By Dasia Hood

Milagros Ugueto has been a Spanish teacher in the U.S. for six years, but she has nearly 25 years of teaching experience.

Helping others learn came naturally; she wanted to be a teacher and played teacher games since childhood in Venezuela, her home country, where she graduated from university and started her career.

This year, Ugueto was named an ASC Cato Excellence in Teaching Award recipient for her outstanding role as an educator at Olympic High School, where she infuses history into her Spanish classes. The recognition comes with a $1,500 award and original artwork.

Ugueto’s favorite part of being a teacher is the relationship and rapport she builds with her students. She prioritizes getting to know her students and building trust, love and respect to keep them engaged and motivated in class.

“When I stop, slow down and listen to them, our relationship becomes more important and they are more willing to learn this language, which is sometimes complicated for them,” she said.

She learns about her students’ personalities to help them speak, be loud, and be active. She reinforces writing skills using games and movement. She doesn’t rush them to speak fast or sound perfect. Since English is not her first language, she understands that learning a new language is a never-ending process.

“Even though I know we have the curriculum going on time,” she said, “I know that if we stop one day and just dance and try to make more conversation than writing or computer activities, they will be more willing to be more part of the process – actively engaged.”

Ugueto introduces students to the origins of the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking countries. This enrichment allows her students to name countries, capitals, flag colors and international foods. She also teaches them about the history of enslaved people in Spanish-speaking countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean, and how that history connects with that of the U.S.

She continues to grow and develop as an educator. She takes an annual seminar through the Charlotte Teachers Institute, spending time with other teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg learning about cultural and social topics and coordinates a seminar at UNC Charlotte.

Ugueto encourages other teachers to be mindful of the current moment and enjoy their students.

“You will make mistakes but try to develop as much as possible,” she said. “Slow down. Don’t be embarrassed. You don’t know everything. Take time to learn from your students.”