The University of Pennsylvania’s María F. Paredes Fernández has been named 2016 Teacher of the Year at the University Level by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. 

Paredes Fernández, who joined the School of Arts & Sciences’ Department of Romance Languages in 2011, was recognized for her student-centered, project-based language learning approach, promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills. 

“Students take responsibility for their own learning while having a safe environment for them to seek assistance from their peers,” Paredes Fernández said. “In this manner, students are both learners and teachers.” 

Paredes Fernández was also acknowledged for her innovative use of authentic materials such as popular websites and music in the target language, to strengthen each lesson and provide students with a global perspective. 

She said the key to helping students gain a deeper understanding of world languages is tailoring lessons to multiple learning styles. 

“Learning Spanish helps students to examine their own assumptions about language and culture,” Paredes Fernández said. “It allows students to experience the world more broadly and express themselves outside the confines of their own culture.” 

Paredes Fernández said her passion for preparing students for international engagement, stems from a desire to promote mutual understanding. “When learning becomes relevant, students understand how they can use what they have learned in meaningful ways to participate in the global community,” she said. 

In addition to being a lecturer in Hispanic and Portuguese studies, Paredes Fernández serves as a pre-major advisor, an instructor in the Penn Summer Abroad Program and a course coordinator for the advanced and accelerated elementary Spanish courses. She is also a Penn First advocate supporting first-generation students on campus. 

The award was presented during the AATSP conference in Miami.