Claudia Smith, a Spanish teacher and Language Exploration Enrichment (L.E.E.) instructor at Cunningham Creek Elementary School, Freedom Crossing Academy and Julington Creek Elementary, has been named Florida Foreign Language Association’s 2023 Teacher of Promise for her two years of teaching language arts in St. Johns County.
“L.E.E. has helped hundreds of students learn a language, understand grammar, share a culture and change the world through technology, crafts, music, field trips and more,” she said. “I am honored to be recognized by FFLA and the local program.”
L.E.E. in St. Johns County is a 501(c)(3) organization serving kindergarten through fifth-grade students since 2003 with afterschool educational programs and services in Spanish language and cultures, and encourages students to continue learning languages.
The nonprofit classroom program is approved by St. Johns County School District. L.E.E. St. Johns also offers donors, sponsors and contributors with opportunities to invest in the program’s intensive language instruction, grammar, play and a myriad of diverse cultures.
According to Donna Guzzo, president and executive director of L.E.E. St. Johns and an ambassador of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the United Nations, the local organization is dedicated to the development and delivery of lesson plans, activities, advocacy and outreach to educators, students, parents and community members.
The nonprofit is a member of the Florida Foreign Language Association (FFLA). Guzzo is also First Coast Cultural Center’s president and CEO in Jacksonville Beach.
“My enthusiasm about teaching Spanish, which is my native language, helps me to instruct primarily English-speaking children as they engage in learning a second language,” said Smith. “I am dedicated to training, teaching, practicing and developing the best learning techniques to help young people become fluent in foreign languages.”
Craig Leavitt, FFLA’s executive director, volunteer and special education teacher at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, congratulates Smith on her award as she embodies the teaching of cultural diversity and promotes global awareness.
“Our member organization and teachers envision a linguistically and culturally inclusive Florida. We applaud L.E.E. St. Johns for its milestone anniversary and appreciate Claudia for her abilities and dedication,” he said.
"We encourage students to develop a love for world languages and cultures and prepare them to become future ‘citizens of the world,’” said Janet Robles, L.E.E. St. Johns vice president, director of curriculum and technology. “Learning a language is a tool to learn about international travel, work and study, and to be part of the worldwide community.”
Former L.E.E. student Max Nelson, who is now a 25-year-old professional data analyst, was a L.E.E. student at Cunningham Creek Elementary School. He credits his acumen for learning and fluency in languages to the program and his mother, Melissa Nelson, who found ways to respond to his curiosity for culture and language at a very young age by seeking opportunities for learning outside of the traditional classroom.
“Having Donna ‘Señora’ Guzzo as a teacher, created a love for learning language because it was engaging, fun, and didn’t feel like extra schoolwork,” he said. “My strong foundation, built through L.E.E., allowed me to excel in middle and high school classes, while adding French to my Spanish studies. Before college, I participated in a Rotary International educational exchange in Chile, South America, where my abilities in Spanish were extremely valuable. Then, while in college, I was able to add Portuguese and even a little Mandarin to my studies. Today, I work for one of the largest professional services firms in the world. Our clients and my co-workers are from many different countries, and I credit a truly global education for preparing me. My mom often says that Donna Guzzo and L.E.E are what set my life on this trajectory.”
Parents and families can register students for the L.E.E. St. Johns classes which run once a week for 90 minutes each class. During the two semesters in the school year, the cost is $270 per semester for 15 classes that are held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and on Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. There are approximately 10 to 15 students per class, depending on the grade level.
L.E.E. St. Johns program school locations include Cunningham Creek Elementary School, Freedom Crossing Academy, Julington Creek Elementary, Ocean Palms Elementary School, Palencia Elementary School, Palm Valley Academy, Pine Island Academy and PV/PV Rawlings Elementary School.
For more information and registration, email LEEstjohns@aol.com. The website is http://leestjohns.pbworks.com.
