Mr. Ballesteros: Spanish 3-4

A friendly looking man stands just outside the classroom door, greeting each student with a bright smile as they walk in. The hallway outside room K314 seems to pulse with energy. As students step inside, they’re not just entering a Spanish class. It’s a place where anyone can connect with their fellow students and have fun.
Spanish 3-4 with MarkMr. Ballesteros is like stepping into a street market that’s colorful, loud, warm, and full of life.
There are posters on the walls and Spanish examples all over the classroom.
Although students might dread the feeling of speaking aloud in front of a class it’s different here and they don’t feel judged. Students seem to love his community aspect as well, “he always has a relationship with the students, you know everyone feels comfortable talking to him” said by sophomore Sherman Cato.
Mr. Ballesteros brings the kind of energy that makes tired teenagers forget it’s a Monday. One minute he’s having everyone dance to a Spanish pop song, the next he’s having them play “Pancho Carrancho”. His lessons often blur the line between learning and play,
“Students feel motivated to do well in Mr. Ballesteros’ class, because he’s just a fun teacher.” said sophomore Carlee Cox. grammar drills are somehow turned into competitive team games often granting extra credit to the winner.
Ballesteros is also deeply invested in his students. “He creates a positive environment by not negatively talking to a person if they get something wrong, it’s always a positive tone.” sophomore Liam Marschall declared. His classroom is a safe space where making mistakes is just part of the process.
If you’re going to learn a language, why not learn it from someone who makes you feel like you’re already part of the culture? If anyone plans to take Spanish in highschool make sure it’s with Mr. Ballesteros.