Vilma T. Lunt

Specialization

Spanish Pedagogy

Research Focus

Differentiated Language Instruction in mixed classrooms (HLL and L2 learners)

Thesis Title

Examining the Impact of Project-based Language Learning (PBLL) on Beginner’s Spanish in Middle School for Heritage Language Learners and English-speaking Spanish Learners

Biography

I was born and raised in Guatemala, where my early educational experienced sparked my interest in language, culture, and communication. I initially began my college studies in Business Administration, but after moving to Utah, I discovered my passion for education and earned my BA in Spanish Education from Utah Valley University. I am currently pursuing an MA in Spanish Pedagogy at Brigham Young University.

For more than five years, I have taught Spanish at the junior high and high school levels, working with both heritage speakers and second language learners. I have also supported multilingual students as a para-professional working with English learners in elementary school. These experiences have shaped my commitment to creating inclusive, student-centered classrooms where learners feel valued and empowered.

My teaching philosophy centers on building bi-literacy, confidence, and real-world communication skills through meaningful, proficiency-based instruction. I am especially passionate about differentiated instruction that honors students’ linguistic and cultural assets. As a native Spanish speaker who has lived, studied, and traveled across multiple Spanish speaking countries—including El Salvador, Peru, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Spain and Puerto Rico—I strive to bring authentic cultural perspective into my classroom.

I strongly believe that collaboration with colleagues and open communication with families are essential to student success. My goal is to help students not only learn Spanish but also develop global competence and confidence they need for the real world.

I am a passionate educator who believes in creating a safe, inclusive learning environment that honors students’ linguistic and cultural backgrounds. By valuing students' identities and fostering real-world communication and cultural competence, I strive to help learners build confidence and recognize their full potential.

Academic Background

BA in Spanish Education, Utah Valley University (2020)
Certificate of Advanced Business Spanish, University of Alcalá, Spain (2020)

Courses Taught

Spanish 1 (High School and Junior High)
Spanish 2 (High School and Junior High)
Spanish 3 (Junior High)
English Language Learners (High School and Elementary)

Future Goals

I plan to continue growing as an educator while making meaningful differences in students’ language-learning journeys. I hope to keep contributing to the development of strong world language programs and Dual Immersion, share my research and classroom practices with other educators, and continue serving multilingual communities.

Advice to Current or Future Graduate Students

Believe in yourself and trust your journey. You are capable of achieving your goals. As my father told me, “If you look for opportunities, you will find them. The challenge is to pursue them—many people quit because it is difficult.” Stay persistent and keep moving forward. Your work can make a lasting difference in your life and in the lives of others.