Coming into high school, I didn’t enjoy Spanish and I thought of it as a hassle.  However, on the first day of Spanish one, Mr. Tim Gliniecki did a handstand and I knew it was going to be an interesting year. 

I am nominating my Spanish one and two teacher, Mr. Gliniecki, for Educator of the Year. He is not only an outstanding Spanish teacher, but he is also a German one as well.  In addition to teaching both German and Spanish, he is in charge of Chess Club/Team after school.   

Learning a new language can be difficult and boring, but Mr. Gliniecki found a way to make it easy and intriguing.  He incorporated games.  My favorite game was No sé ayudame.  No sé ayudame is a game in which there is a picture on the board.  Going row by row throughout the room, students would say the vocabulary word for the picture.  However, if I did not know the word I  had to say “no sé ayudame.”  If that happens then the next person must say the vocabulary word.  The goal of the game was to be the fastest class to go through all the photos first.  The students would shout and get into it as if losing meant the world was over.  It was fun to compete against other classes.  I enjoyed the game.  This game allowed me to memorize the vocabulary and how to learn the words quickly. 

The atmosphere in Mr. Gliniecki’s classroom was infectious. The room was flooded with positive energy and enthusiasm.  He motivated me to get assignments done and to put forth effort. Failure to complete three or more homework assignments would require staying after school.  Thus, I did my homework immediately after school. 
He also shared his personal experiences in an effort to relate to his students.  Mr. Gliniecki always put the class at ease during discussions which encouraged people to contribute more often to the conversation. 

If I was struggling with a lesson, he would allow me to come in at any of his open periods including lunch.  He would go over it with me in a way that made sense and he never made me feel less intelligent.  Mr. Gliniecki encourages his students to be better and do the best they can.  He doesn’t give up on his students, no matter what. 

I found it hard to memorize vocabulary words.  But, Mr. Gliniecki related the words to English and pictures.  He would not pick a typical picture for the words--but one that would grasp my attention instead.  Those unique photos were what kept me going. Because the photos were different, I could remember them. Years later, I use the vocabulary in my essays and conversations.  The essays I write in Spanish four are improved due to the vocabulary I learned in his class.

I never would have imagined that Spanish would be one of my favorite subjects.  However, after just one semester with Mr. Gliniecki, it was.  His handstand won me over.  He knows how to lighten the mood and make learning exciting.  I always looked forward to his class.