Meet Mirta鈥攁 National Board Certified Teacher of Spanish at North Caroline High School (MD).
鈥淭eaching a language means opening doors to new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. For an educator passionate about global education, it鈥檚 not just about grammar and vocabulary: It鈥檚 about building empathy, fostering global citizenship, and helping students connect with the world beyond their own borders.鈥
The Start of a Teaching Journey:
I was inspired to become an educator later in life. My career began somewhat by accident when I was 28 years old. Teaching wasn鈥檛 part of my original plan, but once I stepped into the classroom, I realized it was exactly where I was meant to be.
My mother and abuelita had both been teachers in Cuba before coming to the United States, so in many ways, teaching runs in my blood. Once I started, I knew it was my calling鈥攖o help others learn about my language and culture, and to share the beauty and richness of my heritage with each new generation.
Career Highlight:
I was selected as Caroline County Teacher of the Year in 2022鈥23 and the Maryland Language Educator in 2023鈥24.
But for me, the real value comes from new learning experiences. Like being part of the team that put together a new bill and witnessing it being signed into law, demonstrating our ability as educators to invoke real change. And the time spent driving to state events with teachers from across Maryland during which rich conversations took place about education, the day-to-day challenges we face, and what we might do to solve them.
Also being selected as a NEA 2024 Global Learning Fellow and continuing to affirm the importance of global education in my rural school and classroom. Helping my students think globally and act locally. Showing the importance of going beyond language learning.
