By Collette O’Neal (Whetstone Staff Writer)
Spanish is her first language.
Vilma Lazo-Butera, Wesley’s new Spanish teacher, came to the United States from Honduras in the 1980s to study at the University of Delaware, where she earned her master’s degree in Spanish, and learned how to speak English.
Following graduation, Butera taught at her alma mater for 12 years, but was laid off when the school converted to online classes. During the time she taught at UD, Butera attended Temple University, but fell short of earning her PhD when her daughter was born.
It took a year of searching before Butera landed the job at Wesley. Although she misses UD, Butera said that she enjoys teaching at Wesley.
“The classes here are small, which I like a lot,†she said. “It was very difficult to get to know students at UD. Here you can have a closer relationship with the students.â€
Butera hopes to develop a Spanish club at Wesley and a way for students to study aboard.
“I think a Spanish club would be a very nice thing to have since we don’t have anything like that,†she said.
The club would be open to any student who has an interest in Spanish culture.
Butera teaches Beginning Spanish, Intermediate Spanish, and Conversational Spanish and two independent study students.
Students say she is a great professor.
“I recommend any student to take her [class],†said junior Ebony Frazier.
Her independent study student, junior Evan Dorl, agrees
“Señora Butera is awesome!†he said. “She is very nice and is a good teacher.â€
Butera says she hopes to remain at Wesley for a long time and feels she has a lot to offer.
“Wesley is open for many opportunities for both teachers and students,†Butera said.
Her biggest hope for next year is to teach one of the Spanish survey literature courses.
