Hi Ben,
Here is my long overdue bio!
My names is Bobbi (Robledo) Cress. I work in Jeffco Public Schools in Lakewood, Colorado. I am one of the many native Californians who have made an exodus to Colorado. I was in my 26th year of teaching, in California, when I read a testimonial on FLTeach about TPRS. This person was describing how she had been teaching for 25 years, was nearly burned out, tired of worksheets, correcting hundreds of essays, and not feeling like her efforts were bearing any fruit. Then she described how she discovered TPRS, and she felt like her whole career was reborn. She was refreshed, happy at the end of the school day, didn’t take home tons of paperwork, and actually looked forward to going to work everyday. I thought, “I have GOT to see what this is all about!” this teacher sounded like she was describing my feelings exactly.
I bought Ben’s two books, attended workshops, went to the national conference during the summer, and decided to jump in that fall, the only one in my department (high school Spanish). I struggled but got better in time. By my second year using TPRS, I had developed a reputation of having the fun class, and my students were telling their younger siblings to take my class. My coworkers were still grammar-bound, but were ok as long as my level one students could conjugate verbs by the end of the year.
When I came to Colorado last year, it was late in the hiring season and I missed out working in TPRS-friendly Denver Public Schools for 2012-13. I landed a job at a high school in Jeffco, but it was not a good fit. I changed mid year to teaching Spanish at the elementary level to two schools that have the International Baccalaureate program, so they are required to provide instruction in a second language. I was given complete freedom to develop the program, and now I am very very happy using TPRS with about 1,000 kiddos who are very enthusiastic about learning Spanish. I travel from class to class, which is unfortunate, but it is worth it. It is a temporary contract, so who knows where I will be next school year. But for now, it has been very satisfying.
I never actually write in the PLC. I am one of the “lurkers” who receive invaluable insight from your blog. Thanks for the opportunity to be a silent part of the group!
Bobbi Cress Spanish Instructor, grades preschool-6th.