Spanish, Grades 5-8
Maria Schnecke, with Da Vinci since 2006
Contact:
Phone: 847-841-7532 ext 231
Email: mschnecke@dvacademy.org
The best way to contact me is via e-mail and I will respond to
you within one school day. I also check my voicemail
periodically during the day. I am available before school from
8:00-8:30 AM (except on Thursdays) or by appointment.
Degrees Held:
M.Ed., National Louis University
MBA, Keller Graduate School of Management
BBA, Georgia State University
Graduate of Colegio Americano de Guayaquil in Ecuador
Other Education Training & Experience:
- Foreign Language Department Chairperson at Summit Academy in
Elgin. Developed the curriculum for the programs in Spanish,
French, and Japanese. Served on the Advisory Board and the
Curriculum Committee, and mentored fellow foreign langauge
teachers.
- Taught college courses at the Universidad Laica Vicente
Rocafuerte in Ecuador
- Recognized as Who's Who Among America's Teachers
- Member of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and
Portuguese (AATSP)
- Ongoing professional development in enhancing instruction,
differentiated instruction, and using technology in the
classroom
My Philosophy:
As an advocate of foreign languages, I strive to convey to the
students the fun, excitement, and usefulness of speaking Spanish. I
want my students to be able to communicate and interact in natural
settings, so I present my lessons using authentic materials and
situations, as well as bringing cultural awareness.
Curriculum:
Please read the curriculum overview by grade level for a full
description of my program.
The Spanish program in focuses on five areas: listening,
speaking, reading, writing, and the study of the Spanish and Latin
American cultures. The Spanish department at
Da Vinci models the Sequential FLES program used in
accelerated foreign language programs, which promotes a
well-rounded approach to learning while integrating other subject
areas. I enjoy using this model because it works well with Da
Vinci students. It also gives me the opportunity to teach
other subjects, which I enjoy, as I am not only a Spanish
teacher, but a K-8 teacher.
5th Grade
Concentrate on oral skills, and reading comprehension using short
stories & children's literature books, while learning new
vocabulary and grammar structure
6th Grade
Focus on writing, grammar, and spelling through expository pieces.
Practice conversation through oral discussions and presentations
using present and past tense.
7th & 8th Grade
Focus on conversation, fluency, reading short books and writing
skits and reports. Students participate in the National Spanish
Exam (NSE) each spring and compete with other middle schools and
high schools.
I also enjoy bringing opportunities for outside activities and
contests that allow my students to show their ability and
proficiency in Spanish. Da Vinci students have consistently
placed highly in the National Spanish Exam. Many of my
students have performed well in other contests, as well as
gaining advanced placement in high school.
What I like best about working at Da Vinci is the opportunity
to teach a second language to enthusiastic students, offer them
challenging activities, and help them reach their potential.