Ciara Newby
Teacher - Spanish
I grew up in Sedgefield, a small village in the North East of England, and received my first degree in Languages from the University of Leeds. As a child I loved vacationing in France and Spain with my family and practicing different languages. Once I was old enough to travel independently I spent extensive time teaching English in Italy and Spain, as well as travelling independently around Europe and South East Asia. I really fell in love with Spain and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
After gaining my undergraduate degree in languages from Leeds University I decided to enhance my skills and my passion further by studying for a Master’s degree in Modern Languages at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. I thoroughly enjoyed deepening my understanding of Spanish literature and film, and learning more about Spanish linguistics. As well as keeping up with my French I also began learning Portuguese. During this time I taught Spanish part time to adults in the local area. I missed working with the young learners I had taught in Spain and Italy, but realized my passion was with teaching and went on to gain Qualified Teacher Status. Since then, I have taught Spanish and French in a rural high school, an inner city school in Yorkshire and an all girl's school in the Cotswolds before moving to Chicago with my husband in 2006. Learning another language is an important skill for young people to master and I really enjoy motivating and inspiring learners to study languages and to gain the skills to use them in real life situations.
International communication is an essential part of my role. In the UK I worked as an 'International Coordinator' developing international links and enabling my school to receive the British Council's International School Award. Here at the BSC international mindedness is a valuable part of World Language. My department and I deeply value the importance of providing ‘authentic' opportunities to develop language and communication skills, and instill a lifelong passion for languages in our students.
I thoroughly enjoy my role as Director of World Languages at the British School of Chicago; working with a talented team of linguists and enthusiastic students really is a dream come true.