Field Experience in Spanish Celebrated

Kristyna Demaree, Spanish (right), and Ken Ball,
principal of McManus Elementary, at a celebration
in honor of the community sponsors of interns in
Demaree’s Directed Field Experience class. (photo KM)
Kristyna Demaree, Foreign Languages and Literatures, teaches an internship course, Directed Field Experience in Spanish, which places Spanish language students in schools and agencies to act as liaisons with Spanish-speaking populations. On November 4, Demaree and her students, with the help and support of her department, held a reception for community sponsors who participate in the program.

Twenty-two students have placements this semester in schools and health and community service agencies in a wide area of Northern California, from Yuba City to Redding. Sponsors include the California Health County Behavioral Health Department, Catholic Social Services, Migrant Education, CDF, KZFR and KCSC radio stations, Cal Works, and primary and secondary public schools in the area.

Ken Ball, principal of McManus Elementary, said, "I cannot say enough good about the program. Its value is priceless. It enables us to communicate with families in ways we have not been able to. It has allowed us to bridge a chasm we could not have bridged without using resources we did not have." An intern from Demaree's class, Angelica Beasley, serves as a translator. When messages are received at McManus from Spanish-speaking families, she screens and translates them and then passes them on to Ball and other staff members. She alerts them if something needs immediate attention.

Demaree said, "This class exemplifies my philosophy of teaching. It not only helps students increase their proficiency in the Spanish language and their understanding of the culture, it allows them real life practice. Being of service demands a high degree of academic preparation and responsibility, and, in turn, gives the students an opportunity to participate in on-the-job training. It really is a prime example of student-centered learning, which combines academic excellence and service that benefits not only the community and students, but the university."