I have learned not just Spanish Voc. and grammar, but how to teach foreign language to beginners. The class is very fast paced for someone like me who has never taken any Spanish class before. It was hard to catch up, but fun to work with my wonderful classmates and a very interesting professor with great sense of humor. Thank you all and have a great summer!
First of all, Leo is a very passionate and knowledgeable professor. I loved learning from him and especially being able to practice my speaking in class. The class climate is a safe, supportive, and very friendly environment. It is a no judgement zone where it is ok to make mistakes and to learn from them. I not only learned Spanish but also had an excellent platform to discuss issues pertinent to the lives of my students. In addition, this class rekindled my passion for travels and language learning!
My Spanish is improving, thanks to Leo! He creates a wonderful, supportive classroom climate where I felt comfortable to take risks, especially speaking Spanish in front of the class. Asking questions and the classroom discussions greatly improved my learning. We practiced Spanish conversations using authentic dialogue, which will be immediately helpful when I am speaking to parents and students. Also learning about culture and immigration issues helps me to understand life from my student's and their family's perspective. While the packets are filled with good practices, some of them are not indexed. Indexing them would save me considerable time when I am reviewing, as I would be able to find the material quickly. Overall, great course!
My Spanish definitely improved from taking this class. We learned the preterite, imperfect, and subjunctive tenses. I wish that you had spent time first teaching the regular conjugations before doing the irregular. I feel that we jumped into the irregular for preterite and I didn't have a good grasp on the regular conjunction. I also would have liked to spend more time on the future tense as well as present and imperfect progressive. I liked how we spent much of the class discussing in Spanish. It helps to practice speaking and listening verses doing busy classwork. I felt comfortable taking risks which is very important when learning a language. Leo is also very flexible with the schedule which is helpful when you have to leave for a doctor appointment or whatnot. Thanks for a great class!
I highly recommend the Intermediate Spanish course to anyone who wants to increase and deepen their knowledge in Spanish language and culture. The course content is very heavy and challenging to be taught in seven days. However, having a skilful instructor Leo De Valoes, turned that challenging week into a great learning experience, where all of us were fascinated and engagedo. Muchas Gracias!
After 5 years of working for MCPS, I am so happy that I was able to finally take Spanish for Educators! Although I have learned a handful of Spanish vocabulary working with some of my Infants & Toddlers families and from our Spanish-speaking paraeducators, it was really nice to be able to take a class and learn about grammar and school-related vocabulary. Senor De Valoes did a great job of making our classes interesting and engaging. I appreciated his use of videos, handouts, role-plays, and having an opportunity at the beginning of class to ask any questions that we may have encountered during the week. Personally, I have been using my Spanish to text some of my families when I need to make a change to our schedule and I have also noticed that I am understanding my families better! All in all, it has been a pleasure taking the beginners class for Spanish for Educators! Thanks!
This is one of the best (if not the best) class I have taken in MCPS. The class is fast-paced, however the content is very useful. You get your 3 hours worth of instruction. I especially like having time to speak with classmates, do exercises, see videos of Spanish speakers using the content of lessons we are currently learning, view lively slides that provide reinforcements, and a passionate teacher! Senor DeValoes' passion for teaching and passion for languages is like no other teacher I've ever encountered. He makes the learning fun, engaging and suitable for working adults. Great class! I'm moving on to Spanish 2!
This course was very enlightening, not only I learned proper syntax and other aspects of the language, but I learned of different cultures thru a different perspective. Leo is a very positive, supportive and personable but professional instructor that does not waste your time. It is a continuous learning experience from opening of class til the end. Attending his class was both an honor and a privilege. I hope to attend the level 2 as soon as my schedule will permit.
As a media specialist who had not taken a Spanish class since high school, I was a bit apprehensive about taking a Spanish class after such a long time. But Prof. de Valoes immediately made all of us so comfortable. We were here to learn, to converse, to make the language acquisition work for us and our needs. He assessed us based on our vocabulary and speaking levels by engaging our class in conversation immediately. Whenever we stumbled, Prof. de Valoes never said anything to make us feel awkward. Instead, every stumble was used as a teachable moment. This took an enormous amount of pressure off of our student group. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, Prof. De Valoes is extremely flexible. He gauged our progress and needs from class to class and changed instruction to best suit us rather than rigidly sticking with curriculum levels that weren’t appropriate for us. I find I have much more confidence conversing with my Spanish speaking parents, I tease my Spanish speaking students, and even help with our Spanish speaking co-staff members. I may not be fluent yet, but by virtue of the fact that I’ve been speaking Spanish so much more often, both in and out of class, I am improving daily. Prof. De Valoes kick-started my abilities, and I am grateful.
This course was a great opportunity to practice Spanish, learn new vocabulary, and brush up on cultural perspectives. Leo is a fun, engaging, and very supportive instructor. I found myself looking forward to class each week, even though it made for a long day. The class group was supportive and I enjoyed talking with them each week. I will miss my weekly Spanish practice. When will Spanish 3 be offered? I have been teaching at the High School level for 10 years and this is the most useful class I have taken.
This Intermediate Spanish class taught by Leo DeValoes was the best language class I have had.The class was interactive. We had time to interact with classmates speaking in Spanish the entire 3 hours. We learned practical application of daily usage of Spanish. We used the promethean board for practicing our grammar, seeing videos of Spanish Speakers, different cultural sights which helped re enforce what we were learning in class. I got a lot out of looking at slides and having to discrib what was happening in Spanish. Mr. DeValoes is an excellent teacher. I never lost interest in the class. I wish MCPS would continue to have more advanced or continuing Spanish classes to take. Language is lost if you do not continue to use it. I would love to take a Spanish 3 class as well.
I have been teaching for 20 years, I am a middle school teacher, mostly US History. This was my first class with Sr DeValos. I took the intermediate class because I had taken some Spanish in high school and college, but it was many years ago. So, I was a bit lost at first. The class set up is perfect for teachers, we practice and learn how to interact with parents and students. We also benefit from Sr. DeValos extensive travel and educational background.I enjoyed the partner activities and the homework assignments were useful, like a note to a student or parent. Thank you, I look forward the next class.
This is my second year teaching. I teach fourth grade. I minored in Spanish in college. I took the intermediate Spanish class with Sr. DeValoes. I was able to review, refresh and practice my Spanish. The professor worked hard to make everyone feel comfortable with speaking Spanish. He was encouraging, engaging and extremely informative. He was welcoming and consistently had everyone in the class speaking in Spanish, which is what I most wanted to practice! The class is relevant for teachers and extremely helpful. He included language and culture in the instruction and always connected it back to the school settings because he knew his audience was teachers. I enjoyed the partner work, the engaging pictures that Sr DeValoes shared from his own travel experiences, and the videos that he showed to immerse us in culture. The professor always front loaded vocabulary, provided many discourse opportunities and showed many visuals to support understanding. Overall, the class was so helpful and engaging. I wish there were more advanced Spanish classes to continue learning and developing my Spanish language skills.
I work in a high school Media Center of where half of the students are native Spanish-speakers. I studied Spanish in middle and high school, but that was MANY years ago, so I enrolled in Intermediate Spanish class to refresh my skills. Sr. De Valoes is a multi-lingual world-traveler from Brazil and Spain, so he is a really interesting person as well as an excellent teacher. The students in this class are somewhere between 25 and 60 years old, work in many different academic settings, and have a range of experience with the language (from little/no experience to near fluency). Everyone has been welcomed, seems to enjoy the class, and has made progress. In the classroom, we interact with the instructor and each other a lot, and have many opportunities to speak in Spanish. The material we cover includes many cultural references, and information for use in the school setting. In addition, the professor uses technology well in the classroom (educators might get ideas for their own classrooms) which makes it fun, and he has an excellent web resource for students. I wish there was a class to follow this although I would consider taking this class again in the future.
I have taken the beginner and intermediate levels of this course through MCPS. When I started, I only knew some Spanish from Duolingo. However, in both courses, there are people with many different levels of proficiency. Sr. De Valoes makes the class useful for everyone and creates scenarios for us to learn from each other. This class involves speaking and listening activities in class with some writing assignments as homework. He often relates assignments to our profession, which helps the class' functionality. I always enjoy going to class because Sr. De Valoes is incredibly interesting, knowledgeable, and funny. He teaches about cultural aspects of many Spanish speaking countries, as well as components of the Spanish language. His lesson plans always involve the Promethean board and are very well-made. I would highly recommend taking this course if you would like to be able to communicate with Spanish speaking parents at school, develop deeper connections with Spanish speaking students, or learn the language for personal reasons. Thank you Sr. De Valoes!
I had zero Spanish before taking Spanish 1 from Sr. De Valoes. I took the class so I could communicate with my Spanish-speaking parents and to attempt to speak Spanish when I take my Model UN class to Madrid in March. I was really nervous when I discovered that a number of the students in the class had taken Spanish throughout high school and some even in college. It didn't matter. Sr. De Valoes made the novices and me feel comfortable to learn and speak basic Spanish. I have a whole new appreciation for my ESOL students as learning Spanish is challenging. After taking the class, I feel more comfortable writing to my Spanish-speaking parents about their children. He also taught us a lot about culture which has given me insight into my Latino students' background. I highly recommend that educators take this class whether they are completely new to the language or need a refresher course. It's a fun class, and you will learn a lot. Thank you Sr. De Valoes for giving me confidence to try to speak and write Spanish. You taught me a lot.
I recommend taking this class. It has greatly helped my written communication with my Spanish speaking parent. The Senior De Valoes does a great job of mixing humor with rigor during classes. I am already registered for another class with him!
I love this Spanish class but it isn't for the faint of hearts. Sr. De Valoes teaches in an interactive fast paced class where the focus is speaking. I appreciate his teaching methods because it encourages us to use the language we have and not focus on what we arnt able to do. The homework is open ended which is helpful for people of all levels. I wish there was a little more writing, worksheets or reviews, but if you use the flashcards and write your reflections, you will learn more Spanish.
I work in an elementary school Media Center and support all of the students and staff at my school. SInce there are many Spanish speakers, I wanted to be able to communicate with them and help them succeed. Sr. De Valoes not only refreshed my memory on my Spanish language base but broadened my vocabulary, reinforced grammar, and continuously encouraged me to speak with confidence. He teaches to the class. We went at a speed that we were all comfortable with each class period. Sr. De Valoes made it fun and exciting because we all saw our progress from week to week. There was little writing (unless you felt you had to) because Sr. De Valoes gave us an enormous binder of materials- more resources than you can possibly imagine in addition to his blog with many examples and website links, and the opportunity to practice our skills on Quizlet. This was a speaking class. We were constantly challenged in fun ways and Sr. De Valoes was always open for questions and comments. I especially enjoyed learning about the various cultures and definitely feel more at ease speaking with my students and making connections with them. I am very grateful for this experience and will continue in Spanish 2. ~Marcie Jarquin
This has been a great class. Sr. De Valoes is engaging and funny, but at the same time serious about helping all of the students improve their Spanish communication skills. The class involves a great deal of spoken communication, and Sr. De Valoes created an accepting atmosphere where students of all ability levels were comfortable participating. The homework is self-paced and provided opportunities to reinforce what we learned in class. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone considering taking it.
I am a Spanish teacher for MCPS and still found this class very helpful and informative. I originally signed up for this class because I'm not a native speaker and wanted to improve my conversational skills. El Sr. De Valoes is very funny and models really great teaching methods that I take back to my own classroom. He has also helped me bring authentic resources into my own teaching. There is a lot of speaking in front of your peers, which helps you slowly, but surely, build your confidence. I would definitely recommend this to the beginner/intermediate Spanish learner.
I was a bit apprehensive about taking this class, as I had never taken Spanish before. However I was eager to learn so that I would be able to communicate better with the parents of my special needs students (or at least be able to communicate even a little bit!). Sr. De Valoes emphasis on learning as part of a group, while addressing individual needs and questions, made the class an effective and enjoyable learning experience. Sr. De Valoes taught us about the culture and history of the language in addition to learning useful Spanish communication skills. I gained a great deal of knowledge about Spanish culture in addition to learning the language. I also learned about some of the challenges our students and parents have in learning to navigate our language and culture, which I think will make me a better teacher and advocate for our ESOL students and families. Sr. De Valoes emphasized speaking in learning Spanish, before tackling writing. We spoke a lot in class, with each other as we practiced various words, phrases, and sentences, as well as during whole class Promethean board activities where we worked as a group to respond to the task. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and cooperative learning. I reached a level of comfort in speaking that I had not thought possible at the beginning of the course. In fact, in a recent meeting with a parent who spoke only Spanish, I was able to greet her and just speak to her a little bit in Spanish. I think she felt more comfortable about the meeting as a result. Thank you Sr. De Valoes for a wonderful learning experience! I would highly recommend this class and teacher for a very engaging and enjoyable way to learn to speak Spanish.
"You are in a class of teachers, the safest place in the world." This is a nice thing to hear if you have virtually no Spanish, but find yourself in an intermediate level Spanish class. Sr. DeValoes made me feel comfortable enough to try my hand at conjugating verbs, changing tenses, preterites and things I can hardly do in English. Not to mention, learning vocabulary, asking questions and conversing all in Spanish. I appreciate all of the opportunities we have to practice speaking and the things we have learned are actually things we can use in every day life! Another thing I appreciate is being able to learn a bit of Latin culture, through pop culture, music, interesting videos and engaging graphics. This class has not only made me a better Spanish speaker, it has made me a better teacher!
I learned and had so much fun in Spanish 1 that I immediately signed up for Spanish 2 with Sr. DeValoes. Yes, this class is more challenging, but Sr. DeValoes teaches us at our pace. It isn’t about rushing through the material but learning it and applying it. This is a speaking class. We all speak and have gotten comfortable speaking together. We still make mistakes but help each other and move forward. Sr. DeValoes provides all of the materials you could ever need to learn Spanish and they are a great reference. Even after an exhausting day at school, I get a second wind when we start class and leave feeling energized and excited because I feel successful.
I am very proficient in speaking Spanish when discussing my students’ grades and performance with their families, but ever since I started speaking Russian with my husband’s family, I have been losing a lot of my fluency outside of that. Leo’s class allowed me to practice speaking again with guidance on grammar, which has also been deteriorating into Russian grammar, allowing me to not only improve my range of vocabulary again but also to better understand the grammar in my new context of Russian grammar. Our class was diverse and the resources available in conjunction with the sequence of lessons maximized the customization necessary to meet each of us where we were and allow all of us to improve together.
I love the spanish language and wanted to learn more. I feel I have a loose grip of the spanish language but only when people are speaking slow. So far the class has been very beneficial. I will have more comment about the class once the class is completed and I will have a more complete opinion of the class but so far so good.
I absolutely love this class. The instructor is amazing and very knowledgeable of all the Spanish content. I like how each class starts with a brief review oh beginning and then the content that is covered prior. I’ve learned so much throughout this course and really appreciate the participation and support from the other members of the class. The instructor creates an environment were all feel welcomed and are able to take risks or not feel like being judged when speaking Spanish. It’s a great course and I highly recommend this course to anyone who is wanting to learn Spanish or build on knowledge they already have.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this Spanish class with Senor De Valoes. I just wished I had taken Spanish 1 with him to deepen my knowledge of Spanish. We actually would have conversations in the class and not just work on vocabulary. He encouraged mistakes because that is how we learn. This class is a must, too bad there isn't a section 3 and 4 so I could expand my knowledge!
My name is Anna Hugo and I am a third grade teacher in White Oak. I have really enjoyed the Spanish 2 course with Senor De Valeos. He has been a wonderful instructor. Even though it is a higher level Spanish class, varying levels of students could participate. We practiced lots of vocabulary with our classmates and were given plenty of speaking time in Spanish. Mistakes were encouraged and we all learned from one another. Senor De Valoes fostered a welcoming, engaging, and fun classroom. If you are intimidated to take this course, don't be. Just take it and have fun! Adios! -Anna
just work on vocabulary. He encouraged mistakes because that is how we learn. This class is a must, too bad there isn't a section 3 and 4 so I could expand my knowledge!
