Take Five with Marisela Sandoval: Dual Language Literacy Teacher at Von Linné Elementary

Take Five is a series that highlights some of the many members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our schools. If you know someone who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

We know that the educators in our District make a difference every day by empowering students to reach their full potential. Mrs. Marisela Sandoval, a Dual Language educator at Von Linné Elementary, is a perfect example of this, as she provides instruction in both English and Spanish, bridging the language gap between her students and the curriculum.

“Becoming a teacher was always part of my plan,” she says. “Teaching is a wonderful and rewarding career, and one of the things that inspired me to become a teacher, and in particular a language teacher, was my own experience as a CPS English Learner.”

Mrs. Sandoval enrolled in CPS shortly after moving to the United States. She spoke no English, and describes her educational journey as isolating. Inspired to make a positive change for other Language Learners, Ms. Sandoval now teaches 6th and 7th-grade Dual Language Literacy at Linné, the same school she once attended. She aims to change others’ perspectives on language and ensure students have the opportunity to express their knowledge in the language they feel most comfortable with.

Learn more about Mrs. Sandoval below!

What are your main priorities when leading your classroom?

One of my teaching priorities is to ensure that all students receive equitable and inclusive learning experiences. Every child deserves access to grade-level material presented in ways that integrate their identity, culture, and language abilities. I accomplish this by selecting texts and content that reflect my students' backgrounds and incorporate their diverse cultures into the classroom. This approach allows them to make personal connections to the instruction and the learning in class.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a teacher at Linné is witnessing students share their unique learning experiences in the classroom, allowing their peers to learn from them. Our students come from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and embracing everyone's culture and appreciating diversity among students and colleagues is one of my favorite parts of my job. I also take great pride in seeing students utilize the language of instruction. It fills me with joy when our non-native Spanish speakers communicate in Spanish during class!

What advice would you give to a first-year dual language educator?

Based on my experience, to be a successful teacher, it is essential to be both structured and nurturing at the same time. I learned this from colleagues and teachers whom I admire so much. By investing time in organizing your class with positive habits, routines, and implementing discipline with care and love for your students, you are likely to have a successful year. Additionally, when teaching in a dual-language program, language could be intimidating, and translation is not an option, just a tool; instead, immersing students in the language of instruction is key. So, don’t be afraid to make mistakes while using your second language in the classroom!

What is your message to your school community as we wind down the school year?

I am incredibly grateful for this school year with my students! I've been privileged to teach my 7th-graders for the past three years, and I will truly miss them after this school year. I am very thankful to the administration for placing so much trust in me. I also appreciate all the teachers and staff at Linne; every single person in this school is kind and passionate about their work. Finally, I want to acknowledge my amazing team. They feel like family to me. They are wonderful colleagues and friends, and they inspire me every day!

What do you like to do when you’re not at Linné?

I practically live on the soccer fields! My two boys are soccer players, so the fields feel like my second home. I love spending time with my husband and family in nature, watching our kids play soccer, socializing with friends, and working on social justice projects.