L.I.S.T.O. - Language Institute
for Sustainability and Transformative Education
Vision
LISTO is a national model for training teachers to further develop cultural competencies and understand and engage English Language Learning students.
Purpose
The purpose of LISTO for Teachers is to expose teachers to traditional cultures of Mexico to discover the cultural richness of the Spanish-speaking peoples of this hemisphere while engaging in effective second language pedagogy.
Mission
The Mission of LISTO is to bring teachers together in a language and cultural immersion program in Oaxaca, Mexico, to promote cultural understanding and build bridges with students upon their return to the United States.
Values
The values of LISTO for Teachers are openness and understanding, a love of the natural world and of communities that live in balance with that world.
LISTO is a national model for training teachers to further develop cultural competencies and understand and engage English Language Learning students.
Purpose
The purpose of LISTO for Teachers is to expose teachers to traditional cultures of Mexico to discover the cultural richness of the Spanish-speaking peoples of this hemisphere while engaging in effective second language pedagogy.
Mission
The Mission of LISTO is to bring teachers together in a language and cultural immersion program in Oaxaca, Mexico, to promote cultural understanding and build bridges with students upon their return to the United States.
Values
The values of LISTO for Teachers are openness and understanding, a love of the natural world and of communities that live in balance with that world.
LISTO for Teachers
TESOL & Spanish Language Institute in Oaxaca, Mexico
a unique program for pre-k to 12th grade educators interested in earning TESOL certification and Bilingual Spanish endorsement
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"Language and cultural immersion is not the best way to learn a new language - it’s the only way."
Michele Franklin-Hill – El Dorado Community School - Santa Fe, NM Teachers have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the ancient and magical city of Oaxaca, while taking coursework and earning credits through Santa Fe Community College. In this Institute, teachers engaged in high-quality second-language pedagogy, intensive language training, and rich artistic, cultural traditions found in Oaxaca. Teachers meet for instruction Monday through Friday, with weekend excursions. There are homestay or independent apartment housing options. The program is designed to support the application of theory and methodology through experiential learning in a culturally rich environment Teachers who embrace the journey of the LISTO Oaxaca program not only improve their ability to develop content and increase their level of Spanish, but they also experience a glimpse of the culture shock and challenges that our students face when they enroll in school in the USA. LISTO revitalizes teachers, and instills a greater passion and empathy in those who work with English Language Learners. This program helps create a common ground between new immigrants and teachers.
Thanks to partnership with Santa Fe Community College. Teachers earn a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Certificate in as few as two semesters through online courses, coupled with professional language and cultural immersion through LISTO (Language Institute for Sustainability and Transformative Education) summer intensive classes in Oaxaca, Mexico, Spanish immersion program helps prepare forLa Prueba, the Spanish proficiency test, required for earning the Bilingual Certificate in New Mexico. TESOL Certificate Requirements
Three easy steps to better teaching and potentially higher pay
STEPS to Completing TESOL Endorsement
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"Oaxaca is magical, in every single way, and a wonderful place to immerse oneself in Spanish."
Laura Aguayo - Capital High School - Spanish Language for Native Speakers - Santa Fe, NM
Laura Aguayo - Capital High School - Spanish Language for Native Speakers - Santa Fe, NM
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"I've taken Spanish language lessons before,
but never in my life did I learn so much Spanish so fast,
all while immersed in a living, beautiful culture which I was unfamiliar with before"
Gina Leeds - Monte del Sol Charter School - Special Education Teacher - Santa Fe, NM
but never in my life did I learn so much Spanish so fast,
all while immersed in a living, beautiful culture which I was unfamiliar with before"
Gina Leeds - Monte del Sol Charter School - Special Education Teacher - Santa Fe, NM
Lead Educators
Dawn Wink is an educator and writer whose work explores the tensions and beauty of language, culture, and place. Wink studied International Relations, Spanish, and German at the University of California/Davis and received her Master’s in Cross-cultural Leadership from California State University/Sacramento. Wink received her TESOL certificate at the School of International Training Graduate Institute and serves as Director and Associate Professor of the Department of Teacher Education at Santa Fe Community College. Wink is author of Teaching Passionately, Meadowlark, “Raven’s Time: Critical Literacy in the American Southwest,” “Wild Waters: Landscapes of Language,” and lives with her family in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Santa Fe Community College, Department of Teacher Education Dawn Wink, Director [email protected] (505) 428-1347 Photo Journal of Oaxaca by Dawn Wink dawnwink.wordpress.com/2016/08/07/photo-journal-of-oaxaca |
Randy Grillo has 20 years of language teaching experience in the United States and Mexico. Randy holds a B.A. in Romance Languages and Literature from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Education from Western Washington University. Randy is a National Board Certified Teacher in World Languages Other Than English. He teaches at Monte del Sol Charter School and in the Santa Fe Community College Alternative Licensure Program in Santa Fe, NM. He has been a tireless proponent for Bilingualism and Multicultural Education, and seeks to bridge cultures within the classroom and the community.
Blog by Rhonda Martinez, Science Teacher at Monte del Sol Charter School in Santa Fe, NM
rhondainoaxaca.com/ |
Honoring the LISTO Community of Support:
Santa Fe Community College, Community Learning Network Monte del Sol Charter School, LANL Foundation
Santa Fe Community Foundation, The Brindle Foundation, Partners in Education
Santa Fe Innovation Park. Center for Social Sustainable Systems , The Masters Program
Grace and James Ronhovde, Ellen and Paul Biderman
Monte del Sol Foundation, The Santa Fe Farmer's Market
Bethany Muller, Colleen Pfeifer
Gina Leeds and Leslie Schenk and so many more...