Senor De Valeos is an energetic teacher that loves teaching languages! He has such a passion for what he teaches, and he uses real world examples, travel pictures, popular music, and experience to make learning spanish authentic. This class will give you confidence to speak spanish using the vocabulary you have, and adding more vocabulary week by week. This course is structured around student-centered learning, so you are always working with a partner. Then he uses a random calling name generator to have students share out. I highly recommend this course where you feel save to make mistakes and learn from each other. - Cindy M.
Senor De Valeos is a very enthusiastic teacher. He emphasizes speaking the entire class. He gives all his students a chance to show what they are learning in a nurturing learning environment which makes you feel like you can participate during the entire class. I would highly recommend his class. Andrea April
This is a great class, and Mr. De Valeos is a great teacher. He's interested in keeping it fun (which is critical considering that we're all at the end of a normal work day), and he keeps us talking in Spanish nearly the whole time: truly the only way to learn. I'm taking another section as soon as I get a chance!
I have enjoyed taking this class the last few months. I enter the classroom extremely tired, but leave feeling more energized and knowledgeable about the Spanish language. I love that Mr. De Valeos has provided me with tools that I can use to communicate with my students who are Spanish-speakers! He encourages us to practice with our classmates in his classroom and we can then apply what we're learning in our own classrooms! Spanish I has been a great course! Andrea Parker
I have learned a lot during Spanish 1. Senor De Valeos has taught us a lot during this class, and it is helpful in communicating with our native Spanish speaking students. He also finds ways to help us remember certain words, and his emphasis on speaking in class demonstrates the best way to learn a new language.
Spanish 1 has really helped me to practice using the little bit of Spanish that I have, while encouraging me to expand my vocabulary with new words each week. It is obvious that Senor De Valeos knows quite a bit about teaching languages to adults, as he makes sure to push us out of our comfort zone to practice speaking throughout the class period. He does this in a way that is encouraging and patient, while not allowing us to just sit back and pretend to learn by passively writing/note-taking. I am looking forward to continuing to practice with the tools that he has provided us with so that by the end of the summer I will feel more comfortable greeting and interacting with new students and families.
Great class to learn the foundations of speaking spanish. This class focuses on constant speaking and participation which forces you to get comfortable with with language (in a good way.) There are many times where you will repeat after Senor De Valeos after learning a new word or phrase. This especially helped me solidify my basic speaking skills as I could put knowledge I had gained in the past to practical use.
I am very grateful to Senor De Valeos. I have been able to give three classes (with preparation) in both English and Spanish for my ESOL 1 populations. My students understand me (though admittedly there are a lot of giggles as I flounder my way through this). I will be attending many future classes to get even better.
Hello, My name is Nadiyah Herrera and I completed Spanish I with Senor De Valeos during the Winter/Spring of 2019. The last time I took Spanish was in high school 20+ years ago. So I was nervous to say the least. Después de un par de lecciones no fue tan malo y me di cuenta de que estaba aprendiendo a complicar en español.
Senor De Valeos is a very enthusiastic teacher. He emphasizes speaking the entire class. He gives all his students a chance to show what they are learning in a nurturing learning environment which makes you feel like you can participate during the entire class. I would highly recommend his class. I find it fascinating that he can speak multiple languages!! Andrea April
Senor De Valeos is a fantastic teacher for someone like me who had no prior experience in Spanish language. He is very informative in his lessons and he will make sure that everyone participates in the lesson. I enjoyed the class very much. Believe me when I say, that even after a full day of work, I did not feel the hours go by during his class.
I highly recommend this class. It is valuable whether you have experience with spanish or absolutely none. The class is heavy on speaking and listening with minimal writing. Everyone in the class is very supportive and willing to jump in and help each other out. Most of the work is done with partners before sharing with the class. Senor De Valeos is a great teacher, who makes the class interesting and engaging. I'd take it again.
For many years I have wanted to take a Spanish class. I have never had any experience with the Spanish language and I am glad I took this class. Even though there were plenty of others in the class with some background in Spanish, I never felt out of place. The class was comfortable and not much of an extra burden added to my work day. In fact, it was a good excuse to drop my normal activity and do something for myself :) . The assignments were very flexible and worthwhile. Senor De Valeos made sure of this. I am glad that I took this course. I highly recommend this experience.
I really enjoyed taking Spanish 1 with Senor De Valeos. The class was speaking based and required participation- I felt that this pushed me to really use the Spanish skills I already had and to continue to grow them throughout this class. I was nervous that the 3 hour class was going to feel too long after a full school-day, however, I found that the style of the class was engaging and always held my interest. I will definitely be trying to take another class with Senor De Valeos!
Spanish for Teacher is an awesome class to take through the county! Sr. De Valoes does an incredible job teaching the class and has developed it specifically for us working in the classroom. He is energetic, he is incredibly smart, and he makes the class fun from the start! Be prepared to speak. It is a class that you must speak – but it is the best way to learn the language. He also immerses you in the culture of various Spanish speaking countries for the full understanding of the people, the language, the food and music. All around I highly recommend this class! I will absolutely be taking Spanish 2!
Anita Burgdorf This class focuses on speaking the language which is out of my comfort zone, but the way that Mr. De Valeos structures the class makes it more comfortable. Being encouraged to speak the language is the best way to learn. I have noticed that I feel more confident using the language I acquired. I would highly recommend the course.
I was completely lost in the 1st session of the Spanish I class. It started with learning common greetings, but I didn’t know the alphabet and couldn’t pronounce basic words. While my classmates greeted each other as instructed, I didn’t know what to say and didn’t understand what they said. I tried to imitate the sounds that I heard, but nothing retained nor carried any meaning to me. I was lost.
The following few sessions, I continued to struggle with saying words or greetings. When the class practiced vocab from a Quizlet game, I had no clue about most of the words, but watched others play. It was after the 5th session, things began to click. The words became easier to recall and speak and I started to understand what Sr. De Valeos, the instructor, said in class. That was a great feeling! As the class went on, I became more comfortable to follow along and complete the class work.
The Spanish I class is very energizing and engaging. Sr. De Valeos’ way of teaching made the class entertaining and exciting, even when he called on a student or announced a break. You can just feel the positive energy in that class. I am thankful to Sr. De Valeos and my classmates for the fruitful learning experience. I am so glad that I took this class.
I would 100% recommend Spanish for Teachers to anyone who is serious about learning the building blocks of conversational Spanish. I took Spanish in high school and a year in college, and I learned more in this class than those classes combined. Sr. De Valoes is a very engaging educator and funny. He effectively taps in to the best ways for his students to acquire knowledge. During class we did a lot of speaking and not much writing, in a very collaborative environment, which was very beneficial. I am very happy that I took this class and look forward to taking the next section.
I learned a lot from this class! If you are not sure if you should sign up or not, definitely sign up. The expectations are attainable, and the cyclic way of learning enables the students to use what they learned in the class prior intertwined with the new learning of each day. I took Spanish in high school, and had some basic vocabulary before starting this class. This class connected a lot of pieces for me and has allowed me to feel more confident listening to and speaking in Spanish with my students and their families! Thank you for the course!
This course was really helpful and a great way for me to re-learn Spanish. I took my 3 years in high school and although I have a basic understanding of Spanish, but having the exposure to speak on a more consistent basis is really helpful. I would recommend this course to anyone that is interested in learning a more hands-on manner of spanish.
I would recommend this class if you are someone who wants to refresh their knowledge of the Spanish language. I took Spanish in HS and college, did well, but I did not feel comfortable having a conversation with fluent speakers. In this course, Leo made us talk in class and collaborate with the other teachers. This helped drastically with speaking the language.
I enjoyed the class and thought that, given that I had some Spanish, it was beneficial. I think that it moves pretty fast, so if you don't have any knowledge of Spanish it might be a little too fast.
I enjoyed that a lot of the class was done through speaking and collaboratively and I found that helpful. Leo knows a lot and really wants us to learn and use what we know every time we do something.
I thoroughly enjoyed taking Leo's class. It was a great review of the vocabulary and verb conjugations I learned in high school, but it provided an opportunity to integrate that knowledge into conversation with others in class. This was so much more functional and meaningful than the focus on "memorization" that I had in high school Spanish class. Leo also provided a rich cultural context from his extensive travel around the world. His stories, sense of humor, and experiences made me look forward to class each week. There was lots of speaking time for all the participants but it was never stressful. His corrections and feedback were always helpful and encouraging. I am looking forward to taking Spanish 2.
I am glad that I took this class because I feel more confident about being able to approach Spanish speaking students or parents and not shy away from at least trying my best to communicate with them. This confidence grew through Leo's encouragement and emphasis on the importance of practicing language and speaking. The class is very focused on engaging in conversations. Leo makes the class fun and interactive, so I looked forward to attending class each week. I highly recommend Spanish classes with Leo!
Spanish 1 was a great class to practice speaking skills. The activities done in class were interesting and engaging. Leo was very positive and always encouraged us to try to participate.
I really enjoyed Spanish II with Leo De Valoes and I am so glad I took this course. It was so helpful to have Leo's gentle feedback--He always encouraged us to take risks and he made the classroom a fun place to learn with our peers.
I enjoyed Spanish 1 in the fall with Leo and I am glad that I am now taking Spanish II with him. He ensures that we have a great deal of speaking time in class to work on our skills. I work very closely with Spanish interpreters during my home visits and taking this class has given me the confidence to practice my conversational Spanish. The interpreters have noticed the change in my Spanish proficiency. I look forward to the remainder of the semester.
Leo's energy is amazing! He makes the course fun and engaging for sure. Our course turned online due to Covid 19 and it was still taught as if we were in the classroom together. He always encouraged us to just go for it and speak the language as much as possible. He also kept it real understanding we are teachers and we have families. I would recommend the course as I took it for re certification but I fully enjoyed it.
Melissa Wastler- I took Spanish 1 and 2 together. The classes started as face to face and turned into online when Covid 19 started and shut schools down. I learned a lot in these classes. I can now understand more Spanish. The classes were always entertaining and full of life. Talking is what Leo focuses in on. It is extremely scary to be thrown into this language and not know it but it became much easier because we had to talk in Spanish. We reviewed concepts which helped me to remember things. Leo also talked about culture and music. It may seem hard at first but stick with it and it will pay off.
Lori Roth - I only took Spanish 1 and I was nervous about taking 1 and 2 together. I'm glad I started slow. I know much more Spanish than I did a couple of months ago. I never imagined that what would start as a face to face class would end up online due to Covid 19. Leo's energy is infectious and he has been so helpful and supportive through all of this. He constantly reminds us every class that he's here for us and that has much such a difference. I loved learning about the culture, food and music! I would recommend taking this class. It was a lot of fun and I met some great people.
Spanish 2 with Leo has been a wonderful learning experience. He teaches us more than just basic language 'rules'. He explains why and where certain grammar and phrases are used and preferred-- based upon geographic location and culture. His love of languages is so apparent. Because he loves it, we love it.
Spanish 1 has been a great experience. Leo made the lessons relevant and fun. He adjusted the lessons based on our needs and was incredibly flexible to make sure we got the most out of his class. At times he goes a little fast but is more than willing to repeat, slow down, or answer any questions. He is a very caring teacher. I highly recommend the course and plan to take Spanish 2 with him in the fall.
Spanish 1 has been a very interesting course.To learn a new language takes commitment,we started with regular lectures in person then transferred to online.All through Mr. Leo made each and every lesson fun and was always ready to help us when we were answering in Spanish.I asked so many questions and he patiently answered all of them . I am so grateful for this.He knows so many languages and loves to teach all age groups. I learned so much about culture, food , idioms commonly used and much more.From the very first class he asked us to speak in Spanish,with practice all of us got better real fast.Our group was wonderful and I will recommend this course to all.I could understand a Kindergarten student speaking in Spanish after taking this Spanish 1 course.
I love taking classes with Mr. Leo (SN-16 and SN-18). Not only is he passionate about what he teaches, but also he has a huge knowledge base of the content, and his stories make the learning experience so much more fun. In addition, I love how we are expected to think and respond in the language which makes it more automatic for us to use it when we actually need it. The partner, or small group practice throughout the class is an awesome opportunity to not only practice our own speaking skills but also to listen to others and learn from them. I highly recommend this class.
Spanish 2 has been just as informative and fun as Spanish 1. Leo makes learning accessible to everyone and relevant to the real world and to understanding our Spanish speaking kids. No matter your level of confidence in speaking, I highly recommend this class because of the low pressure, encouraging learning environment! It is also helpful for moderate level speakers who want to maintain, brush-up, and improve on their skills. You will also learn a lot of cultural aspects of various parts of the Spanish speaking world. Overall, the class is my favorite professional development ever!
Spanish 2 has been great, as was Spanish 1. I have been trying to sign up for this class for several years, and it always fills up quickly! I'm very happy I managed to do it this time. Leo's explanations of rules and grammar are informative, and the vocab and expressions are very useful! I particularly love the cultural context he includes- it brings the language alive. Thank you so much, Leo.
Spanish 2 was a nice, low-pressure way to review my Spanish skills. Leo is very fun and encouraging, and he emphasizes speaking practice, which is great for working with students. Gracias, Leo! Que tengas un verano bueno!
FL-18 was a lovely experience. Leo is a lovely teacher and person! He truly cares about his students as educators and as people. He wants you to succeed and will hold you to that. My advice for anyone who takes this class is pay attention and try your best. As long as you're putting your best foot forward, you can't really go wrong! I personally would love a Spanish 3 with Leo :D
Leo was my Spanish 1 teacher in the fall and I'm so happy that I was able to take Spanish 2 from him this spring. Due to Leo's persistence, "can-do" attitude, and all of our patience and good humor, we overcame all of the technology trials and tribulations that we encountered as we had to move to the Zoom platform during the COVID pandemic closures. I love that Leo has had personal travel experiences in a variety of Spanish speaking countries so that we were able to learn the language with a strong cultural context embedded into our learning as well. This is so important for my work because I do home visits with many families who speak Spanish. With Leo's style of teaching, there were never any times when I felt apprehension in trying to speak in front of others or fear of making mistakes. I hope that in the future, I may possibly be able to take a Spanish 3 class from Leo.
Spanish 1 was a great class! We only met once a week, but I feel like we still covered so much! Leo has a lot of charisma and is easily able to carry a class, while also building a community of learners.
Spanish II was a great class even though I struggled at times. Profesor Leo was delightfully amusing,encouraging,and really focused on giving us the opportunity to speak Spanish as much a possible. The conversations were based on real lfe situations which we could use with our Spanish speaking students. I feel more confident in using Spanish now. Profesor Leo just made every class fun,it was not a class that I dreaded in any sense. His love of languages and his cultural knowledge of different Spanish speaking countries made all of us feel the world was a little bit closer. I highly recommend taking this class. Gracias por todos,Profesor Leo! Tienes un buen verano!
I have enjoyed taking the Spanish for Educators class with Leo! He creates a safe space for everyone and allows people to move at their own pace comfortably. I've learned a lot and become more willing to try to speak in Spanish as we learned this is the most important way to learn! He is flexible and helpful!
Despite the situation the class was awesome! It was a great test of Zoom and figuring out how to communicate in Spanish online! Our class was a cool group of folks and we had fun when we met. I loved hearing the dynamics of the teachers I managed to learn a little Spanish too! I feel more comfortable practicing my Spanish and making conversation with native Spanish speakers. I will recommend this class to my coworkers who also need to learn Spanish.
FL-18 Evaluation: I thoroughly enjoyed taking this course. Professor Leo was supportive, incredible, and direct. He taught the class in a way to make everything about practice which was so helpful. Every class we would practice exactly what we were learning which was a perfect way to gain the experience utilizing the content. We always received vocabulary handouts and were able to follow along during instruction which was very useful. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in developing a better ability to communicate in Spanish and Spanish culture. Although we had to switch to online sessions, I feel as though I was still able to learn a significant amount of information about a language in a small period of time.
I was truly impressed with Leo's ability to adapt a class that was meant to be face-to-face to going completely virtual almost immediately when everyone had to stay home due to the coronavirus. He used visual aids in every lesson, provided immediate feedback for informal assessments, and helped us to feel comfortable enough to ask questions if something was unclear or if we didn't know something. He made it clear that learning to speak the language was important, so he always encouraged us and provided opportunities to practice speaking as much as possible. Leo also makes it clear that questions are welcome, which contributed to creating a relaxed space to learn and enjoy learning.
