Valeria Bonasorte is our middle school Spanish teacher and world language department chair. Learn and keep learning — this is the approach that guides Bonasorte’s life and inspires her teaching at EMS, where she has been a valued member of the community for 21 years. She believes continuous learning is essential for truly appreciating the world around us, a philosophy she instills in her students daily. In her classroom, questions are not just welcomed; they are celebrated. Open discussions are the norm, creating a space where students feel empowered to explore, discover, and push the boundaries of their understanding.
Bonasorte’s passion for learning began early. Growing up in Cuba, “School was a treat,” she recalls. “Even as a young child, I took pride in the details of my work.” When she moved to the United States, she learned English in just 11 months. She was “obsessed with learning languages, to become a linguist.” She realized that once you start to learn and understand a new language, it opens the door to learning many other languages.
“Studying languages provides cognitive benefits,” she emphasizes, “enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking, focus, and academic achievement. It boosts memory, comprehension, and global competence.”
Her inspiration to become a teacher came from her high school language teachers. “Their passion and the personal interest they took in me made me want to be as driven and caring as they were,” she says. She still treasures the Spanish books one of them handed down to her when they retired. At the University of Salamanca in Spain, her master’s studies in language and culture solidified her calling. “My wonderful professors, especially my language and literature professors, were the driving force,” she says. “Their deep expertise in the subject continues to inspire my professional growth.”
For Bonasorte, Spanish is a vibrant expression of culture, music, and beauty. “It’s a rich history,” she explains, “from Latin roots to diverse global languages.” She encourages cultural exploration in her classroom — from Barcelona’s architecture and museum art to highlights of Cervantes’ Don Quijote — connecting Spanish to other disciplines.
The Joy of Language and Culture
Cross-disciplinary exploration is a common theme across the EMS curriculum, from the early learning division through middle school. Bonasorte recalls a drumming elective event that brought Pellito el Afrokan, grandson of Pello el Afrokan, legendary percussionist and creator of the Mozambique rhythm, to EMS to lead a clinic exploring not only the Mozambique but also Cuban history. As she listened and danced, Bonaorte felt a profound connection to her Cuban roots and the joy of shared cultural experiences. She brings this same joy, this connection to language, culture, and music, to her students every day, inspiring them to learn, explore, and celebrate the world around them.
There's No Better Time to Support Your Child's Education
Every time you donate to one of Elisabeth Morrow's dedicated funds, you help enrich the daily experiences of our community on campus. STEAM spaces are enhanced, library catalogs are expanded, scholarships are funded, and teachers are hired. Every day, you can see the impact your generous donations have on campus.
