MU Latino Institute

The Institute uniquely provides school teachers and administrators a cultural immersion experience in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico that provides 24 hours of intensive instruction in adult practical Spanish language; workshops on the history, geography and culture of Puerto Rico; the cultural dynamics of the classroom, the curriculum, the family and the community of Puerto Rican schools and children; and educational field trips to cultural sites and to local schools.

The theme for this Institute is the educational intersection of language, culture, and pedagogy and the impact of these factors on successful student learning and on teaching. Educators who participate will gain a basic understanding of the Spanish language and will develop a personal understanding of the impact of Latino culture on the dynamics of the classroom. Educators with intermediate and advanced Spanish language skills will also have sessions geared toward their needs. Educators will be able to apply these knowledge, skills, and understandings to their own classrooms, schools, and to the instruction of children who are Latino/a.