Spanish I

An introduction to the language and the cultural heritage of people who speak it. Develops basic vocabulary, communicative skills and strategies for second-language learning.

Spanish II

Continuing study of language and culture, expanding on skills acquired in the first year. Develops reading and writing skills and explores regional variations of language and culture.

Spanish III & IV

Reinforces reading and writing skills, developing an appreciation of poetry and short stories while providing opportunities to master grammar and vocabulary. Cadets at this level refine their command of the spoken language.

Chinese I & II

These courses are intended as a beginning high school two-year curriculum in Chinese. Cadets will begin with intensive language, history, and culture studies, building oral and written proficiency. This will be accomplished through the use of daily readings, intense oral practice, basic vocabulary, grammar structures, written characters, conversation, daily review and activities designed to build cultural awareness.

Chinese III & IV

These courses provide mastery and expansion of skills acquired by the students in Chinese II. Specific content includes, but is not limited to, expansions of vocabulary and conversational skills through discussions of selected readings. Contemporary vocabulary stresses activities, which are important to the everyday life of the target language-speaking people. These courses focus on important linguistic structures, in order to build and refine cadets’ understanding of Chinese grammar.

Honors and Dual Enrollment Courses

The honors courses in Spanish and Chinese emphasize development of higher levels of cultural awareness through various readings, media resources and authentic materials. The skills and knowledge acquired by the cadets in the classroom will help them excel in communicating effectively in their chosen language. This course is aligned in accordance with the standards from the College Board Advanced Placement Program.

Cadets enrolled in the dual enrollment program can receive up to six college credits through an agreement with the University of Texas at Brownsville.

Ana Palacios
Department Chair
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 746
Email: palacios@MMA-TX.org
        
Ana Palacios earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish from the University of Texas Pan-American where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. While pursuing her master’s degree, she became a Spanish teacher assistant to monolingual and bilingual students at the university. She subsequently taught AP Spanish courses in public schools before joining MMA where she teaches Spanish II and Spanish III DE courses.

Additionally, Ms. Palacios is a member of La Sociedad Nacional Honoraria Hispánica Sigma Delta Pi and a member of Golden Key International Honor Society.

Bing Li
Teacher, Chinese and Culture Classes
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 741
Email: li.bing@MMA-TX.org
        
A native of Beijing, China, Mrs. Li earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in English from Mudanjiang Normal College in 2003. After graduation, she worked in Beijing as a high school English teacher for six years. In 2008, she was admitted to Beijing Normal University where she received her Master’s Degree in Chinese as a second language.  

Sandra Guerrero
Teacher, Spanish
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 738
Email: lazaro@MMA-TX.org

Sandra Guerrero earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish from the University of Texas Pan American. Prior to joining MMA, she worked at the University of Texas Pan American with high school students motivating and preparing them for college. She has also spent four years in the public school system and has experience teaching both AP and dual enrollment Spanish courses. As a second language learner and teacher, she inspires cadets to acquire another language, in preparation for life.