PLUS, Robert Jessen, Dawn Wink, Randy Grillo, and Jennifer Nevarez
Santa Fe Community College, Community Learning Network Monte del Sol Charter School, LANL Foundation
Santa Fe Community Foundation, The Brindle Foundation, Partners in Education
Santa Fe Innovation Park. Center for Social Sustainable Systems , The Masters Program
Grace and James Ronhovde, Ellen and Paul Biderman
Monte del Sol Foundation, The Santa Fe Farmer's Market
Bethany Muller, Colleen Pfeifer
Gina Leeds and Leslie Schenk and so many more...
PLUS, Robert Jessen, Dawn Wink, Randy Grillo, and Jennifer Nevarez
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In memorial and honor of
Cara Esquibel, an exceptional educator who heart-fully founded and passionately stewarded the original LISTO project Cara Esquivel taught Spanish Language Arts and Native American Literature at Monte del Sol Charter School. She had a Master’s Degree from the University of New Mexico and a BA from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and participated in the Middlebury College Breadloaf summer writing program. Cara was originally from Chicago, was a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica from 1992 to 1994 and taught Bilingual Education and English at Bernalillo High School and with Albuquerque Public Schools before joining Monte del Sol in 2001. Cara served on the City of Santa Fe’s Immigration Committee since 2011. She has led student trips to Oaxaca, Merida, Yucatan and Costa Rica since 2002 and developed semester abroad programs and summer immersion programs in both Oaxaca and Costa Rica. She was an extraordinary educator, mother, friend, and community leader. She touched the lives of so many and made the world a better place. Her loss is a great one for our community and for all who were blessed to know her.
Article in the Santa Fe New Mexican Newspaper |
"What we have done
for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." Albert Pike |
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2016: Oaxaca, Mexico - July 1-31, 2016
2017: Oaxaca, Mexico - Tuesday, July 4 - Friday, July, 21, 2017
Please review the links below for specific travel details
CDC Health Information to Travelers to Mexico
The Travel Safety of Oaxaca, Mexico (USA Today)
Learn more about Oaxaca
36 Hours: Oaxaca Mexico NY Times
Mexico Desconocido
Travel
It’s relatively easy to travel into the small airport in Oaxaca. There are many direct flights into Oaxaca — such as United’s direct flight from Houston. Usually, however, itineraries will have you making a connection in Mexico City. A travel agent may be the best person to help you, as they still have access to low rates. But you can also shop around on line for economical air tickets. Flying out of Juarez, just across the border from El Paso, is significantly cheaper.
www.interjet.com/en-us
www.volaris.com/
www.vivaaerobus.com
2017: Oaxaca, Mexico - Tuesday, July 4 - Friday, July, 21, 2017
Please review the links below for specific travel details
CDC Health Information to Travelers to Mexico
The Travel Safety of Oaxaca, Mexico (USA Today)
Learn more about Oaxaca
36 Hours: Oaxaca Mexico NY Times
Mexico Desconocido
Travel
It’s relatively easy to travel into the small airport in Oaxaca. There are many direct flights into Oaxaca — such as United’s direct flight from Houston. Usually, however, itineraries will have you making a connection in Mexico City. A travel agent may be the best person to help you, as they still have access to low rates. But you can also shop around on line for economical air tickets. Flying out of Juarez, just across the border from El Paso, is significantly cheaper.
www.interjet.com/en-us
www.volaris.com/
www.vivaaerobus.com
F.A.Q.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we suggest you sign up for a plan that meets your needs. There are a variety of choices on the market. Please let us know if you have specific questions.
What if I don’t speak any Spanish?
We have beginning and intermediate classes, so you will be placed accordingly.
What if I’m fluent in Spanish?
If you are fluent in Spanish your language courses will focus more on literacy and literature.
If I choose a homestay family, who will I stay with?
During the homestays you will stay with a carefully selected family in Oaxaca, and will receive all contact information prior to your departure.
Is Oaxaca safe?
Oaxaca, Huatulco and Puerto Escondido are major cities/travel destinations in Oaxaca. No advisory is in effect by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Yes, we suggest you sign up for a plan that meets your needs. There are a variety of choices on the market. Please let us know if you have specific questions.
What if I don’t speak any Spanish?
We have beginning and intermediate classes, so you will be placed accordingly.
What if I’m fluent in Spanish?
If you are fluent in Spanish your language courses will focus more on literacy and literature.
If I choose a homestay family, who will I stay with?
During the homestays you will stay with a carefully selected family in Oaxaca, and will receive all contact information prior to your departure.
Is Oaxaca safe?
Oaxaca, Huatulco and Puerto Escondido are major cities/travel destinations in Oaxaca. No advisory is in effect by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs.
