Source: The Dispatch
Exchange teacher learned about American culture
by Deneesha Edwards
June 15, 2009
Many students, teachers and community members at South Lexington School have seen a friendly face willing to offer a helping hand during the past year.
Malena Cobo came all the way from Ecuador in South America to work as an exchange teacher at the school with the Visiting International Faculty program. For more than 20 years VIF has helped international educators work as teachers in the United States.
"I enjoy sharing with the children and learning from them," Cobo said. "I loved it. It was the most rewarding experience to have."
Cobo, 46, has been a teacher since 1989. In 2002 she received her teaching licenses in English and in administration and supervision in school from the University of Ecuador.
"I discovered my passion was to work with children," she said.
She first came to North Carolina in 2002 with her family as an exchange teacher with Knollwood Elementary in Rowan County Schools. At first it was hard for Cobo's husband, Fernando Sanchez, and children, Daniela Sanchez and Felipe Sanchez, to adapt to the language change. Cobo knew English from living in New Orleans with family members when she was younger.
"It was hard at the beginning because of the cultural shock," she said. "They learned about respect and diversity."
They stayed in the state for three years. While here Cobo received a master's degree in TESOL, or teaching English to speakers of other languages, from Greensboro College in 2005. Her daughter also graduated from West Rowan High School in 2005.
After going back home to teach for three years, Cobo came back at the beginning of the 2008 school year.
"The experience was so nice I decided to come back," Cobo said. "I love to travel and meet new people."
This time she only returned with her son, who graduated from Lexington Senior High School. He was unable to walk with the graduates Saturday because he left Tuesday.
"He had the best time," she said. "He was part of the soccer and tennis teams. He really made friends."
One thing Cobo noticed about the school was the diversity of students. In South America she said she had never had an African-American or Chinese student in her class. Being at South Lexington gave her the chance to help many Hispanic families by translating at the Parent Teacher Organization meetings, conferences, programs and home visits.
She also had her own class of students, but she also pulled students from other classes to work with at times.
"I love to work with all the families and children," Cobo said. "It has really been a privilege to work with a staff that cares about the children and education."
Another difference was the curriculum, class sizes and discipline. She noted students here were more disciplined, and the classes were smaller.
During Cobo's time here she shared with the students a lot about her culture and learned from them. One thing Cobo will miss is the respect people have for each other as well as their hospitality and warmth. She plans to return home June 21.
Debbie Mason, South Lexington assistant principal, said Cobo's interpreting was very helpful at all the school events.
"She's done a great job," she said. "She was very willing to do any task we asked her to do. She was a huge asset to the school and community."
Cobo already has a job teaching at a college. She mentioned maybe exploring London as an exchange teacher.
"It's time for me to go back," she said. "It's hard because you get used to the people. I like my job."
Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.