An Interview with Kelly Morlan de Perez - English Literature

What is your position in the ASPV?

I am an English Literature Teacher.

What is your college degree?

Middle & High school English teacher, Chicago Illinois.

M.Ed. Teaching and Literature (De Paul University)

B.A. in English Literature from the University of Illinois at Chicago-UIC.

What is your experience as an English literature teacher?

I have been a substitute teacher for 5 years. For the past year and a half I have been working here at the American School as a substitute teacher and volunteering in the Writing Center. I have experience in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and various school districts in Wisconsin.

Are you certified by any association?

I am a certified High School English teacher from Chicago, Illinois. Also, I am endorsed to teach Middle School English. I earned my M.Ed. in Teaching and Literature from DePaul University in Chicago. My B.A. is in English Literature and I earned that degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).

In your experience at what age do you thing is the best time to learn languages?

I believe studies show that it is best to learn new languages in Primary School, specifically in Preschool. The earlier the better.

Do you have a special technique to teach your students English Literature?

I choose novels that I think my students will be most engaged in. The overarching theme of humanity is intriguing and one that I have incorporated into my classes. My goal is to motivate my students to enjoy reading and for them to feel more confident in their writing.

Have you ever participated in a spelling competition with your students in Chicago, talk to me about it?

No, but we did participate in Poetry Slams which were great!

In your experience as an English Literature teacher what would you recommend a student who has trouble in English?

If you are struggling in your English classes go immediately to your teacher so that they can support your needs. Do not wait to get help because if you do you will fall further behind and it will be more difficult to catch up. Your teachers are here to help you succeed!

American School Puerto Vallarta is recognized as the best school for American and Canadian students talk to me about it?

Students that graduate from the American School graduate with an American diploma and a Mexican diploma which makes them a more diversified candidate when they are applying to universities.

How does reading help a student’s mental development?

Reading creates ideas and adds richness to the reader’s life. You can educate yourself on whatever is of interest to you and in doing so you will gain more knowledge in areas that you did not even anticipate discovering.

Would you like to take the students from American School Puerto Vallarta to a spelling competition in the United States?

If students wanted to participate in a Spelling Competition I would be happy to assist and coach them.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Reading & water sports, skiing, tubing, knee-boarding.