Cultural Educator of the Year
Marcela Zarate - N.C. Cultural Educator of the Year
“I use my skills and talents to make an impact teaching my students in the United States. The activities I plan promote respect, acceptance and appreciation for each other and for different cultures and traditions. The opportunity to share the traditions, beautiful places and natural resources from my country has contributed towards a better image of Colombia in the United States.”

Marcela Zárate Beltran • Colombia Colombia
North Carolina Cultural Educator of the Year

Spanish teacher
Brunson Elementary ▪ Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools, North Carolina

Because of their Spanish teacher Marcela Zárate, the third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at Brunson Elementary School are ready to visit Colombia, Zárate’s homeland. Her U.S. students have exchanged e-mails with counterparts in Colombia. Because of Zárate English speakers are developing their Spanish skills, Hispanic students at the school have improved their written and oral Spanish skills, and the parents of the Hispanic students have become more engaged with the school and their children’s education.

She shares her pride in her Colombian homeland through engaging activities that make learning fun. Her classroom is filled with beautiful pictures of Colombia, maps and handicrafts such as a Colombian hat and poncho. Zárate integrates Colombian songs and dances into each lesson. Even when her students are working by themselves, this third-term VIF teacher plays music from South America in the background. Before long, many can distinguish between cumbias and bambucos, two styles of Colombian music.

Principal Nancy Sherrill, Brunson Elementary:

“Mrs. Zárate has done an outstanding job at Brunson. She has worked to help all Brunson students develop their Spanish abilities. She is a very valuable asset to our school and to the VIF program.”