Susana Cisneros ’09 M.A. sees teaching languages as a way to invite people to take a journey of self-exploration and join a collective learning experience.
“I challenge myself to present my courses as an opportunity to learn a language that goes beyond vocabulary and grammatical conjugation,” said Cisneros, a UNC Charlotte senior lecturer in Spanish. ” Students in my courses learn how the culture embedded in the language fosters deep critical thinking skills, a bigger frame of reference, an opportunity to embrace growth — sometimes with discomfort, and always with empathy.”
For the exceptional way that Cisneros guides language learners on their journeys, the Foreign Language Association of North Carolina presented her its 2022 Higher Education Teacher of the Year Award. The annual selection honors a higher education teacher who stands out as a leader among peers. A companion award recognizes a K-12 teacher.
Graduating seniors, on their exit surveys, regularly name Cisneros as the one person at Charlotte who has made the most significant, positive contribution to their education.
“Students particularly appreciate her enthusiasm, dedication, availability and her commitment to broadening their world view and their knowledge of the community,” said Michèle Bissière, chair of the Department of Languages and Culture Studies. “She is an innovative teacher who goes out of her way to provide real-life experiences for her students.”
Former student Rocio Arguijo describes Cisneros as the most impactful teacher she has known, describing how Cisneros has taken her life experience, her academic degrees and her passion for service to create the best environment for students to thrive.
“Profesora Cisneros looks at each student as their own person with their own experience and knowledge that is simply being refined through university studies,” Arguijo said. “She does everything in her power to arm them with knowledge and to pull out their strengths and helps them see how to tie their education about their life’s work. Profesora Cisneros’ humility shines through especially in the classroom.”
Read more about Cisneros’ engagement and influence across the University on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Exchange.