Lisa Schartiger Thank you, Leo for doing a great job of crunching 15 weeks into 6 or so days. Was it sometimes overwhelming? yes, BUT you acknowledged that and were able to adapt what you do and the lessons and assignments to best help us. Though it was fast, I learned a lot, remembered a lot of what I already knew but had "forgotten", and was reminded that stepping outside your comfort zone, being challenged and challenging yourself can be invigorating. You made class fun and informative. A real growth experience.
I'm also glad I took FL-16 with Leonardo de Valoes. First time ever taking a Spanish class, but I realized how much I had learned by osmosis through my ESOL students, so that felt good! Really wanted to learn some grammar, so at least I now have some knowledge of present tense, future tense, present progressive, some irregular verbs and possessives. It was tricky writing some of the homework entries without past tense, though. Thank you Leo, for your great tutelage, funny quips and interesting stories along the way. You provided some super resources on your blog. I also enjoyed working with my smaller group on the pink review packet. It was a relatively painless experience which reaped great benefits. Thank you!
K. Yager--I have enjoyed the challenge of learning Spanish through speaking with others. The power point presentations and videos were relevant and encouraged me to be a better speaker. The grammar is very challenging even though there are some similarities to English so the repetition of the rules was also helpful. I enjoyed your personal touches to the lessons -Poolsville maps and your travel experiences.
I love the way Leo makes his students interact the entire class. The way he teaches the verb tenses are very straight forward and easy to grasp. He gives the students a lot of opportunities to practice which makes the information easy to remember. The assignments are in sequence with what he's teaching which makes a great review. I would highly recommend this class to others. If Leo teaches a higher level class, I will definitely sign up! Thank you!
I enjoy Spanish class and look forward to becoming more proficient in the language. I really look forward to the day that Iḿ able to hold a conversation, and/or have relevant dialogue with a Spanish speaker and they actually know what Iḿ talking about, (and not just get the gist of what Iḿ trying to say.) Senior Leo is fun, funny, energetic, and passionate about the language, which shows through his teaching style and experiences that he shares with us. I look forward to learning even more during the remainder of this course.
I took Spanish for 3 years in highschool (which was a loooong time ago) and have used it on and off at different jobs which focused a lot on the specific language used on the job. Intermediate Spanish has been helpful to refresh and to learn new vocabulary, grammar and conversational Spanish. Leo manages a class of students at different levels and is very encouraging throughout the learnig process. I am hopeful that by the end of this course, I will be more proficient at communicating with the Spanish speaking families with whom I work. Leo's focus on spoken language helps facilitate this.
Leo does such a great job putting you at ease as you learn a new language. He regularly asks for feedback and tailors his lesson to address needs. He understands the need for repetition and we get a lot of practice. Leo really wants us to enjoy learning the languages and makes his resources available even when you are not part of the classs- Thank you Leo!
I love the way Leo makes his students interact the entire class. The way he teaches the verb tenses are very straight forward and easy to grasp. He gives the students a lot of opportunities to practice which makes the information easy to remember. The assignments are in sequence with what he's teaching which makes a great review. He makes the class fun and interesting. I felt very comfortable participating in class. I would highly recommend this class to others. If Leo teaches a higher level class, I will definitely sign up! Thank you!
I really enjoyed taking this class and strengthen my Spanish! Leo is a great instructor and lots of what we learned can easily be used in the classroom and with the families you work with! Please take this course! You will not regret it :)
Renee Seidemann- Infnats and Toddlers Speech Language Pathologist
Leo is an excellent teacher. He explains the material clearly and reviews it across classes and gives many opportunties for written and oral practice.
For me, it would have been helpful for my Spanish use on the job had some of the material focused more on job related Spanish terminology and conversation.That woudl have been helpful for conversations with parents.
Spanish 2 was a great course, even in a virtually setting I learned a lot! I see now why it has taken me so long to get in the course. There is always a waiting list, for a good reason. Senor Leo was relaxed, fun and created a safe care free environment to learn and practice Spanish. I am not a natural but I always felt comfortable sharing out and taking risks. Gracias!! -Kelsey C.
Leo was a wonderful and made this class very interactive. His goal was always to make sure his students learned through doing. After a long day/week of virtual teaching, attending class was tough at 4:45Pm, but Leo understood and class was never boring. His energy kept us going! Lots of informative information. I am not a native spanish speaker, but learned it growing up. Learning the proper form of using the language was somewhat difficult at times, but Leo was very informative and made learning fun, as you can clearly see he is passionate about languages!I would definitely take another language class with Leo.
Fabulous class!Took Spanish for Spanish Educators 1 and 2 with Leo . He is super entertaining and makes the class fun and engaging. I have taken several Spanish courses on and off over the years from various places. I have expanded my knowledge and been able to review skills I may have forgotten along the way through Leo's Class. Love the stories and extra interesting facts, makes the class exciting and fun while learning a new language. HOPING MCPS WILL MAKE A LEVEL 3:) Thanks for everything Leo!! - Courtney Chick
Leo makes himself very available to students. He provides his personal mobile number and is also willing to stay after class to answer questions. During class, Leo gives his students multiple opportunities to practice Spanish - in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This blog is a great one stop shop to access homework and access PowerPoint presentations. It is very clear that Leo enjoys teaching teachers. His time and knowledge is appreciated!
I've had such a great time learning Spanish with Leo. He makes learning interactive and fun. He does introduce a lot of new material, but he always reviews the information and surveys the class to see what concept(s) require review. He mixes up his delivery and has students respond through writing, and/or speaking. He definitely is an awesome teacher and his passion for teaching Spanish shows throughout each lesson. It's absolutely worth taking this class - if possible.
The class was very helpful! It was a friendly and safe space to learn a language. We had a variety of opportunities to learn Spanish, using the 4 domains (reading, writing, speaking, listening). On Zoom, we had lots of opportunities to share in the chat and verbally. Homework writing assignments gave helpful time to practice writing and listening. I was always engaged and wanted to learn more. I look forward to the next level! -Mike Anderson
This is the class to take if you want to feel comfortable speaking Spanish. Leo is a wonderful teacher. His classes are active, funny, challenging and truly expand your understanding of spanish speakers. You will be submerged in the language, and move from uncertainty to confidence over time. Lots of opportunities to practice, to ask questions, to strike out on your own and challenge yourself. Highly recommend it!
I enjoyed taking this class with Leo. He makes things easy to understand and repeats several times to help it stick with you. He gives you access to all the material which is helpful also. He's upbeat , energetic, and full of jokes. I truly enjoyed taking this class and recommend it to anyone. I'd love to take another class with him. I learned so much from our time together. Thanks so much Leo
I thoroughly enjoyed taking this class. Leo is hilarious and keeps us entertained while learning. Even though I have only finished Spanish I, I am able to have conversations with my students. I look forward to working with him in Spanish II.
I agree that Leo's comment is fun. I learned a lot of good vocabulary that is relevant to my work with students and families. I appreciated the opportunities to practice my Spanish with classmates. Deborah Herring
I enjoyed taking this class with Leo. He is very patient and I learned not only vocabulary words but how to speak comfortably in sentences. As a beginner in Spanish this class was challenging but exciting.
The class was very relaxed. Leo made it simple and used what we already knew to foster learning. It simply felt natural. We often practiced both as a group and in breakout rooms. There were ample opportunities for practice and correction.
I've been in MCPS since 08 and this is literally one of my favorite classes! I'm moving on to Spanish II!
Spanish 1 has been a great experience. Leo made the lessons relevant and fun. He connects with every student. He adjusted the lessons based on our needs and was incredibly flexible to make sure we got the most out of his class. His teaching style is very professional. He repeats, slows down, or answers any questions. He is very passionate about languages and speaks multiple languages. I highly recommend the course and plan to take Spanish 2 with him in the spring. Thank you Leo!
Spanish 1/beginner Spanish was very helpful. It was nice to get to have practice hearing and speaking Spanish. Time went pretty quickly, even in a fully online class. It could be helpful to start with a baseline of Spanish (even if it's from a long time ago) to boost your learning. Elizabeth K.
This was a good class. It was fast paced, but I feel like I learned a lot being "immersed" in the language. Leo has a great sense of humor and likes to "keep it real".
I have to say that Leo has been by far the most interesting teacher I have ever had in my life, and I mean that in the best way possible. When he started the very first class by having us ask him questions, instead of doing a cheesy ice-breaker activity, I knew I was going to like this class/him a lot. He is obviously very knowledgeable about the content, and he is always supportive if you are stuck on something. He challenges us, but does not provide excessive amounts of work by any means. I plan to take Spanish 2 with him as soon as it is offered again after the summer!
Class was for beginners, not if you have taken Spanish I or higher as a student. Was hoping for more tools to use Spanish as an educator (Language Line, Communication tools etc.)
This was a great class! I absolutely loved how upbeat and energetic he was. Leo has a clear passion for teaching and helping others. The class moves fast and can sometimes be a little overwhelming. Definitely a great refresher and intro to spanish.
Spanish 1 was a great class. Leo was a great instructor and very approachable. Even taking the class online he gave us opportunities to speak in groups. It was a great refresher for me and I wish I could take more classes with him.
Spanish 1 has been a great experience. Leo mad the class very enjoyable. He is flexible and meets the needs of his learners. He is also very encouraging and supportive in moments of struggling with the language. Hi phrase I will never give up on you is very true. I highly recommend taking this class.
I recommend Spanish I for anyone who wants to learn some basic communication skills and for people who need a refresher class. Thanks so much for teaching this virtual class. I especially enjoyed the breakout rooms and working with the other students.
This class gave me a good starting point with vocabulary and verb conjugation. I have noticed that I can pick up more participating in school meetings with a translator bridging between staff and parents. I also got some teaching ideas that I implemented in my classrooms - Leo has a great repertoire of teaching skills :-)
I enjoyed learning Spanish with Senior Leo. He is SO FUNNY and entertaining!His personality and love of Spanish comes out in his teaching. It was very interesting to see the overlap of Spanish and Arabic Vocabulary.
Spanish 1 was an awesome class! Leo is a great teacher, and I felt very comfortable learning the material and speaking Spanish in his class. I liked the emphasis on speaking because when we see our students and their families in person, or when we have a conversation over the phone, no one is writing anything. We were able to get creative when we spoke to make it more authentic which helps you reinforce your learning. Not a lot of work; mostly or entirely completed in class; 5 minute break provided; bring snacks and a drink because you will learn in a relaxed environment!
This class was fast-paced, interactive, engaging, and fun. Leo is personable and keeps it real. I appreciated the effort he put into each of his lessons. The multiple methods for learning and expressing your knowledge were helpful to me as a new Spanish speaker. He made me feel comfortable speaking up even if I wasn't 100% accurate. It's a safe space to learn. Thanks, Leo!
Hello, Spanish 1 and 2 are very helpful in learning vocabulary and pronunciation. There are online flash cards you should review weekly. Leo is very committed in helping all his students learn. He never get upset and encourages you to try. He gives you time to answer the questions and practice what you learn. Everyone should take this class.
M. Burnell- Spanish 1/beginner Spanish was good class. I enjoyed hearing and speaking Spanish. For a full online class time moved fast. You should have a background in otherwise things could move quickly. I wish the modules were a little self guiding..Some things were accessible, while others required audio or readings to complete..
Taking Spanish 1 is a great experience and Leo made it really enjoyable. You will learn not just a language but also culture. He consistently provides good examples to get your attention and make you feel relaxed. If you want to learn the basic Spanish language to a little bit relate with your Hispanic students, then this is the course for you. Gracias Sr. Leonardo De Valoes!
This class really helps you learn vocabulary. It was engaging and if you put in the effort you will leave with a better appreciation for listening to, writing, and speaking Spanish.Leo made this class relaxing, interactive and enjoyable. He truly explains the why to everything which helped me tremendously. Scared but cant wait for the intermediate class this summer.
If you don't use it you loose it! You have to practice outside of class. This class is all about talking. We had a lot of breakout groups talking to each other and came back and shared answers. It was very interactive. If you don't know spanish, no problem! Leo was very friendly and engaging
Spanish 2 for Educators was interactive and a pleasurable experience. There were many authentic opportunities to practice speaking and writing in Spanish. The work is manageable.
Spanish 1 and 2 are very helpful with improving my extremely basic Spanish speaking skills. Leo is very upbeat and always willing to help. He explains the different conjugations and also educates us on the culture. Wonderful class. It moves quickly, but it keeps the class fun.
I finished taking Spanish 1 and 2 this year, and loved the opportunities to speak and have conversations. It refreshed some vocabulary and grammar rules that I had forgotten since high school and it has motivated me to keep practicing. Leo is wonderful- funny, welcoming, and always ready to answer questions.
Spanish 2 has been another great experience. Leo made the lessons relevant and fun. He connects with every student. He adjusted the lessons based on our needs and was incredibly flexible to make sure we got the most out of his class. His teaching style is very professional. He repeats, slows down, or answers any questions. He is very passionate about languages and speaks multiple languages. I highly recommend taking this to anyone who wants to learn Spanish. Thank you, Leo!
Spanish 2 for educators has been great! We get to practice a lot with real scenarios that we would have at school and lots of practice using the Spanish language out loud. Highly recommend! -Holly Moden
By taking your class, you gave me the courage—yes courage because I was afraid—to communicate with my Spanish-speaking parents. You gave me the importance of doing whatever I needed to do—communications line, even google translate—to write to and speak with my students’ parents. You taught me that I need to meet people where they are—and an English email to a Spanish-speaking parent is not meeting them where they are. You are a transformer of beliefs and a joy to work with, my friend. Yes, you do have super powers because your taught an experienced teacher who thought she was such a good relationship-builder new skills.
I took Spanish 1 and 2 with Leo this year and I truly enjoyed both sessions! Leo is very friendly and engaging. He makes every class entertaining. He is also very supportive and flexible when teaching. He explains everything which aids the learning process. I wish there was Spanish 3 that I could take with Leo! I recommend the class.
I thoroughly enjoyed taking this class. Leo is hilarious and keeps us entertained while learning. After taking Spanish I & II, I have been able to have conversations with my students and their parents. I am hoping to be able to attend Spanish III over the summer.
Thank you Leo for making learning Spanish online fun. I took both Spanish 1 and 2. You have motivated me to continue to improve and practice my Spanish. ~Shannon Jones
I also took Spanish 1 and 2 this year. It was a great experience. I enjoyed the emphasis on group work and using oral language. I also appreciated the emphasis on conversational Spanish that I might use at work with my students' families. Leo was flexible and he kept the class fun using games and a variety of lesson activities. His blog was a great help too because I can always go back to lesson materials. I will definitely use the skills I learned in my work experience. Don't hesitate. Take Spanish for Educators today! Deborah Herring
Spanish 1 and 2 was great to brush up on my Spanish. Leo is funny and tells great stories. The class was very interactive and engaging. I recommend this class for people who are beginning Spanish as well as brushing up on their Spanish.
I took Spanish 1 and 2 with Leo virtually this year. This was my first time taking Spanish. He is a wonderful teacher. He is very patient and explains concepts over and over. He is very encouraging and helps you when you have to speak. It's a non-stressful class. I highly recommend taking his class with Leo, especially if you have never taken Spanish before!!- Neena
I took Spanish 2 with Leo this semester. I really loved Leo's focus on oral language. He blog is full of treasures that I hope to come back and use in the future. His class was fun and very interesting. I am planning to take more of his classes and I recommend it to all my friends. Maria K
I took Spanish 1 and 2 this year. I had previously taken a few different Spanish 1 classes over the years but had never moved beyond that level. These classes were a great opportunity for me to solidify my learning in Spanish 1 and continue my growth in Spanish 2. Leo is an engaging teacher and creates a comfortable class environment in which you feel safe taking risks as you learn the language. I would definitely recommend his classes and look forward to continuing my own studies of the language.
Thanks Leo for a great year. I have grown up around spanish speakers and can understand the language but never felt comfortable to answer questions in Spanish. As I continue to build my confidence I feel as though this class clarified a lot of mistakes I used to make.
