Enjoy this thoughtful story written by our talented student intern, Khamaria Wolfe, as she explores how the MMA Spanish Immersion Program is shaping future-ready, globally minded leaders.
Most people choose to learn a new language later in life to expand their skills or become more culturally aware. However, Martin Millennium Academy (MMA) is one of the few schools in Edgecombe County that offers a language immersion program allowing students to learn Spanish from pre-K through eighth grade. This unique opportunity has shaped the school in powerful ways. Let’s take a closer look at how the program began and the impact it has had on the MMA community.
MMA’s language immersion track, known as the Spanish Immersion Program, gives students the chance to spend half of their school day learning in Spanish, while the other half is reserved for electives taught in English. During their Spanish learning block, students are fully immersed - teachers speak only Spanish, creating an environment where students naturally acquire the language. The program was established in 2014, during a time when the school was facing challenges and searching for effective solutions. A team of district leaders visited other schools and districts to explore new ideas. Eventually, they discovered the global immersion model and partnered with Participate Learning Education, transforming MMA from a traditional middle school into a Global Gateway School.
Participate Learning Education is a visa program that brings international teachers into U.S. classrooms, giving students the opportunity to learn from educators who bring diverse cultural backgrounds. This partnership not only strengthens language instruction but also broadens students’ global awareness. Ronaldo Martinez, one of the program’s teachers, described how he incorporates his culture into his lessons. “Our students are exposed to different scenarios, situations, and experiences related to Colombia and Argentina,” he says. “We always try to contrast our nationalities and cultures with our kids'. It is beautiful to teach them how the world around them is different but unique.” Mr. Martinez hopes his students gain a deeper understanding of his country and may even be inspired to visit one day.
In MMA’s middle school grades, the program looks a little different. Instead of Spanish Immersion, it expands into a curriculum called Conexiones, which includes its own units and learning experiences. Eighth graders even participate in a club similar to Model UN, where they prepare to debate complex topics entirely in Spanish against students from other immersion programs across the country. This year’s debate will take place at UNC Greensboro, giving students a chance to experience a college campus, practice public speaking, and collaborate with peers from other programs.
MMA also provides strong support for both students and parents involved in immersion. Families receive guidance and reassurance about what the program involves, and students follow the same curriculum and standards as traditional classrooms - the main difference is simply the language of instruction. Jennifer Craddock, MMA’s Global Coordinator, explained the process of hiring international teachers and how fortunate the school has been. “You just pray for the best, and so far, we’ve been blessed,” she said. Teachers come on a three-year visa, with the option to renew for two additional years, and nearly all have chosen to stay.
In today’s world, being globally aware is more important than ever. MMA’s Spanish Immersion Program not only strengthens language skills but also helps students develop the cultural understanding and global mindset needed for the future. Thanks to this program, Martin Millennium Academy has grown stronger and continues to prepare students to become well-rounded, globally minded citizens.