Congratulations to Highlands High School Spanish teacher Laura Proaño, who was recently honored as a PA State Modern Language Association Global Educator for her commitment to furthering interculturality and global competence in her students.

Proaño has distinguished herself by not only establishing the PSMLA Global Scholars Program at Highlands High School, but also by inspiring and challenging students to become PSMLA Global Scholars Graduates for at least two consecutive years. For her efforts and dedication, PSMLA proudly awarded Proaño the PSMLA Global Educator Certificate. She is only one of seventeen educators in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to earn this recognition. The certification as a PSMLA Global Educator is valid for two years after which these same teachers will be eligible to again receive this designation.

In a congratulatory statement, PSMLA notes: In the current global pandemic, the importance of the interconnectedness and interdependence of countries in the world has become ever more evident. While educators provide opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and personally and provide learning scenarios that inspire and challenge, they also prepare students to lead and contribute on local, state, national, and global levels.  In these unusual times of alternating between face-to-face, hybrid, and remote learning, Laura Proaño has accepted the additional challenge of adapting her instructional and learning strategies to guide students through the PSMLA Global Scholars program process.

“This was an unexpected recognition that reaffirms my passion to continue supporting students to develop their global competence and interculturality,” said Proaño. “I am grateful to be able to offer the opportunity for our students the Global Scholars Program at Highlands.”  Since its implementation two years ago at Highlands, four graduates have completed the rigorous Global Scholars Program.

CONGRATULATIONS, Señora Proaño!