I took Spanish 1 and 2 this year, and I recommend them both! Leo is a great teacher with a wealth of knowledge, a love for teaching language, and a great sense of humor. My Spanish skills have improved, and I will take these lessons with me as I continue to work with students and their families. Thank you, Leo, for a great year. I appreciate everything you have done for us! - Michael Green
I took Spanish 2 this summer. Leo was a phenomenal teacher. He is funny, patient, flexible and prepared. His activities were engaging and differentiated. This class allowed me to overcome my fear of using the past tense conversationally. I also learned/remembered a lot of vocabulary. His blog is a fantastic resource and has great activities to help practice and learn.
I completed Spanish II this summer after completing Spanish I with Leo in the spring. I felt the classes built nicely on each other. The summer course (8 day intensive) was complex but Leo does a nice job of providing slide info with good descriptions. He also incorporates games and other "knowledge check" activities to keep you engaged. He encourages participation so all feel comfortable taking a risk in learning. In this class I made a GoogleDoc with notes for myself and screenshots of important slides - I would recommend this for future students. Leo, thank you again very much. You are wonderful! -Allison D.
Thank you, Leo, for a FABULOUS class! Honestly, Intermediate Spanish was the best CPD course I have taken in a long time. All activities and resources had a purpose and were helpful. You also ensured that we constantly spoke and wrote in Spanish, which is SO important for language acquisition. Your positive, energetic, and fun personality kept us engaged, made class time fly by, and created a safe and comfortable learning environment. My Spanish skills have definitely improved and I have already recommended the class to other MCPS educators! Thank you again, Leo; I hope that you can create a Spanish 3 CPD class as I would love to take it with you! - Heather D.
Spanish 2 is a great class and Leo makes the information and learning interesting with various knowledge and practice. Thanks for everything and have a great summer. B.T.S.
I took Spanish 1 in the Spring and now I am in the intermediate level this summer. Once AGAIN, I absolutely love this class. Leo is amazing and very knowledgeable of all the Spanish content. He always says "You are in a class of teachers, the safest place in the world." I’ve learned so much throughout this course and really appreciate the participation and support from the other members of the class. The instructor creates an environment were all feel welcomed and are able to take risks or not feel like being judged when speaking Spanish. I know because i am horrible but he builds your confidence which helps you to get better. It’s a great course and I highly recommend this course to anyone who is wanting to learn Spanish or build on knowledge they already have. He is very passionate about languages and speaks multiple languages. Leo explains everything so perfectly and provides great resources. A must CPD class to take.
I took Spanish 1 and 2 this summer. Leo's class is perfect for teachers. The teaching platforms and content he incorporated in his classes were very helpful and practical for teachers to apply to their classroom settings. Leo made the very class engaging, informative about the language theory, and comfortable which is vital for language learning. I highly recommend his class to all teachers!
I highly recommend taking this class for Spanish for Staff 1 & 2 with Leo. He is a wonderful teacher. He is very knowledgeable about and fully supports and helps his students to succeed. He makes sure you apply what you learn right away so you are successful to apply it in the teaching world. I Loved this class. - Kristina Yanez
I took Spanish for Educators 1. This class gave me the motivation I needed to start incorporating language learning into an every day commitment. I learned a lot of vocabulary. Many people are nervous to speak in a new language, but the professor was very understanding and provided gentle corrections. It was a very low pressure environment. There are breaks throughout but the rest of the class requires active engagement and practice, which I appreciated.
I highly enjoyed Professor De Valoes's Spanish class! It was fun and engaging. Professor De Valoes is understanding, flexible and takes into account his students' knowledge and Spanish level expertise. Also, if you want to start traveling to Spanish speaking countries and have some exposure to Spanish prior to your travels, this is a great class to take! -S.A.
An enjoyable refresher for Spanish. I look forward to signing up for Spanish 2. He provides many additional resources to deepen understanding and includes cultural background. Looking forward to the next class. -Z.H.
This course evaluation is for Spanish 1 for Educators. I enjoyed this class and plan on taking Spanish 2 for Educators. It gave me a refresh of what learned in high school. The instructor makes the class interesting by talking about what we are all interested in outside of work, travel. He is very understanding and helpful. I enjoyed actually speaking Spanish and practicing my pronunciation. I look forward to the next class.
Disfrute mucho la clase. Algo que me gusto fue los resources que posteo en la clase. Me gustaron y los voy a utilizar con mis estudiantes en mi clases de ciencias y matemáticas que las enseño en español. Gracias
This course Spanish 1 for educators was extremely helpful. Our professor, Snr. Devaloes is wonderful! He is full of energy and great stories. He is patient, extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Having never taken Spanish and acquiring my knowledge from traveling, it was wonderful to be able to learn the basics in a fun environment. I would highly recommend this class if you need the learn these skills!-G. Gyemfi
This class is amazing! I have learned so much. We learn a lot of vocab that is so applicable to school. I highly recommend. Sr. De Valoes is very willing to help with whatever you might need extra practice for. This is a great class and I would definitely do it again & recommend for everyone else. We speak a lot and get to practice tons!
This was the best class I have ever had!! Very practical and useful for daily classroom situations! The instructor is extremely helpful and caring and makes sure everyone has a wonderful learning experience!!
This course Spanish 1 for educators was a good refresher course. The activities were good reminders of the basics and I'm glad that I took it in order to feel a bit more comfortable. -E. Jinks
This course has been such a helpful class. Leo is so wonderful and brings so much energy to the class. He does a wonderful job of relating everything we do to the classroom and to our students. I knew very little Spanish and have now improved greatly. I recommend this class to everyone to help improve their Spanish skills.
Wonderful class that allows you to learn in a comfortable and inviting manor. Leo is understanding, helpful, and caring about learning spanish and feeling confident in what you know. I highly recommend for anyone looking to review or learn spanish!
Wonderful class for Spanish 1. I am a very hesitant speaker and Leo made it all very comfortable. I now how resources to go back to in the future when I need a refresher. Highly recommend.
Spanish for Educators is an excellent course! Mr. Devaloes makes the class very interesting by including technology, videos, and visuals. He is very patient, understanding, flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to help. He recognizes that adult learners are managing jobs and families. I learned a great deal from the course!
Leo is a wonderful teacher! He keeps the material engaging, fun, and meaningful - even through the computer! I would highly recommend this course for anyone looking to learn a new language or looking to brush up on their background knowledge of Spanish. I look forward to taking more classes with Leo in the future! K.M.
Spanish 1- this class was an excellent way to review and practice the Spanish vocabulary I learned in High School. The pace was manageable and there was a focus on verbal participation instead of written. Leo kept the class interesting and I am looking forward to Spanish 2
Spanish 1 is such an amazing class! Even though it is a long course, it does not feel long. Leo is excellent at balancing lessons with videos, games, and speaking opportunities. Even though I am not very confident with my speaking, it is a very comfortable and safe environment. I look forward to more classes in the future!
Spanish 1 for educators was a great Spanish class. Leo is engaging and the class goes by really quickly. If you need a refresher or even if you haven't had any Spanish before, this is the class to take! I have already signed up for Spanish II.
I took Spanish 1 and 2 at the same time. Thank you Leo for an amazing two classes! My vocabulary is much improved and I love that we spend the bulk of the class talking. It is a very comfortable environment. Everyone was comfortable talking and participating. Let's get Spanish 3 going!
This is an amazing class. It helped me as an educator to be able to speak to my students. The materials are covered in class so they are understandable. I love the fact that you can ask questions and feel comfortable to ask any questions. He makes the class fun, and as you know if it is fun it is easier to learn and retain the information. I am definitely going to sign up for his other classes. I would recommend his classes to anyone that is interested in learning Spanish, he knows his stuff and his a great teacher!
This is an amazing class. It helped me as an educator to be able to speak to my students. The materials are covered in class so they are understandable. I love the fact that you can ask questions and feel comfortable to ask any questions. He makes the class fun, and as you know if it is fun it is easier to learn and retain the information. I am definitely going to sign up for his other classes. I would recommend his classes to anyone that is interested in learning Spanish, he knows his stuff and his a great teacher!
This semester I have taken both Spanish 1 and 2 with Leo. The vocabulary and content was presented in an organized and thoughtful manner. Leo is passionate about the content and his students and it really shows. He puts lots of time and effort into the classes by providing various ways to demonstrate learning, interactive games, and class discussion. There were countless opportunities to practice Spanish aloud with peers without judgement and with lots of help. The canvas course was organized and easy to navigate. The homework was relevant and great practice. I will definitely be taking classes from Leo in the future and 10/10 recommend him to anyone!
Leo creates a fun, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. He provides many opportunities for students to participate and practice Spanish and diversifies the activities for hands-on and engaging learning. Muchas gracias Leo ! Me divertí mucho en tu clase !
Honestly, Leo is the best! It is HARD to teach teachers and he has it down to a science. He is engaging, fun, understanding, and really helps build your confidence! I highly recommend taking his classes. He creates a safe space where you feel comfortable to make mistakes while learning. Leo adjusts his instruction based on the needs of the class which really help meet students where they are.
I signed up for the class thinking "oh, this is going to be a breeze." Boy was I right and wrong. I didn't know what I thought I knew but this was the best class that I have taken as a professional. Leo as well as the other students were so welcoming supportive and made learning fun, even at the end of teaching all day in a pandemic. I look forward to my next classes with Leo. I love the smiles (I assume) my students give me when I am able to engage with them using the skills I have used in the class. The fact that we were encouraged every session to speak and not just write but speak in response to los preguntas, to really strengthen not just the speaking but to really hear ourselves and connect with the language.
I encourage ANYONE that wants to learn Spanish (or any language Leo does) to take his class, he made the course so engaging and accessible. Thank you Leo
This Spanish class was a great foundational class, especially for those who have some Spanish background. Leo keeps the vibe super positive and he takes interest in his students' lives and interests. This class helped solidify the Spanish language knowledge I had learned from high school and college and was a great prep to get me warmed up for the intermediate class. Looking forward to continuing to grow in and use more Spanish!
I’ve really enjoyed taking Leo’s class this semester. Everything I learned was relevant to my work, and the interactive games we played really helped me to remember the vocabulary. Leo makes his students feel comfortable asking questions and taking chances trying new phrases out loud, which isn’t an easy thing to do in a virtual course. I also really loved the catchy songs. Thanks for a great semester, Leo—I’m feeling a lot more equipped to communicate with my young students and their families!
This is an amazing Class. I really enjoy this class and will take many more class with Leo if I able to get in. The professor makes the class interesting. He is very understanding , extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He willing to help and stay after class for what ever you may need help with. I would recommend Spanish this Teacher to anyone who is serious about learning Spanish like me. I am very happy that I took this class and look forward to taking the next class. Thank you for the class and I can't wait until next class.
This class really helped my confidence with my conversational Spanish. Leo created a low risk environment that made everyone comfortable with trying new words and phrases. I really enjoyed that he focused more on talking instead of writing and pushed us all just to do our best. I will miss this class and Leo's fun teaching but highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for some fun Spanish learning.
Leo's class was very fun & engaging! He uses a combination of slides, media, and interactive games. I really enjoyed the interactive games. There are several opportunities to speak and respond to prompts in Spanish. I look forward to taking another class with Leo!
I loved not only Leo's enthusiasm but all of the participants' enthusiasm. I would've liked to do break out rooms, but it is hard on google meet. I do feel like I know more Spanish now than I did a few months ago and I am grateful for that.
Let me start by saying Leo is the best. As teachers we know how important it is to have a teacher who cares and "Will not give up on you" and he will not. His emphasis is on conversational/speaking Spanish which you will do a lot of and its great practice in a comfortable environment. You will have modules to practice your vocabulary and such on your own, but more fun will be had in class. I have taken many Spanish classes over the years and by far Leo's is the most engaging and fun. Thank you for this wonderful class! See you next semester!
As an ESOL teacher taking Leo's class, I learned not only Spanish but also many great techniques to use in my own language classroom. The class moves right along and is engaging and productive throughout each session. The lessons provide easy formats to access materials on your own and the virtual classes give lots of time to share your new skills. You'll also pick up tips on great restaurants, music and travel destinations! :) It was a great class! Thank you, Leo!
The Best Spanish class ever and the Best Teacher ever! Leo De Valoes is passionate about teaching,very caring and dedicated to his students. I took his class many times. He is very creative, innovative,enthusiastic,and engaging. Muchas gracias Sr. De Valoes por la clase maravillosa! I look forward to taking another class soon!
Leo's Spanish Class for Educators was fun and informative, largely because of the supportive and convivial atmosphere Leo creates. The more you participate and put into the class, the more you will get out of it. The emphasis is on speaking Spanish, which is a challenge for perfectionists who feel they need to write their thoughts first, conjugate each verb correctly on paper, and then read their writing aloud; however, the challenge is a productive one--my conversational Spanish has improved, and I'm much better able to conjugate more fluently--while speaking. Thanks for the great lessons and fun learning environment, Leo! I hope to take another class next fall, CC
I enjoyed this class and felt like I learned alot. The class is focused on speaking Spanish and Leo created a safe and welcoming environment which allowed us to take risks. The homework assignments are relevant and provide additional opportunities to practice. I'm already looking forward to the next class. Hasta luego!
I enjoyed this class and Leo is the best! The class focused on speaking which I think it the best way to learn. Leo is always available if you have questions or you want to practice. I am looking forward to the next class!
I am really enjoying the class and I like how we focus on the speaking aspect. Also, when speaking with parents and students at my school I am able to pick up on key words and I know what they are talking about. I am able to respond to more and more in Spanish
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying this class so far.I am learning and am able to understand more in spanish, but still struggle to gather the words to respond quickly enough and still make sense.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to learning more spanish and I really enjoy this class. I like the oral communication time/activities to help with vocabulary and fluency. It is so much fun learning more!
ReplyDeletePLUSES: the two colored bulk packets -green & pink-, the flash cards, the cultural videos, the music videos, the printouts for all verbs tense conjugations & vocabulary words, guest speakers, the weekly HW, oral exam, and mini written assignments (field trip, letter to a parent etc.) ARE ALL EXCELLENT! I feel I can get them done. This is one of the best Spanish instructor ever!! ! My peers "rock", tambien. d(^_~)b =*a wink logo
ReplyDeleteMy weaknesses: I find that "listening and comprehending" the oral dialogue continuing to be some struggles. However, I tend to get lots of chances to use my Spanish in this class at everyday school sites with students and parents alike.
I enjoy the class and the three hours pass quickly because there are a variety of activities. I like the partner activities which force us to speak, as well as the cultural videos. The only thing that is problematic for me sometimes is the grammar instruction because it goes fast and sometimes I need to write things down and internalize it more.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of opportunities to speak Spanish with each other in class. It is a little fast paced and a lot of vocab at once. But the instructor is very willing to help you. It has helped me learn more Spanish then I knew before!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the class. The instructor makes the class interesting and fun. He is very willing to help you and tried to make the lessons applicable to educators. However, be prepared for a fast paced class.
ReplyDeleteI have really improved in my ability to speak Spanish and to be able to understand conversations that I hear in Spanish. You have created a climate in your classroom that lets me take risks. I like that and don't feel uncomfortable making a mistake. I also like when you have us work with other students, especially when we have to have conversations in Spanish. I like you infusion of cultural knowledge along with teaching the Spanish language. I am looking forward to my continued learning in your Spanish for Educators - course 2 this summer.
ReplyDeleteI have learned not just Spanish Voc. and grammar, but how to teach foreign language to beginners. The class is very fast paced for someone like me who has never taken any Spanish class before. It was hard to catch up, but fun to work with my wonderful classmates and a very interesting professor with great sense of humor. Thank you all and have a great summer!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, Leo is a very passionate and knowledgeable professor. I loved learning from him and especially being able to practice my speaking in class. The class climate is a safe, supportive, and very friendly environment. It is a no judgement zone where it is ok to make mistakes and to learn from them. I not only learned Spanish but also had an excellent platform to discuss issues pertinent to the lives of my students. In addition, this class rekindled my passion for travels and language learning!
