1. Angela Montgomery: Language Specialist and Educator Biography Language and Cultural Competencies Teaching Passion Teaching Experience Community Service Tips and Suggestions

2. Who am I and where am I from? Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I have an innate passion for quaint people and cultural diversity. Pittsburgh is known for its various ethnic groups: everything from Korean to Italian. Everything, that is, except for a Hispanic population. It has been said to be “the only city where ketchup still outsells salsa.” I was not exposed to the Spanish language until high school, at which point all students were required to take a foreign language. Being that I attended a small, private high school, Spanish was my only option. By my senior year, a French teacher was hired and I began to take both Spanish and French. Upon graduation, I purposely attended college in the South in order to gain more exposure to the Spanish language and culture. I proceeded to complete a double major in Spanish and Business, and a minor in French. I also took several courses in German and had the opportunity to study abroad in Denmark. Throughout college I attended various Hispanic churches and found my place in the Latino community. By the time I graduated, I realized that Charlotte had become my home, and I have been here ever since.

3. What is my cultural knowledge of the world? Countries Traveled Belgium Canada Costa Rica Denmark England France Germany Italy Mexico Norway Portugal Spain Sweden Languages Acquired (Fluent) English French Spanish (Proficient) Danish German Italian Portuguese

4. Why do I want to teach? All through school I LOVED Spanish! I will never forget my teacher. On the very first day she handed out our textbooks and said, “Make this book your second Bible! Take it with you on vacation, take it with you when you take a bath!” And I did just that. I even remember being surprised that no one else did! I have always been passionate about Spanish. Whenever another student in class would have trouble, Ms. Cruz would say, “Angela, go help them.” I learned early on that I liked to help; I liked to teach. If you do something that you like, you never have to work a day in your life. I want to share my passion. The gift goes on!

5. How did I begin teaching? I actually began while I was still in high school! Foreign language curriculum was not offered until 9th grade, but it was the desire of our 1st grade teacher to offer Spanish to her students at an early age. She and the principal arranged for me to teach her class one day a week! During my first summer home from college, I accepted a position of Spanish Camp Coordinator, based on my previous experience in Spanish curriculum planning. Throughout college I proceeded to tutor Spanish, French, and German 20-30 hours a week, on top of two other part time jobs! Through various references and word of mouth, I began to give private lessons to individuals outside of the university. After graduation I began to teach Spanish at a nearby North Carolina public high school. I then had the opportunity to pursue my Master’s degree as a full-time student and Graduate Teaching Assistant. I completed by M.A. in Spanish Translation in 2008, and brought to completion my North Carolina Teaching Licensure in 2009.

6. How do I give back to the community? Service is a gift that blesses everyone involved. The more that I have served in the (Latino) community, the more I have benefited spiritually and linguistically! Opportunities that I have been able to volunteer in: Teaching English as a Second Language, Charlotte, Jan. 2007 – Oct. 2009 Spanish Worship Team Member, Charlotte, Jan. 2007 – Oct. 2009 Missionary Interpreter, Mexico, June 2006 and July 2009

7. What are my recommendations for learning a foreign language? 1.Buy music CD’s – You MUST have constant exposure to the language. Buy a music genre that you enjoy, and listen to it as you get ready every morning, even as you drive! 2.Watch your favorite DVD’s in that language – And use corresponding subtitles in the same language. You will see what they are saying and learn more vocabulary! 3.Set a goal for yourself – Even if you will not be able to travel for years, start saving money now and tell yourself that you will need to use your new language when you go to that country! 4.Find a local group of native speakers who you can talk to – Churches are a great option, also local dance organizations or authentic restaurants. You need to use your language in practical application along with the cultural background!