For Carol Radchik—Middle School Spanish teacher and Grade 7 advisor—the best part of her job is helping her students find joy and confidence in communicating in Spanish. Carol knows learning a different language isn’t easy and the only way to gain confidence is to make mistakes.
“My main rule is please make mistakes,” says Carol. “That’s how you learn a new language. I believe if you are passionate about something you will keep trying to get better at it.”
Carol came to Parker in 2014, bringing with her more than 15 years of teaching Spanish. Originally from Mexico City, Carol loves sharing the diversity and richness of her culture.
“I love sharing with my students the Spanish sense of humor, the art, the literature, the music, and all cultural aspects,” says Carol. “This expands their worldview and helps them become more empathetic and understanding, and hopefully inspire them to keep learning.”
“Teaching is more than transmitting knowledge,” she continues. “It is about inspiring students to discover their potential and building on the skills they have learned in the classroom.”
Carol believes the best way her students can really acquire a new language is to travel, which is why she chaperones the Grade 8 Discovery Week trip to Costa Rica.
“Teaching is more than transmitting knowledge. It is about inspiring students to discover their potential and building on the skills they have learned in the classroom.”
“I love to travel. You learn so much more about a culture when you are there,” she says. “It is so exciting to see my students realize they can communicate in Spanish. I love to hear at the end of the trip they don’t want to leave. I know the spirit of the country has infused them.”
In the classroom, Carol prepares her students for this kind of experiential learning.
“My goal as a teacher is to provide my students with the tools they need to feel confident and set them on their way to the Spanish-speaking world where many doors can open for them.”