LISTO Blog Posts by Randy GrilloCountdown to Oaxaca
6/24/2017 After many hours recruiting participants, meeting with potential sponsors, holding meetings, communicating with people in Mexico, we are on the final countdown! We have 14 participants this year, five more than last! There are early childhood specialists, secondary education teachers, administrators, support personnel, artists and even a retired attorney! I will fly out on Friday and so I'm putting the finishing touches on program planning, packing for warm, humid weather, and making sure all the logistics on this end are taken care of. Our four year old son last night said, "I can't wait to have licuados!" Here's a shot of him last year doing exactly that one morning. |
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Giving a Shout-Out to one of our Sponsors
6/28/2017 Santa Fe Partners in Education is an organization that helps teachers in many ways. They reimburse tuition for teachers who continue their education, they give teacher grants for teachers that have innovative projects but no way of funding them, they pay for school busses for field trips, and they honor a number of Teachers Who Inspire every spring. I approached Santa Fe Partners in Education in late January about the possibility of them providing a sponsorship for the LISTO Program, and they were very happy to meet. Ruthanne Greeley, the Executive Director of Santa Fe Partners in Education, and I sat down over coffee one day during my prep period and she was excited to be able to provide a $1000 tuition assistance so that the LISTO Program could continue. Here it is, almost six months later, and I leave for Mexico tomorrow! The fourteen educators who signed up for LISTO will be soon to follow. Thank you Santa Fe Partners in Education for helping us get there! |
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Crossing Over
6/29/2017
Even though Ciudad Juarez is just a few hundred yards from El Paso, it is unmistakably in another country. There is a wall, for one thing. This part reads "We are not illegals, we are workers, we are not criminals."
Also, the supermarkets have aisles full of boxes of milk. And, finally, Noah's grandparents live just a few blocks from an amusement park, and he feels right at home there conducting business!
6/29/2017
Even though Ciudad Juarez is just a few hundred yards from El Paso, it is unmistakably in another country. There is a wall, for one thing. This part reads "We are not illegals, we are workers, we are not criminals."
Also, the supermarkets have aisles full of boxes of milk. And, finally, Noah's grandparents live just a few blocks from an amusement park, and he feels right at home there conducting business!
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Children, and the Brindle Foundation
6/30/2017 The Brindle Foundation is a small foundation that began in 2002. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Brindle Foundation does a great deal to support Early Childhood. Part of their support has been to aid Early Childhood educators receive good education. Here are some facts. A level I teacher in New Mexico begins at $34,000 or $36,000 a year. According to Early Childhood Teacher, the average kindergarten teacher in New Mexico earns $48,540 a year, while an average Early Childhood teacher earns $26,590. So, asking a teacher to invest 10% of his or her income for continuing education is a difficult task. The Brindle Foundation gratefully offered to sponsor a number of Early Childhood and Pre-K teachers for the second year in a row, making it possible for them to receive excellent continuing education with us in Oaxaca. Thank you, Brindle Foundation! |
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Logistics
7/1/2017 One thing about the United States, we feel really secure if we have everything planned out. I have spent months trying to figure out logistics and communicate them to the people at the Ollin Tlahtoalli where our classes will take place. I arrived this morning for a meeting to finalize plans, and over the course of the next two hours, the entire calendar changed. At first, I felt a certain resistance inside to everything that I had meticulously put together over the last months. But it soon began to feel good to be able to sit down with another person and collaborate in the same physical space. That real time collaboration is something that is sorely missing in the United States. In education circles, we typically lock ourselves in our classrooms and we try not to even interact with the teachers that have differing ideas. In business, sometimes Skype conversations help. But there is nothing like face to face dialogue where both parties just want the best for everyone. And in Mexico, there are hundreds of face to face interactions every day. I like that about this place. |
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Getting Started
7/3/2017 Dawn Wink, head of the Teacher Licensure Program at Santa Fe Community College, arrived today. We had lunch and excitedly talked about the coming weeks. We both feel that this year could be a very special year. The energy of the group is great, the space that we will be using for classes is inviting, and we have an intriguing internship that we have created. More to come on that in the next days. |
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The Difference of a Day
7/4/2017 Today was day one of the 2017 LISTO Program. Where yesterday I met in an empty Ollin Tlahtoalli, today it was filled with teachers. The owner of Ollin gave an orientation to his school, speaking about how sometimes identities are placed on us, and at other times we choose them. For example, an indigenous child may not choose to identify herself with the community she was born into, while another may strive to recapture his roots. And both are okay. Ollin Tlahtoalli, two Nahuatl words, mean language in motion, and we were in motion today. From the school, through the markets, through churches and finally to a fantastic midday meal. At the risk of being redundant, I'm posting yesterday's picture, 24 hours later. What a difference one day can make! |
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Changing the World One Mind at a Time
7/5/2017 We talk a lot about wrap around services in education. Those are things like after school programs, free and reduced lunches, breakfasts at school, and parent academies. Today we visited the Centro Comunitario Canica, a non-profit organization that provides wrap around services to children in Oaxaca City from ages 3 - 18. The majority of these children are products of dangerous living situations or where there are 7 or more living in one house. 50% of the kids work, and 49% of those accompany their parents to work. The children's parents mostly work at stop lights washing windshields, or work in the Central de Abastos - the major distribution center of the region. To participate in CANICA, parents must make a commitment to attend parent meetings as well as the students to attend school. CANICA began because two people were eating dinner in an upscale restaurant here in Oaxaca. Two children came in selling something and one, a little girl, got a bloody nose. One of the diners tried to take her to the bathroom and the restaurant workers would not let her go. The two people were so upset about the level of poverty and lack of services, that they began CANICA. That was in 1992. We have six more sessions scheduled at CANICA. I think that we will all leave changed. Photo courtesy of Angelia Moore, LISTO 2017 |
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CANICA - Conociendo A Los Niños
7/6/2017
We spent two hours at CANICA today and a lot of people jumped in like fish in water. It was a day to say hello to students, to observe lessons, and for some, to begin to work with a grade level teacher at CANICA and begin to plan a lesson. At the end of the day, we learned that CANICA teachers have a staff meeting on Monday and our teachers should be ready to help in the classroom! Time for everyone to get some lesson plans ready!
