Hispanic Studies alumna Jelena Sánchez recognized for outstanding teaching
Jelena Sánchez, visiting assistant professor of Spanish at North Central College, has been recognized for her outstanding performance with North Central’s Distinguished Teaching Award for Half-Time Faculty. Sanchez was recognized for her impressive interdisciplinary approach, and efforts ensure Spanish-speakers have access to information about the College by translating a virtual campus tour into Spanish.
Sánchez began teaching in North Central’s Modern and Classical Languages department in 2007, and received her Ph.D. in Early Modern Spanish Literature from UIC in 2012. She also received her BA in Spanish and MA in Hispanic Studies from UIC. She has taught Spanish courses in every level, and has been involved in curriculum revision and development. She engages with students outside of the languages as well, teaching in the gender and women’s studies program as well as leading a two week long study abroad trip to Spain. Outside the classroom, Sánchez advises the Spanish club Fusión Española, and organizes the highly anticipated Flamenco Festival that showcases esteemed flamenco artists from Chicago.