|
Teaching with Empathy and Purpose
In a system that often expects everyone to learn the same way, Professor Alfonseca embraces difference.
And real life is exactly what she’s preparing her students for. Whether it’s using journal entries to improve communication, analyzing the evolution of slang like “Rizz” and “slay,” or encouraging them to question authority (even hers) through critical reading.
“I’ve had students tell me, ‘I didn’t know I was allowed to talk about things I enjoy,’” she says. “But that’s what English should be. It should be alive.”
She’s also excited about the potential of performance-based assignments. Book reports done in character, Ren Faire-style presentations, and multimedia storytelling that blends art, writing, and digital literacy. For her, it’s not just about content. It’s about giving students the confidence to show who they are.
“I tell them, there should be a slide about you at the beginning of every presentation,” she says. “Tell people who you are and what makes you fabulous. That’s a soft skill that sticks.”
The Challenge of Online Teaching
Despite the enthusiasm, Professor Alfonseca acknowledges the challenges, especially teaching primarily online. Many students drop off around mid-semester, and some struggle with basic digital tasks. Her solution is empathy, scaffolding, and flexibility.
“I’ve tried everything from simplifying step-by-step instructions to balancing workload,” she says. “Finding that sweet spot between too much and not enough is hard. But I want to make it a real class, not just hand-holding.”
Making English Matter
Ultimately, her goal is to prove that English matters. In job interviews, in relationships, in life. She doesn’t just teach MLA formatting. She teaches resilience, expression, and the value of one’s voice.
“I’ve lived out of my car. I’ve been a caregiver, a soldier, a writer,” she says. “I know how to advocate for myself, and I want my students to know how, too.”
As she reflects on her first year teaching, Professor Alfonseca remains determined to evolve. Just like the language she teaches.
“English isn’t broken because it’s changing,” she says. “It’s doing what it’s always done, reflecting the people who use it. And that means my students are speaking it perfectly, just in their own way.”
| 
