Since I arrived at Yale in 2007, I have contributed extensively to our Spanish Language Program. As part of the teaching community and in my role of language coordinator, I was involved in many departmental events, such as Bulldog Days, retirement parties, group lunches, Christmas dinners, and others (see pictures below).  

I spent 13 years acting as the coordinator of SPAN 110. In this position, I oversaw from 2-10 sections, managed a team of 2-5 instructors, guided PTAIs, organized meetings, created the syllabus and materials, submitted reports to the Director, observed classes, and so on. When the pandemic hit us in 2020, I made sure that all of our materials were converted to online format and instructors were up to date with their Zoom skills. 

Another contribution to the language program is the redesign of the intensive intermediate Spanish course (SPAN 145). I eliminated the textbook, followed a modern design model, updated the teaching approach, and created materials and assessments. Here you can find the syllabus, teaching evaluations, and survey results (see below).  

Currently, I am also working on the creation of an L5 summer abroad Spanish course in or near Barcelona along with a colleague from the Spanish department. The course has been accepted by the administration and it will start running in the summer of 2026. 

I have also contributed to the language program by making connections with other Yale communities, namely, the Medical School and the Yale New Haven Hospital. Recently, I worked with a Professor in the Emergency Department to translate an iPad tool called Voices that aims to detect elder abuse. This project was recognized by the university newspaper. Not only did I translate the prompts of this tool designed for the Hispanic elderly population, but I conducted a research study that led to a published article. In the past, I also helped the Yale New Haven medical residents by creating two online Spanish courses that would allow them to learn Spanish on their own at their own pace and time availability. The medical residents and I conducted a research study on the second course, and this led to another published article. These connections with other programs, departments, or communities enhance our knowledge and contribute to stronger ties among the different sections of our university. 

In addition to my previous contributions, I regularly participate in summer programs. I have taught SPAN S110 and S120 on campus, SPAN S130/S140/S147 in Peru for three years, and SPAN S130/S140/S148 in Bilbao (Spain) for five years.  Here are some student evaluations. I am also scheduled to teach this latter again in the summer of 2025. After that, I will participate in the newly created study abroad course in Barcelona (Spain), starting in the summer of 2026. The intensive nature and the experiential learning opportunities that study abroad programs offer are invaluable for both instructors and students. 

I have also contributed to my department by receiving a MacMillan Course Travel Abroad Grant worth $20,000. This grant will be used in the spring of 2025 to take my SPAN 145 students to Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) to appreciate in person the historical and cultural aspects examined during the course.

From 2013 to 2015, I oversaw the Spanish Placement Test, which is a crucial tool that affects hundreds of students every year.

Finally, I would like to mention my constant participation in various committees in our department such as reappointment, faculty searches, curriculum reviews, lectors’ events, and textbook searches. Outside of our department, I also participated for five years in the Fulbright Teaching Assistant Committee.