Ignacio Ramiro, a fourth-grade dual language immersion teacher at Canyon Crest Elementary, utilizes a coaching-inspired approach to help students overcome the fear of practicing a new language, according to a September 23 report.
Ramiro focuses on creating a safe environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, which he says is essential for learning a new language.
Ramiro's methodology has led to significant academic success. Last year, 98% of his class demonstrated proficiency on their Spanish language assessment, according to Canyon Crest Elementary Assistant Principal Christine Whatcott.
Whatcott noted that Ramiro excels at balancing high expectations with a supportive classroom environment. She also credited his success to his ability to make language accessible, such as using physical actions with words to aid instruction. This success led to Ramiro being named a Provo City School District Foundation Outstanding Educator this spring.
Beyond his own classroom, Ramiro serves as a leader for the school's dual language immersion team. When the school lacked a first-grade dual language immersion teacher, Ramiro organized other teachers to prepare lesson plans and activities for substitutes, according to Whatcott.
Colleagues noted that Ramiro builds strong relationships by greeting more than 50 students by name each morning and saying goodbye each afternoon. These efforts have helped students gain confidence and improve their skills by the end of the fourth grade.
Ramiro's path to education began in Spain. After high school, he was unsure of his career path and sought advice from his former elementary school teachers. Following their recommendation to become a physical education teacher, he began studying for that role before eventually transitioning into elementary education and Spanish instruction.
Ramiro stated that seeing the improvement and growing confidence in his students makes him happy.
