Meet Our New English Teaching Team Members
Our local students, past and present, tell us that one of the best parts about studying at Na’atik is the exposure to teachers from all over the English-speaking world. Hearing different accents and vocabulary, as well as learning about places and cultures, helps learners become confident communicators who have a deeper understanding of the English language.
This past month our students have been getting to know this year’s team of fantastic educators, just as the teachers themselves have been getting to know Na’atik and Carrillo. While it has been a busy month, the new team members found time to sit down with us and introduce themselves to the Na’atik family.
The new teachers with program coordinator Erick and teaching intern Priscila
Kevin, English teacher
Teacher Kevin in his Na'atik classroom
Hi, I am Kevin. I am from Hebronville in Texas and am a dual US-Mexican citizen. My mom is from Nueva Leon in Mexico. I studied art at Laredo College, and then began a career in graphic design before working for a while in law enforcement and then making the move to teaching. Outside of work I am passionate about grilling and love spending the weekend cooking and sharing food with friends and family.
How long have you been teaching English & why did you want to become a teacher?
This is my first time teaching in-person classes, however I spent six months tutoring and making educational videos for some Palestinian children prior to making the move to Na’atik. This was also the inspiration for me to make the career change to teaching full-time, as I not only enjoyed the process of teaching, but also realized that I could make a difference and help improve lives through education. It also represented a way to work and live in Mexico, which is something I really wanted to do.
Why did you want to come and teach at Na’atik?
When I started reading about the school I was really drawn to the community focus that Na’atik has and also how the school brings together a diverse team working alongside local people. I am not really a big city person and I wanted to experience life in a small town while also contributing to a worthwhile mission.
What are your first impressions of life in Carrillo?
It is a very calm and tranquil place, the slower pace of life really suits a small town guy. I also love the proximity to other locations in the region, meaning I can still access things if I want to.
How have your first classes been?
I have found the classes to be fun and challenging. In many ways they are not quite what I expected. Children here are very different to in the US, and seem a lot more respectful of me as the teacher. I am still on a learning curve, but I am enjoying it.
How are you spending your free time in the town?
Mostly exploring. I have been visiting the various shops and different parts of town and just learning about how things work here. Even though it is a small town it is still possible to get a little lost at times because there are no street signs!
How have you found communicating with local people?
Because I speak Spanish it hasn’t been too hard. It has been interesting hearing local variations and slang as well as a different accent to that I am used to.
Do you have any specific goals for this year?
I want to see improvement in my students and to know that I have made a difference for them.
Nick, English teacher
Nick taught in Japan and Bulgaria prior to joining Na'atik
Hi, I am Nick from the Lake District in the North West of England. I studied film at university before teaching English in Japan for two and half years. I then returned to education to study a masters in linguistics with a focus in endangered languages, including Cornish, a Celtic language from the South West of England. Since then I have taught in Bulgaria and also undertaken an internship working on the preservation of the Indian Asam Sora language.
How long have you been teaching English & why did you want to become a teacher?
In total I have been teaching for about 4 years with a gap in the middle for study and my internship. I was drawn to teaching by the way it allows me to travel and learn from other cultures while also sharing my own experiences and knowledge.
Why did you want to come and teach at Na’atik?
There were a few factors. I knew I wanted to teach and live in a Spanish speaking country, and I was also drawn to Na’atik’s involvement in the preservation and promotion of the Yucatec Maya language. Na’atik being a nonprofit school was also very appealing, as I have often felt that other schools are focused more on making profit rather than the experience of the students. Here I feel the school allows me to teach for the right reasons.
What are your first impressions of life in Carrillo?
It's very relaxed and chilled out here. It is a little bigger and busier than expected, but I like the way things are not rushed.
How have your first classes been?
They have gone really well. I am getting to know my students and their learning needs. Students here are often starting from a lower level than in Europe or Japan, which makes it a little more challenging, but the enthusiasm to learn among all age groups makes up for that.
How are you spending your free time in the town?
I have been busy exploring and trying local food in the restaurants and taquerías. It is also easy to be active whether that is swimming or playing basketball with the team. Plus I have found lots of time for relaxing and catching up on my reading.
How have you found communicating with local people?
It has been easier than expected when I have been making simple requests. I am still working on my Spanish, but I have been able to get by so far. The locals are always friendly and want to talk, which is certainly helping.
Do you have any specific goals for this year?
Improving my Spanish to a conversational level is a big goal for me. Within my role I would like to help build a team that works together to improve and develop as educators.