ReplyDeleteMy Spanish is improving, thanks to Leo! He creates a wonderful, supportive classroom climate where I felt comfortable to take risks, especially speaking Spanish in front of the class. Asking questions and the classroom discussions greatly improved my learning. We practiced Spanish conversations using authentic dialogue, which will be immediately helpful when I am speaking to parents and students. Also learning about culture and immigration issues helps me to understand life from my student's and their family's perspective. While the packets are filled with good practices, some of them are not indexed. Indexing them would save me considerable time when I am reviewing, as I would be able to find the material quickly. Overall, great course!
ReplyDeleteMy Spanish definitely improved from taking this class. We learned the preterite, imperfect, and subjunctive tenses. I wish that you had spent time first teaching the regular conjugations before doing the irregular. I feel that we jumped into the irregular for preterite and I didn't have a good grasp on the regular conjunction. I also would have liked to spend more time on the future tense as well as present and imperfect progressive. I liked how we spent much of the class discussing in Spanish. It helps to practice speaking and listening verses doing busy classwork. I felt comfortable taking risks which is very important when learning a language. Leo is also very flexible with the schedule which is helpful when you have to leave for a doctor appointment or whatnot. Thanks for a great class!
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend the Intermediate Spanish course to anyone who wants to increase and deepen their knowledge in Spanish language and culture. The course content is very heavy and challenging to be taught in seven days. However, having a skilful instructor Leo De Valoes, turned that challenging week into a great learning experience, where all of us were fascinated and engagedo. Muchas Gracias!
ReplyDeleteAfter 5 years of working for MCPS, I am so happy that I was able to finally take Spanish for Educators! Although I have learned a handful of Spanish vocabulary working with some of my Infants & Toddlers families and from our Spanish-speaking paraeducators, it was really nice to be able to take a class and learn about grammar and school-related vocabulary. Senor De Valoes did a great job of making our classes interesting and engaging. I appreciated his use of videos, handouts, role-plays, and having an opportunity at the beginning of class to ask any questions that we may have encountered during the week. Personally, I have been using my Spanish to text some of my families when I need to make a change to our schedule and I have also noticed that I am understanding my families better! All in all, it has been a pleasure taking the beginners class for Spanish for Educators! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best (if not the best) class I have taken in MCPS. The class is fast-paced, however the content is very useful. You get your 3 hours worth of instruction. I especially like having time to speak with classmates, do exercises, see videos of Spanish speakers using the content of lessons we are currently learning, view lively slides that provide reinforcements, and a passionate teacher! Senor DeValoes' passion for teaching and passion for languages is like no other teacher I've ever encountered. He makes the learning fun, engaging and suitable for working adults. Great class! I'm moving on to Spanish 2!
ReplyDeleteThis course was very enlightening, not only I learned proper syntax and other aspects of the language, but I learned of different cultures thru a different perspective. Leo is a very positive, supportive and personable but professional instructor that does not waste your time. It is a continuous learning experience from opening of class til the end. Attending his class was both an honor and a privilege. I hope to attend the level 2 as soon as my schedule will permit.
ReplyDeleteB. McGriff
As a media specialist who had not taken a Spanish class since high school, I was a bit apprehensive about taking a Spanish class after such a long time. But Prof. de Valoes immediately made all of us so comfortable. We were here to learn, to converse, to make the language acquisition work for us and our needs. He assessed us based on our vocabulary and speaking levels by engaging our class in conversation immediately. Whenever we stumbled, Prof. de Valoes never said anything to make us feel awkward. Instead, every stumble was used as a teachable moment. This took an enormous amount of pressure off of our student group. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, Prof. De Valoes is extremely flexible. He gauged our progress and needs from class to class and changed instruction to best suit us rather than rigidly sticking with curriculum levels that weren’t appropriate for us. I find I have much more confidence conversing with my Spanish speaking parents, I tease my Spanish speaking students, and even help with our Spanish speaking co-staff members. I may not be fluent yet, but by virtue of the fact that I’ve been speaking Spanish so much more often, both in and out of class, I am improving daily. Prof. De Valoes kick-started my abilities, and I am grateful.
ReplyDeleteThis course was a great opportunity to practice Spanish, learn new vocabulary, and brush up on cultural perspectives. Leo is a fun, engaging, and very supportive instructor. I found myself looking forward to class each week, even though it made for a long day. The class group was supportive and I enjoyed talking with them each week. I will miss my weekly Spanish practice. When will Spanish 3 be offered? I have been teaching at the High School level for 10 years and this is the most useful class I have taken.
ReplyDeleteThis Intermediate Spanish class taught by Leo DeValoes was the best language class I have had.The class was interactive. We had time to interact with classmates speaking in Spanish the entire 3 hours. We learned practical application of daily usage of Spanish. We used the promethean board for practicing our grammar, seeing videos of Spanish Speakers, different cultural sights which helped re enforce what we were learning in class. I got a lot out of looking at slides and having to discrib what was happening in Spanish.
ReplyDeleteMr. DeValoes is an excellent teacher. I never lost interest in the class. I wish MCPS would continue to have more advanced or continuing Spanish classes to take. Language is lost if you do not continue to use it. I would love to take a Spanish 3 class as well.
I have been teaching for 20 years, I am a middle school teacher, mostly US History. This was my first class with Sr DeValos. I took the intermediate class because I had taken some Spanish in high school and college, but it was many years ago. So, I was a bit lost at first.
ReplyDeleteThe class set up is perfect for teachers, we practice and learn how to interact with parents and students. We also benefit from Sr. DeValos extensive travel and educational background.I enjoyed the partner activities and the homework assignments were useful, like a note to a student or parent. Thank you, I look forward the next class.
This is my second year teaching. I teach fourth grade. I minored in Spanish in college. I took the intermediate Spanish class with Sr. DeValoes. I was able to review, refresh and practice my Spanish. The professor worked hard to make everyone feel comfortable with speaking Spanish. He was encouraging, engaging and extremely informative. He was welcoming and consistently had everyone in the class speaking in Spanish, which is what I most wanted to practice! The class is relevant for teachers and extremely helpful. He included language and culture in the instruction and always connected it back to the school settings because he knew his audience was teachers. I enjoyed the partner work, the engaging pictures that Sr DeValoes shared from his own travel experiences, and the videos that he showed to immerse us in culture. The professor always front loaded vocabulary, provided many discourse opportunities and showed many visuals to support understanding. Overall, the class was so helpful and engaging. I wish there were more advanced Spanish classes to continue learning and developing my Spanish language skills.
ReplyDeleteI work in a high school Media Center of where half of the students are native Spanish-speakers. I studied Spanish in middle and high school, but that was MANY years ago, so I enrolled in Intermediate Spanish class to refresh my skills. Sr. De Valoes is a multi-lingual world-traveler from Brazil and Spain, so he is a really interesting person as well as an excellent teacher. The students in this class are somewhere between 25 and 60 years old, work in many different academic settings, and have a range of experience with the language (from little/no experience to near fluency). Everyone has been welcomed, seems to enjoy the class, and has made progress. In the classroom, we interact with the instructor and each other a lot, and have many opportunities to speak in Spanish. The material we cover includes many cultural references, and information for use in the school setting. In addition, the professor uses technology well in the classroom (educators might get ideas for their own classrooms) which makes it fun, and he has an excellent web resource for students. I wish there was a class to follow this although I would consider taking this class again in the future.
ReplyDeleteI have taken the beginner and intermediate levels of this course through MCPS. When I started, I only knew some Spanish from Duolingo. However, in both courses, there are people with many different levels of proficiency. Sr. De Valoes makes the class useful for everyone and creates scenarios for us to learn from each other. This class involves speaking and listening activities in class with some writing assignments as homework. He often relates assignments to our profession, which helps the class' functionality. I always enjoy going to class because Sr. De Valoes is incredibly interesting, knowledgeable, and funny. He teaches about cultural aspects of many Spanish speaking countries, as well as components of the Spanish language. His lesson plans always involve the Promethean board and are very well-made. I would highly recommend taking this course if you would like to be able to communicate with Spanish speaking parents at school, develop deeper connections with Spanish speaking students, or learn the language for personal reasons. Thank you Sr. De Valoes!
ReplyDeleteI had zero Spanish before taking Spanish 1 from Sr. De Valoes. I took the class so I could communicate with my Spanish-speaking parents and to attempt to speak Spanish when I take my Model UN class to Madrid in March. I was really nervous when I discovered that a number of the students in the class had taken Spanish throughout high school and some even in college. It didn't matter. Sr. De Valoes made the novices and me feel comfortable to learn and speak basic Spanish. I have a whole new appreciation for my ESOL students as learning Spanish is challenging. After taking the class, I feel more comfortable writing to my Spanish-speaking parents about their children. He also taught us a lot about culture which has given me insight into my Latino students' background. I highly recommend that educators take this class whether they are completely new to the language or need a refresher course. It's a fun class, and you will learn a lot. Thank you Sr. De Valoes for giving me confidence to try to speak and write Spanish. You taught me a lot.
ReplyDeleteI recommend taking this class. It has greatly helped my written communication with my Spanish speaking parent. The Senior De Valoes does a great job of mixing humor with rigor during classes. I am already registered for another class with him!
ReplyDeleteI love this Spanish class but it isn't for the faint of hearts. Sr. De Valoes teaches in an interactive fast paced class where the focus is speaking. I appreciate his teaching methods because it encourages us to use the language we have and not focus on what we arnt able to do. The homework is open ended which is helpful for people of all levels. I wish there was a little more writing, worksheets or reviews, but if you use the flashcards and write your reflections, you will learn more Spanish.
ReplyDeleteI work in an elementary school Media Center and support all of the students and staff at my school. SInce there are many Spanish speakers, I wanted to be able to communicate with them and help them succeed. Sr. De Valoes not only refreshed my memory on my Spanish language base but broadened my vocabulary, reinforced grammar, and continuously encouraged me to speak with confidence. He teaches to the class. We went at a speed that we were all comfortable with each class period. Sr. De Valoes made it fun and exciting because we all saw our progress from week to week. There was little writing (unless you felt you had to) because Sr. De Valoes gave us an enormous binder of materials- more resources than you can possibly imagine in addition to his blog with many examples and website links, and the opportunity to practice our skills on Quizlet. This was a speaking class. We were constantly challenged in fun ways and Sr. De Valoes was always open for questions and comments. I especially enjoyed learning about the various cultures and definitely feel more at ease speaking with my students and making connections with them. I am very grateful for this experience and will continue in Spanish 2. ~Marcie Jarquin
ReplyDeleteThis has been a great class. Sr. De Valoes is engaging and funny, but at the same time serious about helping all of the students improve their Spanish communication skills. The class involves a great deal of spoken communication, and Sr. De Valoes created an accepting atmosphere where students of all ability levels were comfortable participating. The homework is self-paced and provided opportunities to reinforce what we learned in class. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone considering taking it.
ReplyDeleteI am a Spanish teacher for MCPS and still found this class very helpful and informative. I originally signed up for this class because I'm not a native speaker and wanted to improve my conversational skills. El Sr. De Valoes is very funny and models really great teaching methods that I take back to my own classroom. He has also helped me bring authentic resources into my own teaching. There is a lot of speaking in front of your peers, which helps you slowly, but surely, build your confidence. I would definitely recommend this to the beginner/intermediate Spanish learner.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit apprehensive about taking this class, as I had never taken Spanish before. However I was eager to learn so that I would be able to communicate better with the parents of my special needs students (or at least be able to communicate even a little bit!). Sr. De Valoes emphasis on learning as part of a group, while addressing individual needs and questions, made the class an effective and enjoyable learning experience. Sr. De Valoes taught us about the culture and history of the language in addition to learning useful Spanish communication skills. I gained a great deal of knowledge about Spanish culture in addition to learning the language. I also learned about some of the challenges our students and parents have in learning to navigate our language and culture, which I think will make me a better teacher and advocate for our ESOL students and families.
ReplyDeleteSr. De Valoes emphasized speaking in learning Spanish, before tackling writing. We spoke a lot in class, with each other as we practiced various words, phrases, and sentences, as well as during whole class Promethean board activities where we worked as a group to respond to the task. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and cooperative learning. I reached a level of comfort in speaking that I had not thought possible at the beginning of the course. In fact, in a recent meeting with a parent who spoke only Spanish, I was able to greet her and just speak to her a little bit in Spanish. I think she felt more comfortable about the meeting as a result.
Thank you Sr. De Valoes for a wonderful learning experience! I would highly recommend this class and teacher for a very engaging and enjoyable way to learn to speak Spanish.
"You are in a class of teachers, the safest place in the world."
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice thing to hear if you have virtually no Spanish, but find yourself in an intermediate level Spanish class. Sr. DeValoes made me feel comfortable enough to try my hand at conjugating verbs, changing tenses, preterites and things I can hardly do in English. Not to mention, learning vocabulary, asking questions and conversing all in Spanish. I appreciate all of the opportunities we have to practice speaking and the things we have learned are actually things we can use in every day life! Another thing I appreciate is being able to learn a bit of Latin culture, through pop culture, music, interesting videos and engaging graphics. This class has not only made me a better Spanish speaker, it has made me a better teacher!
I learned and had so much fun in Spanish 1 that I immediately signed up for Spanish 2 with Sr. DeValoes. Yes, this class is more challenging, but Sr. DeValoes teaches us at our pace. It isn’t about rushing through the material but learning it and applying it. This is a speaking class. We all speak and have gotten comfortable speaking together. We still make mistakes but help each other and move forward. Sr. DeValoes provides all of the materials you could ever need to learn Spanish and they are a great reference. Even after an exhausting day at school, I get a second wind when we start class and leave feeling energized and excited because I feel successful.
ReplyDeleteI am very proficient in speaking Spanish when discussing my students’ grades and performance with their families, but ever since I started speaking Russian with my husband’s family, I have been losing a lot of my fluency outside of that. Leo’s class allowed me to practice speaking again with guidance on grammar, which has also been deteriorating into Russian grammar, allowing me to not only improve my range of vocabulary again but also to better understand the grammar in my new context of Russian grammar. Our class was diverse and the resources available in conjunction with the sequence of lessons maximized the customization necessary to meet each of us where we were and allow all of us to improve together.
ReplyDeleteI love the spanish language and wanted to learn more. I feel I have a loose grip of the spanish language but only when people are speaking slow. So far the class has been very beneficial. I will have more comment about the class once the class is completed and I will have a more complete opinion of the class but so far so good.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this class. The instructor is amazing and very knowledgeable of all the Spanish content. I like how each class starts with a brief review oh beginning and then the content that is covered prior. I’ve learned so much throughout this course and really appreciate the participation and support from the other members of the class. The instructor creates an environment were all feel welcomed and are able to take risks or not feel like being judged when speaking Spanish. It’s a great course and I highly recommend this course to anyone who is wanting to learn Spanish or build on knowledge they already have.
ReplyDeleteI have thoroughly enjoyed this Spanish class with Senor De Valoes. I just wished I had taken Spanish 1 with him to deepen my knowledge of Spanish. We actually would have conversations in the class and not just work on vocabulary. He encouraged mistakes because that is how we learn. This class is a must, too bad there isn't a section 3 and 4 so I could expand my knowledge!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Anna Hugo and I am a third grade teacher in White Oak.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed the Spanish 2 course with Senor De Valeos. He has been a wonderful instructor. Even though it is a higher level Spanish class, varying levels of students could participate. We practiced lots of vocabulary with our classmates and were given plenty of speaking time in Spanish. Mistakes were encouraged and we all learned from one another. Senor De Valoes fostered a welcoming, engaging, and fun classroom. If you are intimidated to take this course, don't be. Just take it and have fun! Adios! -Anna
just work on vocabulary. He encouraged mistakes because that is how we learn. This class is a must, too bad there isn't a section 3 and 4 so I could expand my knowledge!
Senor De Valeos is an energetic teacher that loves teaching languages! He has such a passion for what he teaches, and he uses real world examples, travel pictures, popular music, and experience to make learning spanish authentic. This class will give you confidence to speak spanish using the vocabulary you have, and adding more vocabulary week by week. This course is structured around student-centered learning, so you are always working with a partner. Then he uses a random calling name generator to have students share out. I highly recommend this course where you feel save to make mistakes and learn from each other.
ReplyDelete- Cindy M.
