Bethany Christian High School offers only one language class, however, within the Spanish department there are many opportunities for cultural immersion. Craig Mast is new to the Bethany community but so far is enjoying the experience. He commented that “students and staff here have been very open and welcoming, making it easier to focus on teaching.”
Craig offers four classes for students, Spanish I-IV. Due in part to lack of interest and also the availability of scheduling, there are not enough seniors to form a full Spanish IV class. There are currently 2 students enrolled in the Spanish IV class but they meet with Spanish III. This works because the curriculum for the two classes alternates years, with a focus on culture and conversation. Spanish I introduces vocabulary and culture while Spanish II focuses on grammar.
Craig believes that it is important to be exposed to the culture you are trying to learn about. He says “there is great value in recognizing that your own way of living life is not necessarily the only way. The actions of other cultures cease to be ‘weird’ and become simply, ‘different.’” His students often go out to eat in local Spanish-speaking restaurants and go to stores, but students are only allowed to speak Spanish in order to practice conversation and gain cultural awareness.
Another thing Craig finds important is being involved in the local community, especially in Goshen where there are a lot of opportunities to experience the Latino community. “We are lucky to have such a great resource in our neighbors so close by. Beyond simply language, we have the opportunity to be challenged to break down barriers that exist in our broader society,” Craig says.
Another opportunity for Spanish students at Bethany is a cross-cultural exchange program with a school in Paraguay, Colegio Alberto Schweitzer. Every other summer a group of students from Bethany goes down to build relationships, learn about the culture, and practice their Spanish language skills. This summer, Craig is excited to take a group of 14 students to Asunción, Paraguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina for a three week long cultural immersion. Craig says about experiencing a different culture, “The bottom line is that learning a language is fun, especially when you have an opportunity to apply it in such a different setting.”
For only offering one language class, Bethany has a broad range of opportunities for gaining and fine-tuning foreign language skills and really experiencing another culture. First year teacher Craig Mast has successfully built relationships with students and other faculty, and is looking forward to continuing education and relationships teaching Spanish classes.
~Katie Hurst