¡Hola! My name is Gabriela. Ackert. I was born in Ambato, Ecuador where I lived and studied for 26 years. I attained an associate's degree in English as a Second Language at the Universidad Técnica de Ambato and I taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at the elementary and middle school levels in Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

In 2001, I came to the USA to learn about the American culture and to improve my English skills. In the United States, I decided to continue my education and in 2006, I attained a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Spanish and Latin American Culture from Empire State College. In 2009, I attained a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, from the aforementioned university. I have been teaching Spanish for twelve years in the United States, and I taught English to Spanish speaking students in Ecuador for seven years.

I love teaching, and I am especially passionate about technology. I like learning about new ways to make teaching and learning fun, and I strive to teach in a digital classroom. I consider myself a 21st century educator. I have been able to successfully use technology in my content area, Spanish. Teaching Spanish and incorporating technology in my teaching repertoire has allowed me to see tremendous growth in students who strive to meet new challenges.

Awards
"Lee H. Bryant Outstanding State Teacher Award 2012" from NYSCATE.

"Innovative Teacher Award 2013" (Voki) from the NYS Teacher Centers

"Website of the Year 2013" from NYSAFLT

Edmodo NYS Certified Teacher

Lead Author -e3 Learning Beginner Introductory Spanish, Orange Ulster BOCES
Member of the Teacher Center Technology Committee Dissemination Network -2013