7/6/2017
We spent two hours at CANICA today and a lot of people jumped in like fish in water. It was a day to say hello to students, to observe lessons, and for some, to begin to work with a grade level teacher at CANICA and begin to plan a lesson. At the end of the day, we learned that CANICA teachers have a staff meeting on Monday and our teachers should be ready to help in the classroom! Time for everyone to get some lesson plans ready!
Monte Albán and More
7/7/2017
Today, we visited Monte Albán. We had an excellent guide, who is the contracted guide for National Geographic Oaxaca. The first time I visited Monte Albán, I had just turned 22 years old. Now, at age 44, I've been there a few times. But, this beautiful, misty day, was special.
Tonight, we stumbled upon another Calenda, the street parades that lead up to Guelaguetza. It started raining just as the Calenda began, but no-one's spirits were dampened.
7/7/2017
Today, we visited Monte Albán. We had an excellent guide, who is the contracted guide for National Geographic Oaxaca. The first time I visited Monte Albán, I had just turned 22 years old. Now, at age 44, I've been there a few times. But, this beautiful, misty day, was special.
Tonight, we stumbled upon another Calenda, the street parades that lead up to Guelaguetza. It started raining just as the Calenda began, but no-one's spirits were dampened.
A Not So Free Day
7/8/2017
Three lessons today: First, not all ATM cards in the USA are created equal. Most will work internationally, but the one that we are using for our trip will not. It took most of the day for it to arrive, but I was able to arrange a transfer to the nearest Elektra, a hardware, housewares, and furniture store complete with a bank. On the walk there, I passed the headquarters for the teachers' union. When I told the man who was selling pirated books that I was a teacher in the USA, he treated me with a lot of respect and said, "Please visit us again, maestro." This mural is painted across the street.
Second, some children work to learn responsibility, others because their parents are working. In the late afternoon, we took a taxi about ten miles out of town to see El Tule, the gigantic Montezuma Cypress tree that is estimated to be around 1,600 years old. I liked the 'niña guía', Leidy Adriana, who so willingly showed us all the shapes within the tree for a tip. Her mom sat on the bench behind us. Her mom kept coaxing her to speak up, and to have self confidence. We finally made it around the whole tree, and Leidy Adriana earned her tip.
Finally, I liked this sign. No matter how far we grow, our roots still say the same. We need to know where we came from, and always remember that even as we expand and extend across the miles and years.
7/8/2017
Three lessons today: First, not all ATM cards in the USA are created equal. Most will work internationally, but the one that we are using for our trip will not. It took most of the day for it to arrive, but I was able to arrange a transfer to the nearest Elektra, a hardware, housewares, and furniture store complete with a bank. On the walk there, I passed the headquarters for the teachers' union. When I told the man who was selling pirated books that I was a teacher in the USA, he treated me with a lot of respect and said, "Please visit us again, maestro." This mural is painted across the street.
Second, some children work to learn responsibility, others because their parents are working. In the late afternoon, we took a taxi about ten miles out of town to see El Tule, the gigantic Montezuma Cypress tree that is estimated to be around 1,600 years old. I liked the 'niña guía', Leidy Adriana, who so willingly showed us all the shapes within the tree for a tip. Her mom sat on the bench behind us. Her mom kept coaxing her to speak up, and to have self confidence. We finally made it around the whole tree, and Leidy Adriana earned her tip.
Finally, I liked this sign. No matter how far we grow, our roots still say the same. We need to know where we came from, and always remember that even as we expand and extend across the miles and years.
Taking Risks
7/9/2017
Today we traveled to San Marcos Tlapazola, an isolated Zapotec town about 90 minutes out of Oaxaca. We visited the women's cooperative of Barro Rojo there and Macrina Mateo Martinezand Alberta Mateo gave us a demonstration of how they use techniques that are have been passed down for generations to create pots from red clay. In heavily accented Spanish, and while occasionally turning to speak to her family in Zapotec, Macrina told the story of how she watched her grandparents and parents live in poverty and she began to wonder how she could not be so poor. So, at age sixteen, she was the first woman to leave her village as an artist. She left Tlapazola and traveled to Guadalajara to speak with and work with other artists. Her parents did not approve of this, but she had a brother that supported her. Years have passed, and now Macrina has visited the Santa Fe Folk Art Market twice, has traveled throughout the United States, and Alberta has had two pieces exhibited in the MOMA in New York City. Macrina Mateo Martinez is a testament to the power of dreams, of taking risks, and of healthy rebellion.
7/9/2017
Today we traveled to San Marcos Tlapazola, an isolated Zapotec town about 90 minutes out of Oaxaca. We visited the women's cooperative of Barro Rojo there and Macrina Mateo Martinezand Alberta Mateo gave us a demonstration of how they use techniques that are have been passed down for generations to create pots from red clay. In heavily accented Spanish, and while occasionally turning to speak to her family in Zapotec, Macrina told the story of how she watched her grandparents and parents live in poverty and she began to wonder how she could not be so poor. So, at age sixteen, she was the first woman to leave her village as an artist. She left Tlapazola and traveled to Guadalajara to speak with and work with other artists. Her parents did not approve of this, but she had a brother that supported her. Years have passed, and now Macrina has visited the Santa Fe Folk Art Market twice, has traveled throughout the United States, and Alberta has had two pieces exhibited in the MOMA in New York City. Macrina Mateo Martinez is a testament to the power of dreams, of taking risks, and of healthy rebellion.
Kids Are Kids, and That is a Good Thing
7/10/2017
Today at CANICA, the regular staff had a meeting while we were there. That gave us three classrooms full of kids! Seven teachers came prepared to give a lesson on emotions to the different grade levels: Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary. I was the rover, coming into different classrooms and watching, and then moving on. Two things struck me. First, the teachers that we have brought down are very courageous with their willingness to step into another classroom. There were flutes, visuals, games, and lots of reading. The other lesson from today was from the students. These are kids whose clothes have holes in them, many of them are not bathed, and even one adolescent's socks did not match. Could you imagine going through a day of high school with mismatched socks?
