Cole Ferraro, Julia Knoerr, Sophie Wolf
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kyra Kietrys
Building on a long history between Davidson College and Davidson Elementary School, the Spanish program is currently in its seventh year. The history of the Spanish partnership between Davidson College and Davidson Elementary School dates back to the 1970s. From 1978 through 2006, college students taught at the elementary school as part of their coursework in SPA 311. In the fall of 2012, the relationship was reestablished as a volunteer program; in fall 2015, SPA 311 was re-introduced. Students now have the opportunity to participate as volunteers or for credit by enrolling in SPA 311. The new program design allows for greater participation of both college students and elementary school students. In 2018-19 SiDES grew to include over 60 college participants, 29 DES teachers, and over 700 DES students from 1st to 5th grades.
In our program, weekly Spanish lessons are taught in 1st through 5th grade classrooms at DES. The Davidson College students participating in the program include: majors or minors in Hispanic Studies and Latin American Studies, as well as many other departments; students who are returning from abroad; students who speak Spanish at home; and, Spanish-speaking Bonner Scholars. Some participants are concurrently enrolled in the fall course: SPA 311-Teaching Spanish at the Elementary School.
This program is possible thanks to the support of all the former and current volunteers as well as the continued support and enthusiasm from the teachers and administrators at Davidson Elementary. ¡Muchas gracias!
