Dr. Ana María González teaching a TLU class in Costa Rica last summer.

 
Innovation–Latina Style
A conversation with Dr. Ana María González

Since Dr. Ana María González joined the faculty of TLU in 2003, she has added energy and excitement to the university with her innovative cultural programs, curriculum and activities. A native of Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico, she was an elementary school teacher in metropolitan Mexico City and an editor at her hometown newspaper before she began teaching at the CEPE, school of language for foreign students of the National University of Mexico (UNAM). Dr. González holds a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and she is an assistant professor of modern languages, teaching Spanish language and culture, and Mexican folk dance.

Tell us about teaching folk dance – do the students enjoy it?
I teach the folk dance class as an additional component to my regular teaching load. My students just love it! Some already have previous experience and they really want to continue, but for others it is the first time they have an opportunity to learn these dances and everybody truly enjoys them. We have performed at the local nursing homes and assisted living communities. We also perform at Coffee House on a regular basis in order to promote this type of dance among the TLU student body. The best part is for the students to feel the wonderful joy derived from the festive music and the colorful costumes. At first, they feel nervous about performing, and at the end, they are very proud of themselves.

How do you use travel and photography as part of your educational process?
As a dedicated photographer my focus has been on people in their day to day circumstances. Photography is also documentation of one of my goals in life: to visit all the Spanish speaking countries of the world. I have traveled extensively and have been to France, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, England, Canada, Cuba, Guatemala, Peru, Chile, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Costa Rica. When I travel, I always get in contact with the local people to learn about their language and culture, and I incorporate these experiences into the classroom as much as possible because I want my students to learn the language and the culture as well. I prepare special presentations in and out of class as often as possible. I would like to see the students study abroad, and I am convinced that Hispanic Heritage Month can play an important role in developing cultural awareness without having to leave town.

What is happening with the possibility of conducting TLU’s Spanish Advanced Placement Summer Institute in Mexico?
As a result of my experience as guest speaker at the AP Institute that is hosted by TLU every summer, I realized that the colonial city of Taxco, my home town, would provide an absolutely ideal environment to hold this professional development program, through the UNAM (National University of Mexico). The UNAM has a magnificent campus nestled in the mountains of Guerrero, with great facilities in a wonderful historical setting. I presented a proposal to Dr. Rosemary Dawson (director of the TLU Center for Professional Studies), and together we have been working on this project. The AP Spanish Language and Literature institutes have been approved by the College Board and they will take place for the first time in Taxco next summer. I have to say I am very happy to be able to bring these two institutions together for such an important academic endeavor.

You have diverse interests, including growing and preparing fresh and natural foods.
In Mexico we are accustomed to fresh food all the time: fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly baked bread and tortillas. I am always looking for simple, basic and fresh ingredients, because I love cooking and baking, and a good meal is the best time for everyone to get together! ♦