¡Hola y bienvenidos!
I am Elizabeth L. Dentlinger. I teach at a middle and high school Spanish teacher in a small public school in Iowa.
This blog records my attempts to become a better Spanish teacher. I began humbly by adding authentic readings to my lessons (songs, infographics, etc.). I utilize and fully believe in TPRS/CI methodologies. However, I have recently learned about ACTFL’s IPA model and learned more about the proficiency levels. I continue to teach using TPRS/CI methodologies, but I have a new interest in trying to figure out how I can fuse everything together.
I am originally from Muskegon, Michigan and received my B.S. from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan in May 2011. I am certified to teach Spanish and English/Language Arts in both Iowa and Michigan, and I am also certified for Speech in Michigan. I recently added a Talented and Gifted Teaching Endorsement through Morningside College. I am currently completing my Master’s of Education in World Language Instruction at Concordia College and taking various Spanish courses at the graduate level in order to be able to teach at the community college level.
My true passion in life, aside from teaching Spanish, is traveling the world. I got married in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I have been to Mexico a handful of other times, once to France, and lived abroad in Spain for five months. I made friends with a Spanish family and have been back to visit them a few times since. My Spanish family has also come to visit me and I played tour guide to America. We saw the local West Michigan towns, as well as the Windy City and the Big Apple. It was a great experience helping my Spanish family discover my home country. Most of my most recent travels were to Guatemala, Belize and Toledo, Spain with students. I am fortunate to work with a colleague that created a two year travel abroad cycle.
When I am not in the classroom, improving my teaching or traveling, I can be found spending time with my family, cooking, or crafting. My crafts of choice include, but are not limited to: quilts, photography, vinyl wall decals, and sewing in general. I am even more fond of Pinterest as I look for inspiration!
This is my public record of my journey to become part of the online FL teacher community, and to become a better teacher myself.
I’d love to connect and collaborate with you through this blog or one of the following platforms:
- Twitter: @SraDentlinger
- Pinterest: Elizabeth Dentlinger
- Google+: Elizabeth Dentlinger
- Bloglovin’: Elizabeth L. Dentlinger
- Teachers Pay Teachers: Sra Dentlinger
Besos y abrazos,
Elizabeth Dentlinger
I too teach Spanish in small town iowa. I’m happy to have found your blog. thanks for sharing.
Your blog is a fantastic resource. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you Ginny! I appreciate you reading it.
Thank you for your amazing resources! I am adapting your bullfighting unit and just want you to know how awesome I think it is. I can’t wait to move on to el cuerpo and dia de los muertos!
I teach Spanish for Spanish speakers in a Middle School in Florida. My lessons are also about art, culture, diversity and I find your Blog very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Hola! I’d love to include a quote from you in a round-up post I’m writing for TakeLessons.com, with tips for Spanish students. I could not find your email address, so if you’re interested in helping, please email me at sstgeorge@takelessons.com so we can chat! Thanks! 🙂
Email sent, Suzy!
I have taught elementary school Spanish Immersion for 22 years and have just moved up to 7th and 9th grade Spanish. I have looked at your site a LOT to help me get ideas. You are so generous to share all that you have done! You are an inspirational teacher, both to students and to teachers of World Languages!
Mele,
Thank you so much for your kind words! They truly motivate me to keep sharing. As for your job “change” – how exciting! You will have a lot of helpful skills to use with those older kiddos. I’m sure you will quickly become their favorite teacher and class. ¡Buena suerte!
Hi Elizabeth,
I’ve just come across your blog and thought I’d reach out.
My name is Camille and together with some friends we run VocApp – a flashcard app for learning languages. I was wondering if you’d be interested in writing about VocApp or posting a link to our website on your blog? The app offers the possibility of creating flashcards in a variety of languages for free. We also have some paid English-Spanish courses, which we’d be willing to share with you and your students for free. Here’s a sample set of flashcards I’ve made for you: https://vocapp.com/on-the-road-en-esp-flashcards-201209
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Camille
camille@vocapp.com