Teaching Philosophy and Positionality

My name is Estefania, Andrea La Rotta, Ms Andrea. I am Colombian; I am Rola (which means from Bogota). I live in Washington DC. I am Latina. 

Over the last few years, I have been exposed to different experiences that helped me understand my own identity. During my residency program at Georgetown, I went deeper into my linguistic and cultural background. I reflected on my upbringing, my privileges while growing up,  and my interest in teaching and learning. 

I have engaged in this learning process because growing up in another country means that I need to learn about the educational system and practices in American schools. I have also learned how the acceptance of stereotypes around culture can frame minority groups in negative ways. I have seen how such ideas in the teaching community may harm. Sometimes minorities, such as multilingual learners, are set in boxes without the chance to prove their abilities and potential. Students that are portrayed in a negative light do not bloom and grow as much as their peers. All educators need to understand that we have the power to create classrooms that reinforce students’ participation by providing accurate tools depending on their conditions. 

As bilingual, I am fully aware of different struggles that newcomers and multilingual learners might face while learning and improving their English. I am working hard to create an environment that invites students to use their linguistic repertoire and embrace their language as a part of their learning process. Through conversations and participation in the lessons, I work on integrating culture and knowledge, inviting students to participate and be themselves, demonstrating that they have a voice and that voice matters. 

A strength that I can offer is how I engage with families. I know how hard it can be to fully comprehend a different culture, to navigate complex and new systems, and at the same time try to fit into a place that is alien to us or may reject us. I am creating connections with families, letting them know that I am willing to work with them and support them as much as possible. My best ally in this relationship is kindness and open communication with the families and demonstrating that I care about them and their children.

My goal is for students to see my instructional practices as an invitation to be and to celebrate themselves. My primary purpose is to support multilingual learners by addressing their needs and advocating for them and their families in a place that might not fully comprehend their needs. I know that creating a welcoming environment for multilingual learners with multicultural backgrounds will enhance students’ opportunities to engage in learning.