Hi! My name is Velma Sandoval and this is my sixth year to teach a bilingual first grade classroom. I have taught grades K-12 and this is my favorite grade. I come from a similar background to these Spanish-speaking children and I can identify with them. I really like the fact that I can communicate in Spanish with the students and parents and they feel free to communicate with me about their concerns. I have found the parents very willing to help and support their child's education. Their children's education becomes very important to them when they feel they are a part of it.
I teach regular classroom material like any other teacher but I use Spanish when needed to clarify or explain things. I have high expectations of my students. I expect them to do as well or better than other students. I'm very excited to be a part of their education and I gladly give them that boost they need as Spanish-speakers that I never got. I don't think speaking Spanish should hold them back, but instead it should be an advantage. I began school as a non-English speaker, but graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tarelton State University. I look forward to wonderful things from my students!!