Senor De Valeos is a very enthusiastic teacher. He emphasizes speaking the entire class. He gives all his students a chance to show what they are learning in a nurturing learning environment which makes you feel like you can participate during the entire class. I would highly recommend his class.
ReplyDeleteAndrea April
This is a great class, and Mr. De Valeos is a great teacher. He's interested in keeping it fun (which is critical considering that we're all at the end of a normal work day), and he keeps us talking in Spanish nearly the whole time: truly the only way to learn. I'm taking another section as soon as I get a chance!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed taking this class the last few months. I enter the classroom extremely tired, but leave feeling more energized and knowledgeable about the Spanish language. I love that Mr. De Valeos has provided me with tools that I can use to communicate with my students who are Spanish-speakers! He encourages us to practice with our classmates in his classroom and we can then apply what we're learning in our own classrooms! Spanish I has been a great course!
ReplyDeleteAndrea Parker
I have learned a lot during Spanish 1. Senor De Valeos has taught us a lot during this class, and it is helpful in communicating with our native Spanish speaking students. He also finds ways to help us remember certain words, and his emphasis on speaking in class demonstrates the best way to learn a new language.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Mizrahi
Spanish 1 has really helped me to practice using the little bit of Spanish that I have, while encouraging me to expand my vocabulary with new words each week. It is obvious that Senor De Valeos knows quite a bit about teaching languages to adults, as he makes sure to push us out of our comfort zone to practice speaking throughout the class period. He does this in a way that is encouraging and patient, while not allowing us to just sit back and pretend to learn by passively writing/note-taking. I am looking forward to continuing to practice with the tools that he has provided us with so that by the end of the summer I will feel more comfortable greeting and interacting with new students and families.
ReplyDeleteGreat class to learn the foundations of speaking spanish. This class focuses on constant speaking and participation which forces you to get comfortable with with language (in a good way.) There are many times where you will repeat after Senor De Valeos after learning a new word or phrase. This especially helped me solidify my basic speaking skills as I could put knowledge I had gained in the past to practical use.
ReplyDeleteI am very grateful to Senor De Valeos. I have been able to give three classes (with preparation) in both English and Spanish for my ESOL 1 populations. My students understand me (though admittedly there are a lot of giggles as I flounder my way through this). I will be attending many future classes to get even better.
ReplyDeleteHello, My name is Nadiyah Herrera and I completed Spanish I with Senor De Valeos during the Winter/Spring of 2019. The last time I took Spanish was in high school 20+ years ago. So I was nervous to say the least. Después de un par de lecciones no fue tan malo y me di cuenta de que estaba aprendiendo a complicar en español.
ReplyDeleteSenor De Valeos is a very enthusiastic teacher. He emphasizes speaking the entire class. He gives all his students a chance to show what they are learning in a nurturing learning environment which makes you feel like you can participate during the entire class. I would highly recommend his class. I find it fascinating that he can speak multiple languages!!
ReplyDeleteAndrea April
Senor De Valeos is a fantastic teacher for someone like me who had no prior experience in Spanish language. He is very informative in his lessons and he will make sure that everyone participates in the lesson. I enjoyed the class very much. Believe me when I say, that even after a full day of work, I did not feel the hours go by during his class.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend this class. It is valuable whether you have experience with spanish or absolutely none. The class is heavy on speaking and listening with minimal writing. Everyone in the class is very supportive and willing to jump in and help each other out. Most of the work is done with partners before sharing with the class. Senor De Valeos is a great teacher, who makes the class interesting and engaging. I'd take it again.
ReplyDeleteDom Bellizzi
For many years I have wanted to take a Spanish class. I have never had any experience with the Spanish language and I am glad I took this class. Even though there were plenty of others in the class with some background in Spanish, I never felt out of place. The class was comfortable and not much of an extra burden added to my work day. In fact, it was a good excuse to drop my normal activity and do something for myself :) . The assignments were very flexible and worthwhile. Senor De Valeos made sure of this. I am glad that I took this course. I highly recommend this experience.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed taking Spanish 1 with Senor De Valeos. The class was speaking based and required participation- I felt that this pushed me to really use the Spanish skills I already had and to continue to grow them throughout this class. I was nervous that the 3 hour class was going to feel too long after a full school-day, however, I found that the style of the class was engaging and always held my interest. I will definitely be trying to take another class with Senor De Valeos!
ReplyDeleteKatlyn Kopnitsky
Spanish for Teacher is an awesome class to take through the county! Sr. De Valoes does an incredible job teaching the class and has developed it specifically for us working in the classroom. He is energetic, he is incredibly smart, and he makes the class fun from the start! Be prepared to speak. It is a class that you must speak – but it is the best way to learn the language. He also immerses you in the culture of various Spanish speaking countries for the full understanding of the people, the language, the food and music. All around I highly recommend this class! I will absolutely be taking Spanish 2!
ReplyDeleteAnita Burgdorf
ReplyDeleteThis class focuses on speaking the language which is out of my comfort zone, but the way that Mr. De Valeos structures the class makes it more comfortable. Being encouraged to speak the language is the best way to learn. I have noticed that I feel more confident using the language I acquired. I would highly recommend the course.
I was completely lost in the 1st session of the Spanish I class. It started with learning common greetings, but I didn’t know the alphabet and couldn’t pronounce basic words. While my classmates greeted each other as instructed, I didn’t know what to say and didn’t understand what they said. I tried to imitate the sounds that I heard, but nothing retained nor carried any meaning to me. I was lost.
ReplyDeleteThe following few sessions, I continued to struggle with saying words or greetings. When the class practiced vocab from a Quizlet game, I had no clue about most of the words, but watched others play. It was after the 5th session, things began to click. The words became easier to recall and speak and I started to understand what Sr. De Valeos, the instructor, said in class. That was a great feeling! As the class went on, I became more comfortable to follow along and complete the class work.
The Spanish I class is very energizing and engaging. Sr. De Valeos’ way of teaching made the class entertaining and exciting, even when he called on a student or announced a break. You can just feel the positive energy in that class. I am thankful to Sr. De Valeos and my classmates for the fruitful learning experience. I am so glad that I took this class.
I would 100% recommend Spanish for Teachers to anyone who is serious about learning the building blocks of conversational Spanish. I took Spanish in high school and a year in college, and I learned more in this class than those classes combined. Sr. De Valoes is a very engaging educator and funny. He effectively taps in to the best ways for his students to acquire knowledge. During class we did a lot of speaking and not much writing, in a very collaborative environment, which was very beneficial. I am very happy that I took this class and look forward to taking the next section.
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot from this class! If you are not sure if you should sign up or not, definitely sign up. The expectations are attainable, and the cyclic way of learning enables the students to use what they learned in the class prior intertwined with the new learning of each day. I took Spanish in high school, and had some basic vocabulary before starting this class. This class connected a lot of pieces for me and has allowed me to feel more confident listening to and speaking in Spanish with my students and their families! Thank you for the course!
ReplyDeleteThis course was really helpful and a great way for me to re-learn Spanish. I took my 3 years in high school and although I have a basic understanding of Spanish, but having the exposure to speak on a more consistent basis is really helpful. I would recommend this course to anyone that is interested in learning a more hands-on manner of spanish.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend this class if you are someone who wants to refresh their knowledge of the Spanish language. I took Spanish in HS and college, did well, but I did not feel comfortable having a conversation with fluent speakers. In this course, Leo made us talk in class and collaborate with the other teachers. This helped drastically with speaking the language.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the class and thought that, given that I had some Spanish, it was beneficial. I think that it moves pretty fast, so if you don't have any knowledge of Spanish it might be a little too fast.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed that a lot of the class was done through speaking and collaboratively and I found that helpful. Leo knows a lot and really wants us to learn and use what we know every time we do something.
I thoroughly enjoyed taking Leo's class. It was a great review of the vocabulary and verb conjugations I learned in high school, but it provided an opportunity to integrate that knowledge into conversation with others in class. This was so much more functional and meaningful than the focus on "memorization" that I had in high school Spanish class. Leo also provided a rich cultural context from his extensive travel around the world. His stories, sense of humor, and experiences made me look forward to class each week. There was lots of speaking time for all the participants but it was never stressful. His corrections and feedback were always helpful and encouraging. I am looking forward to taking Spanish 2.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that I took this class because I feel more confident about being able to approach Spanish speaking students or parents and not shy away from at least trying my best to communicate with them. This confidence grew through Leo's encouragement and emphasis on the importance of practicing language and speaking. The class is very focused on engaging in conversations. Leo makes the class fun and interactive, so I looked forward to attending class each week. I highly recommend Spanish classes with Leo!
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 was a great class to practice speaking skills. The activities done in class were interesting and engaging. Leo was very positive and always encouraged us to try to participate.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Spanish II with Leo De Valoes and I am so glad I took this course. It was so helpful to have Leo's gentle feedback--He always encouraged us to take risks and he made the classroom a fun place to learn with our peers.
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ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Spanish 1 in the fall with Leo and I am glad that I am now taking Spanish II with him. He ensures that we have a great deal of speaking time in class to work on our skills. I work very closely with Spanish interpreters during my home visits and taking this class has given me the confidence to practice my conversational Spanish. The interpreters have noticed the change in my Spanish proficiency. I look forward to the remainder of the semester.
Leo's energy is amazing! He makes the course fun and engaging for sure. Our course turned online due to Covid 19 and it was still taught as if we were in the classroom together. He always encouraged us to just go for it and speak the language as much as possible. He also kept it real understanding we are teachers and we have families. I would recommend the course as I took it for re certification but I fully enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Wastler-
ReplyDeleteI took Spanish 1 and 2 together. The classes started as face to face and turned into online when Covid 19 started and shut schools down. I learned a lot in these classes. I can now understand more Spanish. The classes were always entertaining and full of life. Talking is what Leo focuses in on. It is extremely scary to be thrown into this language and not know it but it became much easier because we had to talk in Spanish. We reviewed concepts which helped me to remember things. Leo also talked about culture and music. It may seem hard at first but stick with it and it will pay off.
Lori Roth -
ReplyDeleteI only took Spanish 1 and I was nervous about taking 1 and 2 together. I'm glad I started slow. I know much more Spanish than I did a couple of months ago. I never imagined that what would start as a face to face class would end up online due to Covid 19. Leo's energy is infectious and he has been so helpful and supportive through all of this. He constantly reminds us every class that he's here for us and that has much such a difference. I loved learning about the culture, food and music! I would recommend taking this class. It was a lot of fun and I met some great people.
Spanish 2 with Leo has been a wonderful learning experience. He teaches us more than just basic language 'rules'. He explains why and where certain grammar and phrases are used and preferred-- based upon geographic location and culture. His love of languages is so apparent. Because he loves it, we love it.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 has been a great experience. Leo made the lessons relevant and fun. He adjusted the lessons based on our needs and was incredibly flexible to make sure we got the most out of his class. At times he goes a little fast but is more than willing to repeat, slow down, or answer any questions. He is a very caring teacher. I highly recommend the course and plan to take Spanish 2 with him in the fall.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 has been a very interesting course.To learn a new language takes commitment,we started with regular lectures in person then transferred to online.All through Mr. Leo made each and every lesson fun and was always ready to help us when we were answering in Spanish.I asked so many questions and he patiently answered all of them . I am so grateful for this.He knows so many languages and loves to teach all age groups. I learned so much about culture, food , idioms commonly used and much more.From the very first class he asked us to speak in Spanish,with practice all of us got better real fast.Our group was wonderful and I will recommend this course to all.I could understand a Kindergarten student speaking in Spanish after taking this Spanish 1 course.
ReplyDeleteI love taking classes with Mr. Leo (SN-16 and SN-18). Not only is he passionate about what he teaches, but also he has a huge knowledge base of the content, and his stories make the learning experience so much more fun. In addition, I love how we are expected to think and respond in the language which makes it more automatic for us to use it when we actually need it. The partner, or small group practice throughout the class is an awesome opportunity to not only practice our own speaking skills but also to listen to others and learn from them. I highly recommend this class.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 2 has been just as informative and fun as Spanish 1. Leo makes learning accessible to everyone and relevant to the real world and to understanding our Spanish speaking kids. No matter your level of confidence in speaking, I highly recommend this class because of the low pressure, encouraging learning environment! It is also helpful for moderate level speakers who want to maintain, brush-up, and improve on their skills. You will also learn a lot of cultural aspects of various parts of the Spanish speaking world. Overall, the class is my favorite professional development ever!
ReplyDeleteSpanish 2 has been great, as was Spanish 1. I have been trying to sign up for this class for several years, and it always fills up quickly! I'm very happy I managed to do it this time. Leo's explanations of rules and grammar are informative, and the vocab and expressions are very useful! I particularly love the cultural context he includes- it brings the language alive. Thank you so much, Leo.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 2 was a nice, low-pressure way to review my Spanish skills. Leo is very fun and encouraging, and he emphasizes speaking practice, which is great for working with students. Gracias, Leo! Que tengas un verano bueno!
ReplyDeleteFL-18 was a lovely experience. Leo is a lovely teacher and person! He truly cares about his students as educators and as people. He wants you to succeed and will hold you to that. My advice for anyone who takes this class is pay attention and try your best. As long as you're putting your best foot forward, you can't really go wrong! I personally would love a Spanish 3 with Leo :D
ReplyDeleteComment above was by me, Erin Coco.
ReplyDeleteLeo was my Spanish 1 teacher in the fall and I'm so happy that I was able to take Spanish 2 from him this spring. Due to Leo's persistence, "can-do" attitude, and all of our patience and good humor, we overcame all of the technology trials and tribulations that we encountered as we had to move to the Zoom platform during the COVID pandemic closures. I love that Leo has had personal travel experiences in a variety of Spanish speaking countries so that we were able to learn the language with a strong cultural context embedded into our learning as well. This is so important for my work because I do home visits with many families who speak Spanish.
ReplyDeleteWith Leo's style of teaching, there were never any times when I felt apprehension in trying to speak in front of others or fear of making mistakes. I hope that in the future, I may possibly be able to take a Spanish 3 class from Leo.
Spanish 1 was a great class! We only met once a week, but I feel like we still covered so much! Leo has a lot of charisma and is easily able to carry a class, while also building a community of learners.
ReplyDeleteSpanish II was a great class even though I struggled at times. Profesor Leo was delightfully amusing,encouraging,and really focused on giving us the opportunity to speak Spanish as much a possible. The conversations were based on real lfe situations which we could use with our Spanish speaking students. I feel more confident in using Spanish now. Profesor Leo just made every class fun,it was not a class that I dreaded in any sense. His love of languages and his cultural knowledge of different Spanish speaking countries made all of us feel the world was a little bit closer. I highly recommend taking this class. Gracias por todos,Profesor Leo! Tienes un buen verano!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed taking the Spanish for Educators class with Leo! He creates a safe space for everyone and allows people to move at their own pace comfortably. I've learned a lot and become more willing to try to speak in Spanish as we learned this is the most important way to learn! He is flexible and helpful!
ReplyDeleteDespite the situation the class was awesome! It was a great test of Zoom and figuring out how to communicate in Spanish online! Our class was a cool group of folks and we had fun when we met. I loved hearing the dynamics of the teachers I managed to learn a little Spanish too! I feel more comfortable practicing my Spanish and making conversation with native Spanish speakers. I will recommend this class to my coworkers who also need to learn Spanish.
ReplyDelete< Traci Matsunaka
DeleteGreat class - wish we had more. Seems like I am just beginning to "get" the differences and the vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteFL-18 Evaluation: I thoroughly enjoyed taking this course. Professor Leo was supportive, incredible, and direct. He taught the class in a way to make everything about practice which was so helpful. Every class we would practice exactly what we were learning which was a perfect way to gain the experience utilizing the content. We always received vocabulary handouts and were able to follow along during instruction which was very useful. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in developing a better ability to communicate in Spanish and Spanish culture. Although we had to switch to online sessions, I feel as though I was still able to learn a significant amount of information about a language in a small period of time.