But, these kids had very good spelling. They took care in their work. And, they took care of each other. In a country where most kids so low on the socio-economic scale are left out of school, these kids are in. And they appreciate it. If they don't show that they are grateful, if they don't show respect for their teachers, if they don't do what they are expected to do, they are out. And there are literally thousands waiting to take their place. My heart went out to these children, thinking that the bond they form amongst themselves and with their teacher is the bond that will carry them forward through disappointment, discrimination, and heartache.
When I left, I asked myself, how many names did I carry with me? Not many. And what is more valuable than one's name?
7/10/2017
Today at CANICA, the regular staff had a meeting while we were there. That gave us three classrooms full of kids! Seven teachers came prepared to give a lesson on emotions to the different grade levels: Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary. I was the rover, coming into different classrooms and watching, and then moving on. Two things struck me. First, the teachers that we have brought down are very courageous with their willingness to step into another classroom. There were flutes, visuals, games, and lots of reading. The other lesson from today was from the students. These are kids whose clothes have holes in them, many of them are not bathed, and even one adolescent's socks did not match. Could you imagine going through a day of high school with mismatched socks?
But, these kids had very good spelling. They took care in their work. And, they took care of each other. In a country where most kids so low on the socio-economic scale are left out of school, these kids are in. And they appreciate it. If they don't show that they are grateful, if they don't show respect for their teachers, if they don't do what they are expected to do, they are out. And there are literally thousands waiting to take their place. My heart went out to these children, thinking that the bond they form amongst themselves and with their teacher is the bond that will carry them forward through disappointment, discrimination, and heartache.
When I left, I asked myself, how many names did I carry with me? Not many. And what is more valuable than one's name?
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And Now, A Word From A Sponsor
7/11/2017 The LANL Foundation has supported LISTO heartily. In the first year that LISTO worked to bring teachers to Oaxaca, the LANL Foundation supported LISTO. Our first cohort took place during July 2016 and we had 9 teachers spend four weeks here in Oaxaca. Last November, the LISTO steering committee got together to plan this summer's trip. We decided to shorten the days in Oaxaca to try and attract teachers with different ties at home, I became the coordinator of the trip, and I quickly learned to ask foundations for monetary aid in helping teachers get to Oaxaca. LANL Foundation was helpful in directing me how to correctly write a grant proposal, and they awarded LISTO with a $1500 Community Grant. Thank you for supporting our teachers! |
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Market Day in Etla
7/12/2017
Wednesday is market day in San Agustin, Etla, a village in an agricultural valley about 15 miles north of Oaxaca. We arrived before ten and had a couple hours leisurely strolling the stalls. I sampled smoked fish, was offered rat poison (mataratas) multiple times, and many of us headed to the food section for a mid morning breakfast. I passed up the visceras stand for a barbacoa, slow cooked lamb in broth. It was delicious!
On our way out, I stopped and mentioned to this woman that her dolls were pretty scary. She laughed and said, "Yes, they are the nephews of Chucky!" What a great sense of humor!
From the market, we headed up into the mountains to the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín. C.A.S.A. was founded by the Mexican painter, Francisco Toledo in 2006 in a building that had been an abandoned textile factory. We watched a demonstration on the process of taking plants and making paper, then spent an hour in the calm beauty of the C.A.S.A. It was a great day.
7/12/2017
Wednesday is market day in San Agustin, Etla, a village in an agricultural valley about 15 miles north of Oaxaca. We arrived before ten and had a couple hours leisurely strolling the stalls. I sampled smoked fish, was offered rat poison (mataratas) multiple times, and many of us headed to the food section for a mid morning breakfast. I passed up the visceras stand for a barbacoa, slow cooked lamb in broth. It was delicious!
On our way out, I stopped and mentioned to this woman that her dolls were pretty scary. She laughed and said, "Yes, they are the nephews of Chucky!" What a great sense of humor!
From the market, we headed up into the mountains to the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín. C.A.S.A. was founded by the Mexican painter, Francisco Toledo in 2006 in a building that had been an abandoned textile factory. We watched a demonstration on the process of taking plants and making paper, then spent an hour in the calm beauty of the C.A.S.A. It was a great day.
Arts Integration
7/13/2017
We are very fortunate in the United States that we place importance on integrating arts into our school curriculum. During this month at CANICA, the theme of study is how to express our emotions in a positive manner. Today, two of our elementary school teachers led the children through a project where they created corn husk dolls portraying a positive emotion. The students worked extremely hard. Some put feet, one put a bridal gown and others made shoes to go over the clothes. Students asked for black yarn for the hair and these kids worked for two hours creating something that was uniquely theirs. Other teachers came to watch what these students were doing, and it was apparent that they possess great creativity, but the teachers do not know how to blend art and core learning.
7/13/2017
We are very fortunate in the United States that we place importance on integrating arts into our school curriculum. During this month at CANICA, the theme of study is how to express our emotions in a positive manner. Today, two of our elementary school teachers led the children through a project where they created corn husk dolls portraying a positive emotion. The students worked extremely hard. Some put feet, one put a bridal gown and others made shoes to go over the clothes. Students asked for black yarn for the hair and these kids worked for two hours creating something that was uniquely theirs. Other teachers came to watch what these students were doing, and it was apparent that they possess great creativity, but the teachers do not know how to blend art and core learning.
