Grade/subject/school: Grade 7 reading and language arts; Grades 7-8 Spanish, Creston Middle School, Warren Township.

Number of years teaching: 30.

Work e-mail: soliva@warren.k12.in.us

Background/schooling: Master’s degree in secondary education in Spanish/English, Indiana University; bachelor’s degree in Spanish/English education, Ball State University; Warren Central High School.

Why did you become a teacher: I loved school as a child, and I could never learn enough. I am still learning. My third-grade teacher, Althea Pogue, introduced me to Spanish, and my high school teacher, Miss Alice Pullin, encouraged me to study it in college.

What goals do you have for your students: I want my students to become responsible for their learning and to have an attitude of lifelong learning.

What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills: Shut off the television and encourage them to read.

Name your favorite movie: “Sleepless in Seattle.”

Name your favorite musician or band: It varies; I love Latin music.

What’s something your students might not know about you? I went to Peru on an archaeological dig and discovered the body of a child from a culture of around A.D. 900.