ReplyDeleteI was truly impressed with Leo's ability to adapt a class that was meant to be face-to-face to going completely virtual almost immediately when everyone had to stay home due to the coronavirus. He used visual aids in every lesson, provided immediate feedback for informal assessments, and helped us to feel comfortable enough to ask questions if something was unclear or if we didn't know something. He made it clear that learning to speak the language was important, so he always encouraged us and provided opportunities to practice speaking as much as possible. Leo also makes it clear that questions are welcome, which contributed to creating a relaxed space to learn and enjoy learning.
ReplyDeleteLisa Schartiger
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leo for doing a great job of crunching 15 weeks into 6 or so days. Was it sometimes overwhelming? yes, BUT you acknowledged that and were able to adapt what you do and the lessons and assignments to best help us. Though it was fast, I learned a lot, remembered a lot of what I already knew but had "forgotten", and was reminded that stepping outside your comfort zone, being challenged and challenging yourself can be invigorating. You made class fun and informative. A real growth experience.
I'm also glad I took FL-16 with Leonardo de Valoes. First time ever taking a Spanish class, but I realized how much I had learned
ReplyDeleteby osmosis through my ESOL students, so that felt good! Really wanted to learn some grammar, so at least I now have some knowledge
of present tense, future tense, present progressive, some irregular verbs and possessives. It was tricky writing some of the
homework entries without past tense, though. Thank you Leo, for your great tutelage, funny quips and interesting stories along the way. You provided some super resources on your blog. I also enjoyed working with my smaller group on the pink review packet. It was a relatively painless experience which reaped great benefits. Thank you!
K. Yager--I have enjoyed the challenge of learning Spanish through speaking with others. The power point presentations and videos were relevant and encouraged me to be a better speaker. The grammar is very challenging even though there are some similarities to English so the repetition of the rules was also helpful. I enjoyed your personal touches to the lessons -Poolsville maps and your travel experiences.
ReplyDeleteI love the way Leo makes his students interact the entire class. The way he teaches the verb tenses are very straight forward and easy to grasp. He gives the students a lot of opportunities to practice which makes the information easy to remember. The assignments are in sequence with what he's teaching which makes a great review. I would highly recommend this class to others. If Leo teaches a higher level class, I will definitely sign up! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy Spanish class and look forward to becoming more proficient in the language. I really look forward to the day that Iḿ able to hold a conversation, and/or have relevant dialogue with a Spanish speaker and they actually know what Iḿ talking about, (and not just get the gist of what Iḿ trying to say.)
ReplyDeleteSenior Leo is fun, funny, energetic, and passionate about the language, which shows through his teaching style and experiences that he shares with us. I look forward to learning even more during the remainder of this course.
Renee Seidemann
ReplyDeleteI took Spanish for 3 years in highschool (which was a loooong time ago) and have used it on and off at different jobs which focused a lot on the specific language used on the job. Intermediate Spanish has been helpful to refresh and to learn new vocabulary, grammar and conversational Spanish. Leo manages a class of students at different levels and is very encouraging throughout the learnig process. I am hopeful that by the end of this course, I will be more proficient at communicating with the Spanish speaking families with whom I work. Leo's focus on spoken language helps facilitate this.
Leo does such a great job putting you at ease as you learn a new language. He regularly asks for feedback and tailors his lesson to address needs. He understands the need for repetition and we get a lot of practice. Leo really wants us to enjoy learning the languages and makes his resources available even when you are not part of the classs- Thank you Leo!
ReplyDeleteI love the way Leo makes his students interact the entire class. The way he teaches the verb tenses are very straight forward and easy to grasp. He gives the students a lot of opportunities to practice which makes the information easy to remember. The assignments are in sequence with what he's teaching which makes a great review. He makes the class fun and interesting. I felt very comfortable participating in class. I would highly recommend this class to others. If Leo teaches a higher level class, I will definitely sign up! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed taking this class and strengthen my Spanish! Leo is a great instructor and lots of what we learned can easily be used in the classroom and with the families you work with! Please take this course! You will not regret it :)
ReplyDeleteRenee Seidemann- Infnats and Toddlers Speech Language Pathologist
ReplyDeleteLeo is an excellent teacher. He explains the material clearly and reviews it across classes and gives many opportunties for written and oral practice.
For me, it would have been helpful for my Spanish use on the job had some of the material focused more on job related Spanish terminology and conversation.That woudl have been helpful for conversations with parents.
Renee Seidemann
Spanish 2 was a great course, even in a virtually setting I learned a lot! I see now why it has taken me so long to get in the course. There is always a waiting list, for a good reason. Senor Leo was relaxed, fun and created a safe care free environment to learn and practice Spanish. I am not a natural but I always felt comfortable sharing out and taking risks. Gracias!!
ReplyDelete-Kelsey C.
Leo was a wonderful and made this class very interactive. His goal was always to make sure his students learned through doing. After a long day/week of virtual teaching, attending class was tough at 4:45Pm, but Leo understood and class was never boring. His energy kept us going! Lots of informative information. I am not a native spanish speaker, but learned it growing up. Learning the proper form of using the language was somewhat difficult at times, but Leo was very informative and made learning fun, as you can clearly see he is passionate about languages!I would definitely take another language class with Leo.
ReplyDeleteFabulous class!Took Spanish for Spanish Educators 1 and 2 with Leo . He is super entertaining and makes the class fun and engaging. I have taken several Spanish courses on and off over the years from various places. I have expanded my knowledge and been able to review skills I may have forgotten along the way through Leo's Class. Love the stories and extra interesting facts, makes the class exciting and fun while learning a new language. HOPING MCPS WILL MAKE A LEVEL 3:) Thanks for everything Leo!!
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Courtney Chick
Leo's Spanish classes are fun and informative. The exercises are interactive and interesting. I looked forward to class each week. Thank you Leo!
ReplyDeleteLeo makes himself very available to students. He provides his personal mobile number and is also willing to stay after class to answer questions. During class, Leo gives his students multiple opportunities to practice Spanish - in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This blog is a great one stop shop to access homework and access PowerPoint presentations. It is very clear that Leo enjoys teaching teachers. His time and knowledge is appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI've had such a great time learning Spanish with Leo. He makes learning interactive and fun. He does introduce a lot of new material, but he always reviews the information and surveys the class to see what concept(s) require review. He mixes up his delivery and has students respond through writing, and/or speaking. He definitely is an awesome teacher and his passion for teaching Spanish shows throughout each lesson. It's absolutely worth taking this class - if possible.
ReplyDeleteThe class was very helpful! It was a friendly and safe space to learn a language. We had a variety of opportunities to learn Spanish, using the 4 domains (reading, writing, speaking, listening). On Zoom, we had lots of opportunities to share in the chat and verbally. Homework writing assignments gave helpful time to practice writing and listening. I was always engaged and wanted to learn more. I look forward to the next level!
ReplyDelete-Mike Anderson
This is the class to take if you want to feel comfortable speaking Spanish. Leo is a wonderful teacher. His classes are active, funny, challenging and truly expand your understanding of spanish speakers. You will be submerged in the language, and move from uncertainty to confidence over time. Lots of opportunities to practice, to ask questions, to strike out on your own and challenge yourself. Highly recommend it!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed taking this class with Leo. He makes things easy to understand and repeats several times to help it stick with you. He gives you access to all the material which is helpful also. He's upbeat , energetic, and full of jokes. I truly enjoyed taking this class and recommend it to anyone. I'd love to take another class with him. I learned so much from our time together. Thanks so much Leo
ReplyDeleteD. Neely
Good class. Nice refresher of Spanish. Moves fast.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed taking this class. Leo is hilarious and keeps us entertained while learning. Even though I have only finished Spanish I, I am able to have conversations with my students. I look forward to working with him in Spanish II.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Leo's comment is fun. I learned a lot of good vocabulary that is relevant to my work with students and families. I appreciated the opportunities to practice my Spanish with classmates. Deborah Herring
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed taking this class with Leo. He is very patient and I learned not only vocabulary words but how to speak comfortably in sentences. As a beginner in Spanish this class was challenging but exciting.
ReplyDeleteThe class was very relaxed. Leo made it simple and used what we already knew to foster learning. It simply felt natural. We often practiced both as a group and in breakout rooms. There were ample opportunities for practice and correction.
ReplyDeleteI've been in MCPS since 08 and this is literally one of my favorite classes! I'm moving on to Spanish II!
Darryl Hodge
Spanish 1 has been a great experience. Leo made the lessons relevant and fun. He connects with every student. He adjusted the lessons based on our needs and was incredibly flexible to make sure we got the most out of his class. His teaching style is very professional. He repeats, slows down, or answers any questions. He is very passionate about languages and speaks multiple languages. I highly recommend the course and plan to take Spanish 2 with him in the spring. Thank you Leo!
ReplyDeleteUna Excelente clase y lo recomiendo mucho. Los maestros que esten en proceso de re- certificacion definitivamente deberian tomar cursos con el.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1/beginner Spanish was very helpful. It was nice to get to have practice hearing and speaking Spanish. Time went pretty quickly, even in a fully online class. It could be helpful to start with a baseline of Spanish (even if it's from a long time ago) to boost your learning.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth K.
This was a good class. It was fast paced, but I feel like I learned a lot being "immersed" in the language. Leo has a great sense of humor and likes to "keep it real".
ReplyDeleteI have to say that Leo has been by far the most interesting teacher I have ever had in my life, and I mean that in the best way possible. When he started the very first class by having us ask him questions, instead of doing a cheesy ice-breaker activity, I knew I was going to like this class/him a lot. He is obviously very knowledgeable about the content, and he is always supportive if you are stuck on something. He challenges us, but does not provide excessive amounts of work by any means. I plan to take Spanish 2 with him as soon as it is offered again after the summer!
ReplyDeleteThis is Michelle Oswald by the way!
DeleteClass was for beginners, not if you have taken Spanish I or higher as a student. Was hoping for more tools to use Spanish as an educator (Language Line, Communication tools etc.)
ReplyDeleteThis was a great class! I absolutely loved how upbeat and energetic he was. Leo has a clear passion for teaching and helping others. The class moves fast and can sometimes be a little overwhelming. Definitely a great refresher and intro to spanish.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 was a great class. Leo was a great instructor and very approachable. Even taking the class online he gave us opportunities to speak in groups. It was a great refresher for me and I wish I could take more classes with him.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 has been a great experience. Leo mad the class very enjoyable. He is flexible and meets the needs of his learners. He is also very encouraging and supportive in moments of struggling with the language. Hi phrase I will never give up on you is very true. I highly recommend taking this class.
ReplyDeleteI recommend Spanish I for anyone who wants to learn some basic communication skills and for people who need a refresher class. Thanks so much for teaching this virtual class. I especially enjoyed the breakout rooms and working with the other students.
ReplyDeleteThis class gave me a good starting point with vocabulary and verb conjugation. I have noticed that I can pick up more participating in school meetings with a translator bridging between staff and parents. I also got some teaching ideas that I implemented in my classrooms - Leo has a great repertoire of teaching skills :-)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed learning Spanish with Senior Leo. He is SO FUNNY and entertaining!His personality and love of Spanish comes out in his teaching. It was very interesting to see the overlap of Spanish and Arabic Vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 was an awesome class! Leo is a great teacher, and I felt very comfortable learning the material and speaking Spanish in his class. I liked the emphasis on speaking because when we see our students and their families in person, or when we have a conversation over the phone, no one is writing anything. We were able to get creative when we spoke to make it more authentic which helps you reinforce your learning. Not a lot of work; mostly or entirely completed in class; 5 minute break provided; bring snacks and a drink because you will learn in a relaxed environment!
ReplyDeleteThis class was fast-paced, interactive, engaging, and fun. Leo is personable and keeps it real. I appreciated the effort he put into each of his lessons. The multiple methods for learning and expressing your knowledge were helpful to me as a new Spanish speaker. He made me feel comfortable speaking up even if I wasn't 100% accurate. It's a safe space to learn. Thanks, Leo!
ReplyDeleteHello, Spanish 1 and 2 are very helpful in learning vocabulary and pronunciation. There are online flash cards you should review weekly. Leo is very committed in helping all his students learn. He never get upset and encourages you to try. He gives you time to answer the questions and practice what you learn. Everyone should take this class.
ReplyDeleteM. Burnell- Spanish 1/beginner Spanish was good class. I enjoyed hearing and speaking Spanish. For a full online class time moved fast. You should have a background in otherwise things could move quickly. I wish the modules were a little self guiding..Some things were accessible, while others required audio or readings to complete..
ReplyDeleteTaking Spanish 1 is a great experience and Leo made it really enjoyable. You will learn not just a language but also culture. He consistently provides good examples to get your attention and make you feel relaxed. If you want to learn the basic Spanish language to a little bit relate with your Hispanic students, then this is the course for you. Gracias Sr. Leonardo De Valoes!
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 was a good class, moves very fast. Manageable even if you know no Spanish.
ReplyDeleteThis class really helps you learn vocabulary. It was engaging and if you put in the effort you will leave with a better appreciation for listening to, writing, and speaking Spanish.Leo made this class relaxing, interactive and enjoyable. He truly explains the why to everything which helped me tremendously. Scared but cant wait for the intermediate class this summer.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 and 2 were great and helped me improve my grammar and vocabulary. Leo is a friendly and helpful teacher. I enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThis class was so engaging! I truly appreciated the patience of the instructor and taking the time to encourage us to speak rather than writing.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't use it you loose it! You have to practice outside of class. This class is all about talking. We had a lot of breakout groups talking to each other and came back and shared answers. It was very interactive. If you don't know spanish, no problem! Leo was very friendly and engaging
ReplyDeleteSpanish 2 for Educators was interactive and a pleasurable experience. There were many authentic opportunities to practice speaking and writing in Spanish. The work is manageable.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 and 2 are very helpful with improving my extremely basic Spanish speaking skills. Leo is very upbeat and always willing to help. He explains the different conjugations and also educates us on the culture. Wonderful class. It moves quickly, but it keeps the class fun.
ReplyDeleteLeo is the best! So friendly and inviting. Spanish is challenging and takes some extra brain power but is worth the effort and entertainment.
ReplyDeleteI finished taking Spanish 1 and 2 this year, and loved the opportunities to speak and have conversations. It refreshed some vocabulary and grammar rules that I had forgotten since high school and it has motivated me to keep practicing. Leo is wonderful- funny, welcoming, and always ready to answer questions.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 2 has been another great experience. Leo made the lessons relevant and fun. He connects with every student. He adjusted the lessons based on our needs and was incredibly flexible to make sure we got the most out of his class. His teaching style is very professional. He repeats, slows down, or answers any questions. He is very passionate about languages and speaks multiple languages. I highly recommend taking this to anyone who wants to learn Spanish.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leo!
Spanish 2 for educators has been great! We get to practice a lot with real scenarios that we would have at school and lots of practice using the Spanish language out loud. Highly recommend!
ReplyDelete-Holly Moden
By taking your class, you gave me the courage—yes courage because I was afraid—to communicate with my Spanish-speaking parents. You gave me the importance of doing whatever I needed to do—communications line, even google translate—to write to and speak with my students’ parents. You taught me that I need to meet people where they are—and an English email to a Spanish-speaking parent is not meeting them where they are. You are a transformer of beliefs and a joy to work with, my friend. Yes, you do have super powers because your taught an experienced teacher who thought she was such a good relationship-builder new skills.
ReplyDeleteI took Spanish 1 and 2 with Leo this year and I truly enjoyed both sessions! Leo is very friendly and engaging. He makes every class entertaining. He is also very supportive and flexible when teaching. He explains everything which aids the learning process. I wish there was Spanish 3 that I could take with Leo! I recommend the class.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed taking this class. Leo is hilarious and keeps us entertained while learning. After taking Spanish I & II, I have been able to have conversations with my students and their parents. I am hoping to be able to attend Spanish III over the summer.
ReplyDeleteThank you Leo for making learning Spanish online fun. I took both Spanish 1 and 2. You have motivated me to continue to improve and practice my Spanish.
ReplyDelete~Shannon Jones
I also took Spanish 1 and 2 this year. It was a great experience. I enjoyed the emphasis on group work and using oral language. I also appreciated the emphasis on conversational Spanish that I might use at work with my students' families. Leo was flexible and he kept the class fun using games and a variety of lesson activities. His blog was a great help too because I can always go back to lesson materials. I will definitely use the skills I learned in my work experience. Don't hesitate. Take Spanish for Educators today! Deborah Herring
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 and 2 was great to brush up on my Spanish. Leo is funny and tells great stories. The class was very interactive and engaging. I recommend this class for people who are beginning Spanish as well as brushing up on their Spanish.