Experiential Learning
7/14/2017
Today was a day that affirms my belief in experiential education. We visited four separate sites outside of Oaxaca and I took away something new from each. First, Tlacochahuaya, which is a town just a few miles south. This little village has an ornately decorated churches in the plaza. It is unique not because of the detail of decoration, but because there is proof that it was built by indigenous hands. The Dominican priests came to Oaxaca in 1527, and this church was the second built in this region. To convert the natives, the priests first watched their customs. Then, they copied them. Because the native people's always had a plaza in front of their temples to perform ceremonies, the front of churches contain a courtyard, to enable the Zapotecs to assemble there. But in the corners, the priests would put statues of Saints to watch over them. After conversion, they could then build. In this church, there are a number of native touches. First, the decoration contains paintings of flowers. All the indigenous people even until today use flowers.
Furthermore, Saint Mark is painted on the ceiling with a lion. However, it was obvious that the painters had never seen a lion, and they painted right out of their imaginations.
We then went on to Mitla, an ancient burying ground. The mountain breeze, rain clouds in the sky, and tunnels made for a magical time. I have been to many ruins in Mexico, and all are special in their own way. Chichén Itzá for its size, Tulum for its beauty, Palenque for the jungle and Bonampak for its isolation. El Tajín for its detail, as well as Uxmal. And of course Teotihuacán and Tenochtitlán for their historical significance. I won't go on, lest you think that I am name dropping, but Mitla was impressive in that we were able to go into tunnels, the detail is intact, and there is a church that was built directly on top of a Zapotec temple.
What I will most remember is the town that is on all sides of the archeological site. Mitla has been continuously inhabited since the 1200s. Scientists believe that there were about 10,000 people in Mitla in the 1200 - 1300s and there are about 10,000 people there today. So, I would imagine that many of the residents of the town of Mitla today are direct descendants of those who lived here long ago.
There was much more. Zapotec weaver at Teotitlán del Valle and another gaze up at the majestic tule tree. But, this is enough for tonight. It was a wonderful day and proof for me that we learn best through experience.
7/14/2017
Today was a day that affirms my belief in experiential education. We visited four separate sites outside of Oaxaca and I took away something new from each. First, Tlacochahuaya, which is a town just a few miles south. This little village has an ornately decorated churches in the plaza. It is unique not because of the detail of decoration, but because there is proof that it was built by indigenous hands. The Dominican priests came to Oaxaca in 1527, and this church was the second built in this region. To convert the natives, the priests first watched their customs. Then, they copied them. Because the native people's always had a plaza in front of their temples to perform ceremonies, the front of churches contain a courtyard, to enable the Zapotecs to assemble there. But in the corners, the priests would put statues of Saints to watch over them. After conversion, they could then build. In this church, there are a number of native touches. First, the decoration contains paintings of flowers. All the indigenous people even until today use flowers.
Furthermore, Saint Mark is painted on the ceiling with a lion. However, it was obvious that the painters had never seen a lion, and they painted right out of their imaginations.
We then went on to Mitla, an ancient burying ground. The mountain breeze, rain clouds in the sky, and tunnels made for a magical time. I have been to many ruins in Mexico, and all are special in their own way. Chichén Itzá for its size, Tulum for its beauty, Palenque for the jungle and Bonampak for its isolation. El Tajín for its detail, as well as Uxmal. And of course Teotihuacán and Tenochtitlán for their historical significance. I won't go on, lest you think that I am name dropping, but Mitla was impressive in that we were able to go into tunnels, the detail is intact, and there is a church that was built directly on top of a Zapotec temple.
What I will most remember is the town that is on all sides of the archeological site. Mitla has been continuously inhabited since the 1200s. Scientists believe that there were about 10,000 people in Mitla in the 1200 - 1300s and there are about 10,000 people there today. So, I would imagine that many of the residents of the town of Mitla today are direct descendants of those who lived here long ago.
There was much more. Zapotec weaver at Teotitlán del Valle and another gaze up at the majestic tule tree. But, this is enough for tonight. It was a wonderful day and proof for me that we learn best through experience.
Back again!
7/18/2017
It feels almost wrong knowing that I have not posted anything since Friday night. It's not for lack of things going on; quite the contrary. I had planned into the calendar a three day weekend so people could catch their breath, explore on their own, and perhaps go to Guelaguetza on Monday. So, some went to Puebla, others went to host stay birthday parties, and others toured towns where Alebrijes are made and Hierve el Agua, the gigantic soda springs a few hours out of town.
This is my sixth time in Oaxaca in just over twenty years, and for the last ten years, I have dreamed about going into the elusive mountains on the edge of town. Public transport is not great, and it is rumored to be cold, so I have never had the means or the clothes to go. But, in planning for this trip, I found a receipt from years ago where a student group had visited the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca. So, in the name of a scouting mission for future years, and to satisfy my own curiosity, I rented a car and Paty, Noah and I made the very windy trip up in to the mountains.
We spent our first night in some cabins near the Magic Town of Capulálpam de Méndez, and quite by chance watched the Guelaguetza de la Sierra - where other mountain towns sent their participants to dance the night away. The plaza was in front of the church, hanging on the side of a mountain and the views went on forever.
The next day, we drove on a dirt road to Santa Catarina Lachatao. Citing Wikipedia, there are roughly 1300 inhabitants in the mountain village at over 6000' elevation. Almost no-one has an automobile and people walk up and down the steep roads easily. The people in Lachatao are friendly, their time is not our time, and no-one is asking for a hand out or for tips. You are asked to hire a guide if you explore the mountains, so we hired José to take us to a nearby mine that had originally been explored by the Spanish.
