During Hispanic Heritage Month, Polo Park Middle School in Palm Beach County welcomed a unique addition to its science department: Sergio Garcia, a visiting teacher from Oviedo, Asturias, in northwestern Spain. Now in his second year at the school, Garcia teaches science courses in both Spanish and English, giving students a bilingual, hands‑on learning experience.
Bilingual, Lab‑Focused Instruction
Garcia’s classroom is a hub of activity. “We are doing a lot of small‑group work and hands‑on labs,” he explained. On a recent Tuesday, students measured the mass and volume of various objects, conducting the entire experiment in Spanish. The dual‑language approach not only reinforces scientific concepts but also strengthens students’ Spanish proficiency.
State Collaboration Brings International Expertise
Patricia Ordóñez‑Feliciano, Ph.D., executive director of multicultural education and school transformation for the Palm Beach County School District, highlighted the program’s origins. “The Florida Department of Education collaborates with the Ministry of Spain through the visiting teacher program,” she said. “It allows experienced teachers from Spain to come to our schools and share their expertise.”
Students Embrace the Experience
Seventh‑grader Ryan Cabrejo described Garcia’s arrival as “kind of crazy” but expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “We have kids from Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, and even families from the U.S. who have learned Spanish through the program,” Garcia noted. “They build a sense of community while learning the language.”
Eighth‑grader Ana Sofía Roldán Gálvez added, “We’re blessed to have him here, teaching us new things every day in Spanish and helping us improve our spelling, speaking, and writing.”p>
Mutual Learning and Community Building
Garcia emphasized that the exchange benefits both sides. “I feel so proud of my students,” he said. While he sometimes feels homesick, he believes the cultural and educational ties forged in the classroom will endure long after his tenure ends.
Supporting Hispanic Heritage Month
The program aligns with broader efforts to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Palm Beach County, highlighting the contributions of Spanish‑speaking communities and reinforcing the value of bilingual education. By integrating science instruction with language learning, the school not only advances academic achievement but also nurtures respect for cultural diversity.
Garcia’s presence exemplifies how international partnerships can enrich local education, offering students a broader worldview while strengthening family and community bonds.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
