I'm Darby! I graduated with a bachelors degree from NC State University. I double majored in Spanish & Foreign Language Education, and earned a K-12 certification to teach Spanish. I was fortunate enough to learn from diverse professors at the largest public university in North Carolina. Being in a smaller, tight-knit program afforded me opportunities to complete data entry for research, tutor Division I athletes, and even teach short segments of my college courses with the guidance of my...
I'm Darby! I graduated with a bachelors degree from NC State University. I double majored in Spanish & Foreign Language Education, and earned a K-12 certification to teach Spanish. I was fortunate enough to learn from diverse professors at the largest public university in North Carolina. Being in a smaller, tight-knit program afforded me opportunities to complete data entry for research, tutor Division I athletes, and even teach short segments of my college courses with the guidance of my professors. During my observations and student teaching, I earned the Arlene Malinowski Award for excellence in language instruction, which is an annual honor given to a senior in the World Language Department. I was also a finalist for NC State's Student Teacher of the Year award from the College of Education.
I have tutoring experience with a variety of college and high school athletes, as well as 3 years of experience teaching evening high and summer school students to support them in credit recovery. I have been teaching full time for 6 years now, 5 of which were in a Title I public high school south of Baltimore. I have taught and been the curriculum team leader for Spanish I, II, Honors III, Honors IV, and this year in AP Spanish Language & Culture. I was also appointed department chair this year at my new public high school that is in the greater Annapolis area.
I wrote curriculum this summer for Honors Spanish IV for the 36th largest school district in the country, AACo. I am incredibly patient and compassionate with my students, and utilize gradual release methods to move students from hearing and seeing authentic Spanish resources to practicing speaking, reading, listening, and writing independently. I use a combination of AVID, ACTFL national standards, and MD common core standards to foster the best possible learning environment and cultural promotion. While my expertise is in Spanish, I have also tutored students for 2 years in Psychology and Sociology courses. I hope to work with you soon!