On the walk back through the countryside, José started picking out herbs and explaining their names and medicinal qualities. Then, he found two mushrooms and then a bunch of mustard greens. Soon, his hands were overflowing with mountain produce which he said would be a great dinner.
We spent a memorable night in a cabin high on the mountain. On Monday morning, it was time to return to reality in Oaxaca, and today, Tuesday, was the first day of our last week of classes. We all were refreshed from our weekends away, and we all are excited to be in the home stretch.
7/18/2017
It feels almost wrong knowing that I have not posted anything since Friday night. It's not for lack of things going on; quite the contrary. I had planned into the calendar a three day weekend so people could catch their breath, explore on their own, and perhaps go to Guelaguetza on Monday. So, some went to Puebla, others went to host stay birthday parties, and others toured towns where Alebrijes are made and Hierve el Agua, the gigantic soda springs a few hours out of town.
This is my sixth time in Oaxaca in just over twenty years, and for the last ten years, I have dreamed about going into the elusive mountains on the edge of town. Public transport is not great, and it is rumored to be cold, so I have never had the means or the clothes to go. But, in planning for this trip, I found a receipt from years ago where a student group had visited the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca. So, in the name of a scouting mission for future years, and to satisfy my own curiosity, I rented a car and Paty, Noah and I made the very windy trip up in to the mountains.
We spent our first night in some cabins near the Magic Town of Capulálpam de Méndez, and quite by chance watched the Guelaguetza de la Sierra - where other mountain towns sent their participants to dance the night away. The plaza was in front of the church, hanging on the side of a mountain and the views went on forever.
The next day, we drove on a dirt road to Santa Catarina Lachatao. Citing Wikipedia, there are roughly 1300 inhabitants in the mountain village at over 6000' elevation. Almost no-one has an automobile and people walk up and down the steep roads easily. The people in Lachatao are friendly, their time is not our time, and no-one is asking for a hand out or for tips. You are asked to hire a guide if you explore the mountains, so we hired José to take us to a nearby mine that had originally been explored by the Spanish.
On the walk back through the countryside, José started picking out herbs and explaining their names and medicinal qualities. Then, he found two mushrooms and then a bunch of mustard greens. Soon, his hands were overflowing with mountain produce which he said would be a great dinner.
We spent a memorable night in a cabin high on the mountain. On Monday morning, it was time to return to reality in Oaxaca, and today, Tuesday, was the first day of our last week of classes. We all were refreshed from our weekends away, and we all are excited to be in the home stretch.
Adiós Cánica!
7/19/2017
Today our TESOL class focused on vocabulary development. We began with a 'chalk talk,' ten minutes of silent writing on the whiteboard under the heading of "Words, Emotions, Sights, Sounds, Memories of Oaxaca." From that vocabulary list, different groups developed vocabulary charts from a selection of Vocabulary Strategies that I received at the Teacher's Training Center in London while I was working in an American School. This was an excellent example of using the same words in many different areas to deepen learning.
From there, some of us went to our final day at CANICA. The group that had been working with the elementary school students continued their corn husk dolls, giving them different faces for different emotions, and teaching the English word for each emotion. Here, you can see one of our teachers signing dedicating a bilingual book that she left for the class.
Upstairs, two of our teachers gave a parent meeting to over fifty parents, principally mothers. The theme was proper treatment of children. From the parents, themes like domestic violence came up, bullying, and the need for parents to listen to their children.
Then, we moved outside to leave our print on the tree and say goodbye. Each pink hand represents a person that has done a one time service project, like ours. The purple hands are the teachers and staff at CANICA, and the blue hands represent the sponsors. There is still room for the first yellow hand, those who conduct research at CANICA.
Adiós Canica! What a valuable experience to be able to work with these children, parents, and staff!
7/19/2017
Today our TESOL class focused on vocabulary development. We began with a 'chalk talk,' ten minutes of silent writing on the whiteboard under the heading of "Words, Emotions, Sights, Sounds, Memories of Oaxaca." From that vocabulary list, different groups developed vocabulary charts from a selection of Vocabulary Strategies that I received at the Teacher's Training Center in London while I was working in an American School. This was an excellent example of using the same words in many different areas to deepen learning.
From there, some of us went to our final day at CANICA. The group that had been working with the elementary school students continued their corn husk dolls, giving them different faces for different emotions, and teaching the English word for each emotion. Here, you can see one of our teachers signing dedicating a bilingual book that she left for the class.
Upstairs, two of our teachers gave a parent meeting to over fifty parents, principally mothers. The theme was proper treatment of children. From the parents, themes like domestic violence came up, bullying, and the need for parents to listen to their children.
Then, we moved outside to leave our print on the tree and say goodbye. Each pink hand represents a person that has done a one time service project, like ours. The purple hands are the teachers and staff at CANICA, and the blue hands represent the sponsors. There is still room for the first yellow hand, those who conduct research at CANICA.
Adiós Canica! What a valuable experience to be able to work with these children, parents, and staff!
Despedida
7/20/2017
In our last TESOL class, Omar Núñez Méndez gave a talk on the research he has been doing with Transnational Children. Omar is the head of the language school we have been using, Ollin Tlahtoalli, and he has conducted a longitudinal research project on the effects of migration on one's identity. It was fascinating stuff, and really is what we teachers are seeing in Santa Fe, but in reverse. He has followed two children born in the USA, who returned with their families to the mountains outside Oaxaca at a very young age. The children are now in their upper teens, and have moved back and forth from Cuajimoloyas to Los Angeles multiple times.
