Gilma Chavez

Gilma is a high school Spanish teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Originally from El Salvador, she has lived in Maryland since 2000. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures, along with a Certificate in Latin American Studies, from the University of Maryland. During her time at UMD, she served as a language tutor for the College of Arts and Humanities. After graduating, Gilma was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship and worked as an English Teaching Assistant at the University of San Juan in Argentina.

Before becoming a Spanish teacher, Gilma worked as a paraeducator with MCPS at several elementary schools. In this role, she supported both math and reading teachers and facilitated virtual classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a teacher, she believes in the potential of every student. Her classroom is a place of innovative learning where she strives to help students succeed in Spanish by strengthening their conversational skills, grammar, reading, and writing while also supporting the development of executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, and self-management. She adapts her teaching methods to meet the needs and unique learning styles of her students, helping them grow in confidence and achieve academic success.

Gilma is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on Multiple Language Learners and Immersion Education.