Former Baltimore Teacher Develops Online World Language Program
Lida Zlatic, featured here, is now working with two co-founders in her current enterprise called myClassTracks which is a customizable blended learning solution for world language instruction.
Zlatic brings an impressive background to this venture. She has a B.A. in both the classics and art history from the University of Maryland, College Park and a M.S. in data driven education from The Johns Hopkins University School of Education, Baltimore.
Prior to teaching Spanish and social studies for three years in Baltimore City schools, among other things, Zlatic traveled extensively, both independently and as part of study abroad programs, to over 30 countries.
What inspired you to enter your current field and to start your current enterprise?
"Right out of college, I got a job working in education policy which I disliked. I ended up falling in love with education. It felt like there was so much work to do and so many talented people doing it."
"I joined Teach for America, Baltimore and taught Spanish in city schools. I really loved working with the students, and I found that Baltimore is doing some really innovative things with technology."
"I got to see how our math teachers were using software to personalize learning and get much better results. I found that there was nothing similar for the world language classroom. So, I decided to make it myself."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"I got my master's from Hopkins, specializing in secondary Spanish instruction. It has been incredibly useful. I also took courses about entrepreneurship and programming – both skills that I use at myClassTracks."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"I went to Hopkins for grad school, because it was close to my house and because Teach for America negotiated a discount; but it has actually opened a lot of doors for me."
"I also had a really great instructor on the methods of teaching a foreign language. It's been super helpful to have a working knowledge of the different approaches to teaching a new language."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into your field?
"There are a lot of teachers out there with great ideas, yet so many of the products, policies, and administrative decisions are made by people who have never taught. If you are inspired to create something, just go do it. You will be surprised how many people are willing to support you."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.
