Hi my name is Karen W. (formerly Karen),
I live in Anchorage, Alaska and this is my sixth year teaching Spanish. I never really wanted to be a Spanish teacher but it happened by coincidence and that getting a job teaching Art is impossible. I taught the traditional way for my first three years and it was terrible. I decided to make the switch completely to CI/TPRS and haven’t looked back. My students came away knowing so much more and I came away actually liking my job. I still am no pro at this style of teaching but I work at it as much as I can. I struggle immensely with classroom management and have found out recently that jGR is my best friend (along with this PLC). I am so grateful to have this PLC and do not know what I would do without it. I have learned so much from all of you. I am currently teaching at a school that does not support my pedagogy as you all have heard through the workbook saga. However, the rebel in me is not willing to back down! I am not sure if I will teach forever as I also am a Thai Yoga bodyworker and if you never have had a Thai massage, get one, they are awesome. I am willing to trade Thai massage for most things in life (entrance into conferences, housing, etc). That aside, in the years of teaching that follow, I am committed to being the best CI/TPRS teacher I can be for my students and I am committed to spread my philosophy to those that are ignorant (if only all those new teachers realized how much easier CI/TPRS was they would change in a heartbeat as I did).
Peace and Love,
Karen Witthoeft