Cathy, Young Learners English teacher
Cathy visited Na'atik as an immersion student before joining the team for this year.
Hi, I am Cathy. I am originally from New York but have lived in San Francisco, California for most of my life. I am a retired kindergarten teacher and am really looking forward to exploring the cultural and natural resources that this part of the world is so rich in.
How long have you been teaching English & why did you want to become a teacher?
I was a kindergarten teacher for 25 years. I came across teaching during my time at college, where I was studying biology. I started volunteering in a local school and found that teaching really was my passion. I retrained after graduating, studying child development and elementary education before making the move into the classroom.
Why did you want to come and teach at Na’atik?
I came to Na’atik as an immersion student back in February, and I had a really great time both in the school and the local community. I really love the peninsula and I just felt that the atmosphere in the school was a really nice fit for me. I asked Catherine to let me know if a position for a teacher with young learner experience came up, and I was very excited when the school got in touch.
What are your first impressions of life in Carrillo?
As I had been here before I had a good idea what to expect, but living here is a little different to visiting. I am enjoying the slower pace of life which is a big change after living in such large cities.
How have your first classes been?
They have been good. It has been a while since I worked with children this young, and I have had to adapt a little bit to overcome the shorter attention spans during 90 minute classes.
How are you spending your free time in the town?
I have been doing a lot of walking and visiting the market as well as venturing a bit out of town. I also enjoyed seeing the grito and all of the cultural celebrations around Independence Day. I have also been able to read a lot.
How have you found communicating with local people?
My Spanish is about intermediate level, so while I have some challenges, I have been able to communicate in most cases. People are always happy to help me, and I keep improving.
Do you have any specific goals for this year?
Improving my Spanish even further while immersing myself in the local culture. I also want to visit some Maya historical sites, and revisit a few of my favorites. I am really interested in the Mayan civilization and all of their accomplishments, so I am excited to spend more time there.
Sophia, Library Activities Coordinator
Sophia brings her passion for fun and interactive learning to the always-popular Na'atik library
Hi, I am Sophia and I am from Papua New Guinea, but I grew up in Australia. I have been living in France for the last 6 years as it has been my base for working abroad in a few different countries including Greece, Czechia and Guadeloupe. My background is in a mixture of teaching, art and social movement advocacy. I have a deep interest in alternative living models, and how those are represented. In the classroom I am a big advocate of interactive and fun education, and believe that as we enjoy the process of learning we learn better.
How long have you been teaching English & why did you want to become a teacher?
I have been teaching for a few years now. There were many reasons for choosing to teach. The opportunity to travel and experience while also contributing to communities in a valuable and enjoyable way was a big part of it. I just find teaching fun and I always feel like I learn as much from my students as they do from me.
Why did you want to come and be part of the team at Na’atik?
I was really drawn to the Maya language, culture and community connection. For me the politics of teaching English in other cultures is complicated, and working in a place that is aware of that and that works with Indigenous people was really appealing.
What are your first impressions of life in Carrillo?
It's hot! I know that sounds obvious, but it has been my first answer anytime anyone asks how I am finding things here. I have though enjoyed seeing the community up close and getting to know how everything works here.
How are you spending your free time in the town?
I have been walking around a lot, exploring and taking photographs. I really enjoyed seeing the Independence Day celebrations and all the fireworks.
How have you found communicating with local people?
I am still learning Spanish, but I still have had lots of conversations with the people living near me. They always want to introduce their relatives or invite me to talk with them.
Do you have any specific goals for this year?
Mostly to learn Spanish.I would also like to learn some Maya, although I know that will be a challenge. I also want to build connections with the students and people here. I would like to feel that I have encouraged people to learn, to read and to question. I really think a love of reading opens up a huge world of ideas and perspectives.
A big welcome to everyone, we are delighted to have you all on the team, and excited to see all the great work you will be doing with your students this year.
To read more about our local education program, and how immersion experiences, online classes and donations help us to give local students access to opportunities that will help them create their own futures, check out our Impact page. The Na’atik Library and Intercultural Activities Hub is funded 100% through generous donations. We also have an Amazon Wishlist for supporters in Mexico and the US, with a list of books, games and educational resources which our students would love to have access to.
The opportunity to interact with our local students during events like this is a fantastic addition to our MaS language immersion program, which already offers unparalleled cultural and linguistic immersion. To inquire about reserving your immersion experience and making this the year you master Spanish or Yucatec Maya, contact the team on MaS@naatikmexico.org.