To meet the needs of native Spanish-speaking students at Flowing Wells High School in Tuscon, Spanish and Mexican American studies teacher Alberto Urquidez created a special class called "Spanish for Heritage Speakers." By getting students to explore Spanish language, literature, history and culture through skits, essays and speeches, the program fosters bilingualism while building academic competencies that transfer to other areas. Mr. Urquidez participates in the annual Student Leadership Retreat and sponsors the Spantino Club, an organization he created that engages students in activities aimed at improving the community and raising cultural awareness. He is chair of the school's Career Ladder Steering Committee, a member of the New Teacher Induction Training Team, and an instructional coordinator providing mentoring and instructional coaching for various Career Ladder participants.
1995 Northern Arizona University, B.S.
