Learning a language is not just a way for a person to get around on vacation, but rather a vehicle that opens the door to an entire new world. I can attribute my learning of Spanish to the growth of hobbies, interests, friendships, and even my marriage. In my Spanish classroom, I am committed to the goal of teaching my students how to communicate in the language, thus opening the door for them into a new world full of exciting possibilities.
Forrest Filetti
B.A.
Spanish Teacher
CREDENTIALS
Bachelor of Arts, History and Spanish Studies, Brigham Young University
Completion of Developmental Education and Experience Program in Language Teaching, Nomen Global Language Centers
Spanish Language Advanced Proficiency, Brigham Young University Center for Language Studies
Licensed Teacher in the State of Utah
Associate Educator License in Special Education in the State of Utah
PHILOSOPHY
As an educator, Forrest’s philosophy centers around making education individual to the student. Forrest is committed to playing to the strengths of each student and pushing and challenging them to be the best that they can be, including preparing them for higher education, employment, or any other professional goals that a student might have. Forrest believes in order to be successful as a teacher, the first step is to let your students know that you care about them and want them to succeed. Forrest also believes in the limitless potential of each student, and that education is a lifelong pursuit and can be developed in many different ways.
PROFESSIONAL
Forrest joined Gateway in the Summer of 2024. While in school to become a secondary school teacher, he worked at Nomen Global Language Center teaching English to foreign students from all over the world. He did his student teaching at Wasatch High School in Heber City, Utah and was asked to come back as a long-term substitute at the conclusion of his student teaching. In April 2024, Forrest graduated in with his Bachelor of Arts degree in History Teaching and Spanish Studies and joined Gateway as the Spanish teacher and Special Education teacher soon after.
PERSONAL
Forrest enjoys traveling with his wife and has almost been to every one of the United States. He also enjoys video games, film and filmmaking, speaking Spanish, participating in Latino community events, and the outdoors.
CREATING STUDENT SUCCESS
While student teaching, Forrest had an experience with a student that really changed the way that he approached teaching. After handing out an assignment that was meant to be worked on independently, a student courageously approached him and asked for help. Forrest spent the next 15 minutes working with the student and realized that the student’s struggles were not with the materials, but rather with the skill required to complete them. From this experience, Forrest learned how important it is to individualize education for each student. He learned that all students have the ability to succeed if they have the means in place to help them succeed without judgment.