Over the summer, Revere Schools opened a new position for a Spanish teacher. The job post quickly grabbed applicants’ attention who met it with an influx of applications. After an in depth screening and interviewing process Kristen Turner became the administration’s choice.
On top of having worked in two different districts for a total of about thirteen years, Turner brought many other important qualities to the table. Revere Principal Dr. Andy Peltz, a main voice in Turner’s hire, understands the importance of communication in the classroom and sees that quality in Turner.
The chance for students to begin taking language classes starts in middle school. Because the previous teacher had taught classes at both the high school and middle school made it necessary to fill both of those spots, as Spanish I is taught in 8th grade at the middle school.
“We liked that she had lots of years of experience and she also had some experience not just at the highschool level but with working with students at the middle school as well. We recognize that in Spanish I there’s a need to sort of meet and build a high level of interest. Build the foundational skills but then be able to bridge the gap between the two schools,” Peltz said.
When hiring a new teacher, the administration conducts an intense screening and interviewing process. Spanish department head Katie Ryan worked closely with Assistant Superintendent Micki Krantz and Human Resources Director Karen Arbogast to run through a possible candidate’s resumes and cover letters before performing a background check. Then Peltz and Revere Middle School Principal Bill Conley come in to participate in the interview process.
“I was able to come into the second round and so was Mr. Conley. He had input as well because she’s shared between the middle school as well, just [to] be able to come in and get to know the candidate. Mrs. Turner just rose quickly to the top,” Peltz said.
Turner taught at Hamilton High School before moving to Wooster for ten years. Her decision to come to Revere stemmed from a desire to move closer to home. At Revere, Turner teaches both Spanish I and II at the high school in the mornings and then heads over to the middle school to teach Spanish I. Influenced by her love for Spanish in high school, Turner decided to make it her job.
“When I went to college I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do but I liked Spanish. So, I continued on and then I just decided to be a Spanish teacher so I traveled and studied abroad. I just really enjoy the culture and speaking the language,” Turner said.
Her travels abroad give Turner a unique opportunity to put her knowledge to the test. Having to implement the language in everyday use and real life situations gives Turner the ability to experience the culture first hand.
“I just really enjoyed traveling and being able to speak and understand what was going on, and then later I went back to Mexico after I had graduated for another summer in a different city,” Turner said.
Being able to implement the language gave Turner a better understanding and appreciation of it, something she tries to instill in her students as well. Not only has she explored Mexico, but she taken trips with students to Spain, Paris and Costa Rica. Along the way she picked up mementos to use in her lessons.
“I use those experiences in my classes just to show things that I bought, some authentic resources and just some experiences I’ve had,” Turner said.
When it comes to learning language in school, Turner believes that it is extremely important for a few different reasons. To begin, knowing other languages removes a barrier between people and allows for new connections.
“We have such a changing culture and society and really throughout the world, there are just more opportunities to meet people who speak different languages. It can either help them learn English through your language or learn their language to communicate,” Turner said.
Thinking into the future, Turner shared how more jobs will become available just by knowing another language. She exemplified how growing areas, such as Ohio, are full of people who would love to share their culture and learn about another’s in turn. Coming back to the classroom, Turner applies all of these big ideas through activities and lessons that engage students in the material.
“I do a variety of activities and hopefully some students will catch on or find interest in at least one of the activities. We do partner activities where they can speak in small groups and sometimes individual activities so students can feel comfortable the more they get to know their partners or their classmates,” Turner said.
One of the things Turner loves most about teaching Spanish is seeing the progress students make. She enjoys being able to open a door for a student into a whole new world of culture and rich tradition of which they knew nothing about before. Even better is when the student becomes interested and invested. Turner has noticed a distinction in the way students in the middle school versus the highschool approach the classroom, finding ways to adjust her teaching style so that everyone can feel comfortable and come excited to learn.
Fellow Spanish teacher at the high school Rachel Vanderground, as well as Ryan and Peltz, have recognized Turner’s drive for engagement. According to Ryan, Turner has already become a beloved part of the Revere family.
“Mrs. Turner is a really great addition to our department. She has a love of language and brings a lot of positive energy,” Ryan said.
Peltz especially noted her proactive attitude towards creating relationships with the other teachers in her department and her flexibility in sharing a room with another teacher in the afternoons.
“You can just tell she loves her job. She immediately made that room look like her own . . . she immediately jumped in and found Mr. Nickol places to make the room feel like his home as well. She’s been working very closely with Mrs. Ryan and Mrs. Vanderground and wanted to be a team, not just someone who is just teaching a specific subject. Her energy has just been infectious and awesome,” Peltz said.
Turner’s presence has left a trail of energy and positivity throughout the school. Her experience both in the classroom and her personal travels will help her build even stronger connections with students and the district is excited to see her in action.
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