Heather Elizabeth Jamiolkowski

I have been teaching Spanish since 1997.  It’s my passion to share my knowledge about the language and culture with my students.  In addition to teaching as an adjunct at Messiah, I am a Spanish instructor at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High.  I teach Spanish III, Honors IV, as well Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture. Additionally, I serve as the World Languages Department Coordinator for the district. 

I love seeing my students make connections with what they have learned in the classroom. In 2009, I began collaborating with the Facultad de Filología at the La Universidad Compluetense de Madrid to create a unique cross-cultural experience for my honor students. They have the opportunity to take an intensive 3 credit undergraduate course as well as to explore many UNESCO World Heritage Sights throughout Spain. It’s incredibly exciting when students realize that learning another language opens up the door to so many possibilities at home and abroad.

In addition to teaching, I enjoy creating music and art.  As an avid traveler, I especially enjoy visiting Spanish-speaking countries. Recently, I fulfilled a life-long dream to hike El Camino de Santiago with my best friend. El Camino is a pilgrimage through northern Spain to the cathedral and tomb of the apostle Saint James.  In so many ways, the pilgrimage was a metaphor to life, with many challenges, but also many blessings.  I hope to one-day lead students on the spiritual and life-changing journey of El Camino de Santiago. ¡Buen camino! ¡Ultreya!

Fundamentals of Spanish 101 online

Previously taught: 407 Foreign Language Curriculum and Instruction