As the Director of Isabella & Ferdinand Academia de Español, I had the privilege of representing our academy at the symposium “La enseñanza de español para hablantes de herencia” this past Saturday at the Instituto Cervantes in New York. The event was a profound experience, allowing us to further our commitment to supporting heritage Spanish speakers by focusing on their unique sociocultural and linguistic needs.
One of the central themes of the symposium was the critical role of fostering a strong cultural identity in our students. We explored how connecting their heritage language with both their personal and professional aspirations can create a sense of pride and belonging. This not only enriches their language skills but also strengthens their emotional and psychological well-being.
As educators, we recognize the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where young Hispanic/Latino learners in the U.S. can thrive academically while embracing their cultural roots.
The workshops offered at the event were particularly impactful, introducing us to innovative tools designed to empower marginalized communities. One standout was the use of podcasts, which provide students with a platform to share their voices, stories, and experiences. Additionally, we learned how to integrate Latino archival collections from CUNY into our Spanish instruction, offering students a richer and more meaningful connection to their heritage.
This symposium has not only reinforced our passion for teaching but also inspired us to continue evolving our educational methods. At Isabella & Ferdinand, we are dedicated to ensuring that our students not only master the Spanish language but also develop a deep, lasting connection to their cultural heritage. Through these initiatives, we aim to help them build a bridge between their past and their future, fostering both linguistic proficiency and cultural pride.
We are excited to incorporate these new ideas into our programs and to continue shaping the future of heritage language education.
Maira Abasto - Executive Director Isabella & Ferdinand Academia de Español