After Omar's talk, we moved onto Sabor Antigüo for our despedida lunch. There is still one more Spanish class tomorrow, but since some people have early flights, today was the last time we will all be together. To honor that, today I am posting pictures from other group members that most exemplify what this experience has been for them. Here goes.
7/20/2017
In our last TESOL class, Omar Núñez Méndez gave a talk on the research he has been doing with Transnational Children. Omar is the head of the language school we have been using, Ollin Tlahtoalli, and he has conducted a longitudinal research project on the effects of migration on one's identity. It was fascinating stuff, and really is what we teachers are seeing in Santa Fe, but in reverse. He has followed two children born in the USA, who returned with their families to the mountains outside Oaxaca at a very young age. The children are now in their upper teens, and have moved back and forth from Cuajimoloyas to Los Angeles multiple times.
After Omar's talk, we moved onto Sabor Antigüo for our despedida lunch. There is still one more Spanish class tomorrow, but since some people have early flights, today was the last time we will all be together. To honor that, today I am posting pictures from other group members that most exemplify what this experience has been for them. Here goes.
Wrap Up
7-21-17
We said goodbye today after Spanish class. Some flew out this morning, so we did not see them, but most will leave Saturday. A few will stay a couple days more.
I ran back to CANICA this afternoon and all the staff was wearing surgical masks because there has been a blockade to the major garbage dump the whole month we have been here. The garbage has been piling up across the way from them, and the smell was so bad, it was toxic. I felt almost guilty that I have the option of going home to the cleanest air in the USA.
I learned that I can plan and run an international trip. I learned that to do it well takes an incredible amount of time, and that in turn takes its toll on other areas of one's life. I learned that in Mexico, relationships are first and foremost in having a successful project, whereas in the USA, the project is the most important thing.
I highly recommend our guide, Ivan Zafra, and have included his business card here. Thank you to Joshua Sage, last year's coordinator, that selflessly shared his contacts in Oaxaca and opened the door to our voyage to Tlapazola. Thanks also to Jennifer Case Nevarez back in Santa Fe, who managed the bookkeeping for this trip. Thank you to The Master's Program and to Monte del Sol Charter School, who both gave full scholarships to one teacher from each school. Thank you to last year's LISTO couple of Jim and Grace Ronhovde, who enjoyed this experience so much, they gave a generous donation to make it possible for a teacher to attend this year. Thank you to Dawn Wink, who managed the SFCC end of things 100%. Thanks to all the educators who gave up their summer vacations, sacrificed their time with their families, and were willing to leave home to come to Oaxaca. And, thank you to my wife Patricia, and son, Noah, who most felt the impact of all the time I put into this project, and not into them.
So, we are off to Mexico City early in the morning before continuing on to Santa Fe, and it is time to close down this blog for awhile, recapture my personal life, and maybe run a few miles in my spare time. Or, maybe take my ever patient wife to someplace quiet, soon!
For those of you following along, please spread the word. I imagine sometime in September we will be promoting LISTO 2018, and based on the exit interviews of this trip, we are going to fill up fast!
Good night, Ollín. Good night, CANICA. Good night, Guelaguetza. Good night, busses rumbling by all night. Good night, Tlayudas. Good night, very loud fireworks. Good night, parades. Good night, LISTO 2017. Good night, Oaxaca.
7-21-17
We said goodbye today after Spanish class. Some flew out this morning, so we did not see them, but most will leave Saturday. A few will stay a couple days more.
I ran back to CANICA this afternoon and all the staff was wearing surgical masks because there has been a blockade to the major garbage dump the whole month we have been here. The garbage has been piling up across the way from them, and the smell was so bad, it was toxic. I felt almost guilty that I have the option of going home to the cleanest air in the USA.
I learned that I can plan and run an international trip. I learned that to do it well takes an incredible amount of time, and that in turn takes its toll on other areas of one's life. I learned that in Mexico, relationships are first and foremost in having a successful project, whereas in the USA, the project is the most important thing.
I highly recommend our guide, Ivan Zafra, and have included his business card here. Thank you to Joshua Sage, last year's coordinator, that selflessly shared his contacts in Oaxaca and opened the door to our voyage to Tlapazola. Thanks also to Jennifer Case Nevarez back in Santa Fe, who managed the bookkeeping for this trip. Thank you to The Master's Program and to Monte del Sol Charter School, who both gave full scholarships to one teacher from each school. Thank you to last year's LISTO couple of Jim and Grace Ronhovde, who enjoyed this experience so much, they gave a generous donation to make it possible for a teacher to attend this year. Thank you to Dawn Wink, who managed the SFCC end of things 100%. Thanks to all the educators who gave up their summer vacations, sacrificed their time with their families, and were willing to leave home to come to Oaxaca. And, thank you to my wife Patricia, and son, Noah, who most felt the impact of all the time I put into this project, and not into them.
So, we are off to Mexico City early in the morning before continuing on to Santa Fe, and it is time to close down this blog for awhile, recapture my personal life, and maybe run a few miles in my spare time. Or, maybe take my ever patient wife to someplace quiet, soon!
For those of you following along, please spread the word. I imagine sometime in September we will be promoting LISTO 2018, and based on the exit interviews of this trip, we are going to fill up fast!
Good night, Ollín. Good night, CANICA. Good night, Guelaguetza. Good night, busses rumbling by all night. Good night, Tlayudas. Good night, very loud fireworks. Good night, parades. Good night, LISTO 2017. Good night, Oaxaca.
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Over 200 students and 15 teachers from Santa Fe have participated in the "LISTO for Students" immersion program in Oaxaca since 2002.
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