Spanish Classroom | Brayan Serratos

L A N G U A G E I N S T R U C T O R

My experience in the higher education is formed by teaching coursers in Spanish and Portuguese, particularly introductory language classes at different levels.

As a future professor focusing on transnational and transoceanic connections between Europe, Asia, and the Americas, I am developing courses that unite different cultures and disciplines. By incorporating my linguistic and international experience, and my own story of overcoming not only racial barriers, but also cultural differences (sometimes within Latinx communities themselves) that are rooted in economic class barriers, I create a diverse and inclusive learning environment where undergraduates and graduates alike learn the importance of thinking broadly and making connections between apparently unrelated subject areas.

Teaching Philosophy

I draw from my own diverse perspectives to implement three strategies into my teaching philosophy:

1) I always strive to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment—students need to feel comfortable and confident when engaging with a new language.

2) I prioritize a student-centered approach, employing a flipped classroom methodology that encourages active learning.

3) I ensure that students can apply their language skills in meaningful and practical ways, in and outside the classroom.

Diversity Statement

My own cultural competency is built on an extensive range of international experiences. I lived in Mexico for 16 years, later moved to the United States, where I graduated from high school and college. During my undergraduate career, I had the opportunity to participate in many programs that allowed me to explore many countries around the world, and at some point, permitted me to live in Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Portugal, and Spain. The opportunity to experience many cultures, all very different from my own, allow me to not only identify and understand diversity, but also to recognize the importance of inclusion and equity.