Daniel Soares fosters community-centered learning at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School

Daniel Soares brings Brazilian teaching practices—conversation, storytelling and student voice—into Portuguese classes at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School to build classroom community. He also led an interdisciplinary workshop for teachers in February to share those approaches for engaging Brazilian students.

Room 201 at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School is often filled with laughter and conversation during Daniel Soares' Portuguese classes. He draws on elements of Brazilian pedagogy, emphasizing speaking, storytelling and student voice so learners begin with personal and collective life stories before exploring texts together. Students and teaching staff say this approach helps build community and support cultural identity. In February, Soares led an interdisciplinary workshop for teachers to demonstrate activities and strategies informed by that pedagogy. Key details: - Soares prioritizes conversation and storytelling to create more moments for speaking and discussion in class. - Students described the classroom as welcoming and cohesive; a teacher assistant said it feels like being among friends. - A student reported gaining greater knowledge of Brazilian culture and feeling pride in their heritage through the class. - In February, Soares organized a workshop aimed at helping teachers better engage Brazilian students and other learners. - English language learner department chair Jane Sampaio attended the workshop and said it showed ways to bring more discussion and listening into lessons. Summary: Soares' classroom methods have reshaped interactions in his Portuguese courses and extended into professional development for colleagues. Undetermined at this time.