A Mother, Educator, & Student: One Teacher’s Journey
Imagine standing at the front of a classroom, not just teaching but constantly adapting—finding new ways to inspire a generation raised on screens and instant connections. For longtime Spanish teacher Nidza Bruno, this challenge became an opportunity to evolve, culminating in her earning a Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish degree at Rutgers-Camden. As Tom McLaughlin highlights in Longtime Spanish Teacher Follows in Footsteps of Three Sons Earning a Rutgers Degree, Bruno’s journey is a powerful blend of tradition, innovation, and unwavering passion for learning.
From her earliest days helping neighborhood kids with homework in Puerto Rico to teaching high school students in Camden, Bruno has always embraced the role of both educator and student. Rutgers-Camden became a home away from home—a place where she could refine her craft, embrace emerging technologies, and reignite her love for teaching. Whether it was incorporating video games to teach Spanish grammar or participating in immersive studies at the University of Salamanca, Bruno proves that great teaching is about evolving alongside your students.
Her story is as much about perseverance as it is about family. With the encouragement of her sons—three of whom are also Rutgers graduates—Bruno redefined what it means to lead by example. Now, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for educators everywhere. For the full story of her journey and the impact of her time at Rutgers-Camden, don’t miss Tom McLaughlin’s article.
Related to this Story:
Teaching Spanish MAT: Preparing Educators for Tomorrow’s Spanish Classrooms
The Rutgers–Camden Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Spanish program equips students for careers in K–12 education and community colleges, offering practical training for teaching Spanish in bilingual settings. The program accommodates both fluent Spanish speakers from diverse backgrounds and Anglophone students seeking to enhance their Spanish fluency. Graduates gain advanced language skills, intensive pedagogical training, and cultural sensitivity, preparing them to meet the needs of their academic and cultural communities. This comprehensive approach, combined with immersive Spanish-language instruction, distinguishes the program from others in the region, preparing graduates to excel as Spanish-language educators in diverse educational environments.
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