ReplyDelete-Alicia
I took Spanish 1 and 2 with Leo virtually this year. This was my first time taking Spanish. He is a wonderful teacher. He is very patient and explains concepts over and over. He is very encouraging and helps you when you have to speak. It's a non-stressful class. I highly recommend taking his class with Leo, especially if you have never taken Spanish before!!- Neena
ReplyDeleteI took Spanish 2 with Leo this semester. I really loved Leo's focus on oral language. He blog is full of treasures that I hope to come back and use in the future. His class was fun and very interesting. I am planning to take more of his classes and I recommend it to all my friends. Maria K
ReplyDeleteI took Spanish 1 and 2 this year. I had previously taken a few different Spanish 1 classes over the years but had never moved beyond that level. These classes were a great opportunity for me to solidify my learning in Spanish 1 and continue my growth in Spanish 2. Leo is an engaging teacher and creates a comfortable class environment in which you feel safe taking risks as you learn the language. I would definitely recommend his classes and look forward to continuing my own studies of the language.
ReplyDeleteThanks Leo for a great year. I have grown up around spanish speakers and can understand the language but never felt comfortable to answer questions in Spanish. As I continue to build my confidence I feel as though this class clarified a lot of mistakes I used to make.
ReplyDeleteND
I took Spanish 1 and 2 this year, and I recommend them both! Leo is a great teacher with a wealth of knowledge, a love for teaching language, and a great sense of humor. My Spanish skills have improved, and I will take these lessons with me as I continue to work with students and their families. Thank you, Leo, for a great year. I appreciate everything you have done for us! - Michael Green
ReplyDeleteI took Spanish 2 this summer. Leo was a phenomenal teacher. He is funny, patient, flexible and prepared. His activities were engaging and differentiated. This class allowed me to overcome my fear of using the past tense conversationally. I also learned/remembered a lot of vocabulary. His blog is a fantastic resource and has great activities to help practice and learn.
ReplyDelete¡Leo es un maestro tan amable y comprensivo! Muchas gracías por todas los recursos magíficos :)
ReplyDelete¡No puedo esperar para Español 3 y 4!
I completed Spanish II this summer after completing Spanish I with Leo in the spring. I felt the classes built nicely on each other. The summer course (8 day intensive) was complex but Leo does a nice job of providing slide info with good descriptions. He also incorporates games and other "knowledge check" activities to keep you engaged. He encourages participation so all feel comfortable taking a risk in learning. In this class I made a GoogleDoc with notes for myself and screenshots of important slides - I would recommend this for future students.
ReplyDeleteLeo, thank you again very much. You are wonderful!
-Allison D.
Thank you, Leo, for a FABULOUS class! Honestly, Intermediate Spanish was the best CPD course I have taken in a long time. All activities and resources had a purpose and were helpful. You also ensured that we constantly spoke and wrote in Spanish, which is SO important for language acquisition. Your positive, energetic, and fun personality kept us engaged, made class time fly by, and created a safe and comfortable learning environment. My Spanish skills have definitely improved and I have already recommended the class to other MCPS educators! Thank you again, Leo; I hope that you can create a Spanish 3 CPD class as I would love to take it with you! - Heather D.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 2 is a great class and Leo makes the information and learning interesting with various knowledge and practice. Thanks for everything and have a great summer.
ReplyDeleteB.T.S.
I took Spanish 1 in the Spring and now I am in the intermediate level this summer. Once AGAIN, I absolutely love this class. Leo is amazing and very knowledgeable of all the Spanish content. He always says "You are in a class of teachers, the safest place in the world." I’ve learned so much throughout this course and really appreciate the participation and support from the other members of the class. The instructor creates an environment were all feel welcomed and are able to take risks or not feel like being judged when speaking Spanish. I know because i am horrible but he builds your confidence which helps you to get better. It’s a great course and I highly recommend this course to anyone who is wanting to learn Spanish or build on knowledge they already have. He is very passionate about languages and speaks multiple languages. Leo explains everything so perfectly and provides great resources. A must CPD class to take.
ReplyDeleteI took Spanish 1 and 2 this summer. Leo's class is perfect for teachers. The teaching platforms and content he incorporated in his classes were very helpful and practical for teachers to apply to their classroom settings. Leo made the very class engaging, informative about the language theory, and comfortable which is vital for language learning. I highly recommend his class to all teachers!
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend taking this class for Spanish for Staff 1 & 2 with Leo. He is a wonderful teacher. He is very knowledgeable about and fully supports and helps his students to succeed. He makes sure you apply what you learn right away so you are successful to apply it in the teaching world. I Loved this class. - Kristina Yanez
ReplyDeletePost your answers here
ReplyDeleteI took Spanish for Educators 1. This class gave me the motivation I needed to start incorporating language learning into an every day commitment. I learned a lot of vocabulary. Many people are nervous to speak in a new language, but the professor was very understanding and provided gentle corrections. It was a very low pressure environment. There are breaks throughout but the rest of the class requires active engagement and practice, which I appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI highly enjoyed Professor De Valoes's Spanish class! It was fun and engaging. Professor De Valoes is understanding, flexible and takes into account his students' knowledge and Spanish level expertise. Also, if you want to start traveling to Spanish speaking countries and have some exposure to Spanish prior to your travels, this is a great class to take! -S.A.
ReplyDeleteAn enjoyable refresher for Spanish. I look forward to signing up for Spanish 2. He provides many additional resources to deepen understanding and includes cultural background. Looking forward to the next class. -Z.H.
ReplyDeleteThis course evaluation is for Spanish 1 for Educators. I enjoyed this class and plan on taking Spanish 2 for Educators. It gave me a refresh of what learned in high school. The instructor makes the class interesting by talking about what we are all interested in outside of work, travel. He is very understanding and helpful. I enjoyed actually speaking Spanish and practicing my pronunciation. I look forward to the next class.
ReplyDeleteAnnie Zhang
DeleteDisfrute mucho la clase. Algo que me gusto fue los resources que posteo en la clase. Me gustaron y los voy a utilizar con mis estudiantes en mi clases de ciencias y matemáticas que las enseño en español. Gracias
ReplyDeleteThis course Spanish 1 for educators was extremely helpful. Our professor, Snr. Devaloes is wonderful! He is full of energy and great stories. He is patient, extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Having never taken Spanish and acquiring my knowledge from traveling, it was wonderful to be able to learn the basics in a fun environment. I would highly recommend this class if you need the learn these skills!-G. Gyemfi
ReplyDeleteThis class is amazing! I have learned so much. We learn a lot of vocab that is so applicable to school. I highly recommend. Sr. De Valoes is very willing to help with whatever you might need extra practice for. This is a great class and I would definitely do it again & recommend for everyone else. We speak a lot and get to practice tons!
ReplyDeleteThis was the best class I have ever had!! Very practical and useful for daily classroom situations! The instructor is extremely helpful and caring and makes sure everyone has a wonderful learning experience!!
ReplyDeleteThis course Spanish 1 for educators was a good refresher course. The activities were good reminders of the basics and I'm glad that I took it in order to feel a bit more comfortable. -E. Jinks
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the class. I really learned so much and I had a lot of fun. I would highly recommend this class if you want to learn Spanish.
ReplyDeleteCrystal Stevens
This course has been such a helpful class. Leo is so wonderful and brings so much energy to the class. He does a wonderful job of relating everything we do to the classroom and to our students. I knew very little Spanish and have now improved greatly. I recommend this class to everyone to help improve their Spanish skills.
ReplyDeleteWonderful class that allows you to learn in a comfortable and inviting manor. Leo is understanding, helpful, and caring about learning spanish and feeling confident in what you know. I highly recommend for anyone looking to review or learn spanish!
ReplyDeleteWonderful class for Spanish 1. I am a very hesitant speaker and Leo made it all very comfortable. I now how resources to go back to in the future when I need a refresher. Highly recommend.
ReplyDeleteSpanish for Educators is an excellent course! Mr. Devaloes makes the class very interesting by including technology, videos, and visuals. He is very patient, understanding, flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to help. He recognizes that adult learners are managing jobs and families. I learned a great deal from the course!
ReplyDeleteI found Spanish 1 very helpful and engaging. Leo is a great instructor and keeps classes organized, fun and relevant. Looking forward to Spanish 2 :)
ReplyDeleteLeo is a wonderful teacher! He keeps the material engaging, fun, and meaningful - even through the computer! I would highly recommend this course for anyone looking to learn a new language or looking to brush up on their background knowledge of Spanish. I look forward to taking more classes with Leo in the future! K.M.
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1- this class was an excellent way to review and practice the Spanish vocabulary I learned in High School. The pace was manageable and there was a focus on verbal participation instead of written. Leo kept the class interesting and I am looking forward to Spanish 2
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 is such an amazing class! Even though it is a long course, it does not feel long. Leo is excellent at balancing lessons with videos, games, and speaking opportunities. Even though I am not very confident with my speaking, it is a very comfortable and safe environment. I look forward to more classes in the future!
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1 for educators was a great Spanish class. Leo is engaging and the class goes by really quickly. If you need a refresher or even if you haven't had any Spanish before, this is the class to take! I have already signed up for Spanish II.
ReplyDeleteI took Spanish 1 and 2 at the same time. Thank you Leo for an amazing two classes! My vocabulary is much improved and I love that we spend the bulk of the class talking. It is a very comfortable environment. Everyone was comfortable talking and participating. Let's get Spanish 3 going!
ReplyDeleteEmily Nalda
This is an amazing class. It helped me as an educator to be able to speak to my students. The materials are covered in class so they are understandable. I love the fact that you can ask questions and feel comfortable to ask any questions. He makes the class fun, and as you know if it is fun it is easier to learn and retain the information. I am definitely going to sign up for his other classes. I would recommend his classes to anyone that is interested in learning Spanish, he knows his stuff and his a great teacher!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing class. It helped me as an educator to be able to speak to my students. The materials are covered in class so they are understandable. I love the fact that you can ask questions and feel comfortable to ask any questions. He makes the class fun, and as you know if it is fun it is easier to learn and retain the information. I am definitely going to sign up for his other classes. I would recommend his classes to anyone that is interested in learning Spanish, he knows his stuff and his a great teacher!
ReplyDeleteAlexandra Watkins
This semester I have taken both Spanish 1 and 2 with Leo. The vocabulary and content was presented in an organized and thoughtful manner. Leo is passionate about the content and his students and it really shows. He puts lots of time and effort into the classes by providing various ways to demonstrate learning, interactive games, and class discussion. There were countless opportunities to practice Spanish aloud with peers without judgement and with lots of help. The canvas course was organized and easy to navigate. The homework was relevant and great practice. I will definitely be taking classes from Leo in the future and 10/10 recommend him to anyone!
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ReplyDeleteLeo creates a fun, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. He provides many opportunities for students to participate and practice Spanish and diversifies the activities for hands-on and engaging learning. Muchas gracias Leo ! Me divertí mucho en tu clase !
ReplyDeleteSimone
Honestly, Leo is the best! It is HARD to teach teachers and he has it down to a science. He is engaging, fun, understanding, and really helps build your confidence! I highly recommend taking his classes. He creates a safe space where you feel comfortable to make mistakes while learning. Leo adjusts his instruction based on the needs of the class which really help meet students where they are.
ReplyDelete-Mona B
I signed up for the class thinking "oh, this is going to be a breeze." Boy was I right and wrong. I didn't know what I thought I knew but this was the best class that I have taken as a professional. Leo as well as the other students were so welcoming supportive and made learning fun, even at the end of teaching all day in a pandemic. I look forward to my next classes with Leo. I love the smiles (I assume) my students give me when I am able to engage with them using the skills I have used in the class. The fact that we were encouraged every session to speak and not just write but speak in response to los preguntas, to really strengthen not just the speaking but to really hear ourselves and connect with the language.
ReplyDeleteI encourage ANYONE that wants to learn Spanish (or any language Leo does) to take his class, he made the course so engaging and accessible. Thank you Leo
-LaVette T
This Spanish class was a great foundational class, especially for those who have some Spanish background. Leo keeps the vibe super positive and he takes interest in his students' lives and interests. This class helped solidify the Spanish language knowledge I had learned from high school and college and was a great prep to get me warmed up for the intermediate class. Looking forward to continuing to grow in and use more Spanish!
ReplyDelete-K.S.
I’ve really enjoyed taking Leo’s class this semester. Everything I learned was relevant to my work, and the interactive games we played really helped me to remember the vocabulary. Leo makes his students feel comfortable asking questions and taking chances trying new phrases out loud, which isn’t an easy thing to do in a virtual course. I also really loved the catchy songs. Thanks for a great semester, Leo—I’m feeling a lot more equipped to communicate with my young students and their families!
ReplyDelete~Kyra
Leo emphasizes speaking and listening (rather than writing). I have a better ear for conversational Spanish after taking the class.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing Class. I really enjoy this class and will take many more class with Leo if I able to get in. The professor makes the class interesting. He is very understanding , extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
ReplyDeleteHe willing to help and stay after class for what ever you may need help with. I would recommend Spanish this Teacher to anyone who is serious about learning Spanish like me. I am very happy that I took this class and look forward to taking the next class. Thank you for the class and I can't wait until next class.
This class really helped my confidence with my conversational Spanish. Leo created a low risk environment that made everyone comfortable with trying new words and phrases. I really enjoyed that he focused more on talking instead of writing and pushed us all just to do our best. I will miss this class and Leo's fun teaching but highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for some fun Spanish learning.
ReplyDelete-Emily B
DeleteLeo's class was very fun & engaging! He uses a combination of slides, media, and interactive games. I really enjoyed the interactive games. There are several opportunities to speak and respond to prompts in Spanish. I look forward to taking another class with Leo!
ReplyDeleteI loved not only Leo's enthusiasm but all of the participants' enthusiasm. I would've liked to do break out rooms, but it is hard on google meet. I do feel like I know more Spanish now than I did a few months ago and I am grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteLet me start by saying Leo is the best. As teachers we know how important it is to have a teacher who cares and "Will not give up on you" and he will not. His emphasis is on conversational/speaking Spanish which you will do a lot of and its great practice in a comfortable environment. You will have modules to practice your vocabulary and such on your own, but more fun will be had in class. I have taken many Spanish classes over the years and by far Leo's is the most engaging and fun. Thank you for this wonderful class! See you next semester!
ReplyDeleteAs an ESOL teacher taking Leo's class, I learned not only Spanish but also many great techniques to use in my own language classroom. The class moves right along and is engaging and productive throughout each session. The lessons provide easy formats to access materials on your own and the virtual classes give lots of time to share your new skills. You'll also pick up tips on great restaurants, music and travel destinations! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a great class! Thank you, Leo!
The Best Spanish class ever and the Best Teacher ever! Leo De Valoes is passionate about teaching,very caring and dedicated to his students. I took his class many times. He is very creative, innovative,enthusiastic,and engaging. Muchas gracias Sr. De Valoes por la clase maravillosa! I look forward to taking another class soon!
ReplyDeleteLeo's Spanish Class for Educators was fun and informative, largely because of the supportive and convivial atmosphere Leo creates. The more you participate and put into the class, the more you will get out of it. The emphasis is on speaking Spanish, which is a challenge for perfectionists who feel they need to write their thoughts first, conjugate each verb correctly on paper, and then read their writing aloud; however, the challenge is a productive one--my conversational Spanish has improved, and I'm much better able to conjugate more fluently--while speaking. Thanks for the great lessons and fun learning environment, Leo!
ReplyDeleteI hope to take another class next fall, CC
I enjoyed this class and felt like I learned alot. The class is focused on speaking Spanish and Leo created a safe and welcoming environment which allowed us to take risks. The homework assignments are relevant and provide additional opportunities to practice. I'm already looking forward to the next class. Hasta luego!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this class and Leo is the best! The class focused on speaking which I think it the best way to learn. Leo is always available if you have questions or you want to practice. I am looking forward to the next class!
ReplyDelete