2 - IREX

Francisco Javier Manotas Molinares, English Teacher
Colegio San Jose
Barranquilla, Colombia (Population: approx. 2,000,000)
U.S. Host University: University of North Dakota
Francisco Manotas has been teaching English for about 11 years at private schools in
Barranquilla. Right now, he teaches English in eighth grade and computers in fourth grade. Mr.
Manotas got his Bachelor’s degree in English from Universidad del Atlantico in 1999 and some
other certificates in evaluation information and technology tools and methodology. Mr. Manotas
is married with one little son and his hobbies include swimming, listening to music, walking and
watching movies. His primary objectives for participating in TEA are to increase knowledge
about English teaching methodologies, improve his own English proficiency, and to learn about
American culture.
Lina Maria Osorio Valdes, English Teacher
Instituto Caldos – UNAB
Bucaramanga, Colombia (Population: 1,014, 657)
U.S. Host University: University of North Dakota
Lina Maria Osorio Valdes has been teaching English for the past six years within different levels
at a private school that is a part of one of the most important universities in Bucaramanga
(UNAB). Her students range from 5-13 years old, and on average there are 25 students in her
class. Osorio Valdes also works in another university of the city, UCC, where she works as a
teacher assistant. She teaches methodology and methodology for handicapped people. Osorio
Valdes received her degree in childhood education and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2003.
She received a diploma in methodology for teaching English in kindergarten and primary school
levels in 2004, completed Post Grade in handicaps in 2005, earned a diploma in E-learning in
2007 as well as a TKT certification in 2009. Osorio Valdes lives with her parents and is the third
of four siblings. Her primary objective for participating in TEA is to learn more new and
different methodologies that enrich her education practice and her English in a native speaking
country.
Silvia Rocio Pabon Suarez, English Teacher
IED Jose Joaquin Castro Martinez School
Bogota, Colombia (Population: 6,776,009)
U.S. Host University: Purdue University
Silvia Rocio Pabon Suarez has been teaching English language at private and public schools for
about 12 years. The age of her students range from 12-17 years old, and on average there are 15
students in her class. At this moment, she belongs to an Academic Committee where she
represents the humanities subject area and makes decisions regarding academic issues in the
school. Silvia received a Bachelor’s degree in Philology and Languages from INCCH University
in 1992. She took a course about e-tutoring to become an e-tutor for the British Council. Silvia is
married with a daughter, and her hobbies are reading and swimming. Her objectives for
participating in the TEA program are to improve her English level and learn innovative
pedagogical practices.