MCC Spanish students learn firsthand experience from teacher

MCC Spanish students learn firsthand experience from teacher

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central Schools in partnership with Mason County Press. 

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central High School Spanish students have a unique opportunity. Their teacher, Ana Quinteros, speaks Spanish as her primary language. Born and raised in El Salvador, Quinteros moved to the United States seven years ago and now resides in Mason County. She began her local teaching career at Ludington Area Catholic School and began teaching at MCC in 2021. 

Quinteros said she wants the students to learn the diversity of the cultures that speak Spanish. Recently, both sections of the MCC High School Spanish II classes have been learning about Mexican folk artist Frida Kahlo. Kahlo was born in Mexico City in 1907 and died there in 1954 at the age of 47. A member of the Mexican Communist Party, Kahlo embraced politics and art. She developed her artistic style, drawing her main inspiration from Mexican folk culture and painted mostly small self-portraits that mixed elements from pre-Columbian and Catholic beliefs.

The students were assigned to make art, on their computers, inspired by Kahlo. Quinteros said Mexico is a very colorful place and Kahlo’s art exemplifies the type of art that is common throughout the country. 

Quinteros said she enjoys teaching students about her culture and other Spanish-speaking cultures. She said it’s important that students learn that not all Spanish-speaking cultures are the same. Where she comes from, El Salvador, for example, is much different from Mexico. 

“Ms. Quinteros offers a very unique opportunity to our students,” MCC High School Principal Jeff Tuka said. “I believe she is the only native-speaking Spanish teacher in this area, which means that she has first-hand experience of growing up in the cultures that she teaches. This brings a whole other level to the classroom and we feel very fortunate to have her here.” 

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