Rising Stars: Meet Dr. Latasha Lisa Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Latasha Lisa Jackson.

Hi Dr. Latasha Lisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Florida and everyone I knew, admired, respected, and loved, spoke English. It was my sixth grade Spanish class that opened my eyes, mind, and heart to a different sound, a different rhythm, a different love language… it was then that I absolutely fell in love with the Spanish language and culture. I was enrolled in Spanish courses from sixth grade through twelfth grade, and craved more… my desire for learning the language and uncovering a new way to communicate with others, was insatiable. After high school, I attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). It was there that my skills were sharpened. I minored in the Spanish language and won a University-sponsored contest to study abroad in the Dominican Republic. It was destiny! The people, the food, the music, the dance, the weather, the pride, the love… I was hooked and decided that whatever path I was going to take in life, had to include Spanish. After graduating from FAMU, I attended Florida State University (FSU) where I received my Master of Arts in Spanish. It was then that I decided that I wanted to share my passion and understanding of the language and culture with others.

Everyone that I had the privilege of learning from, never looked anything like me. I wanted to let others know, others that resembled me, that they could do it too. The background… didn’t matter. The race… didn’t matter. The financial status,,, didn’t matter. The passion and commitment to practice the language and respect the culture… mattered. I went on to receive my Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership with a minor in Urban Education. I started teaching in 2002, and haven’t stopped. I have devoted my knowledge and passion to create opportunities for Spanish-language learning in an engaging and meaningful way for all learners. I started teaching Spanish in 2002. I have taught K-12, at the collegiate level, and online. In 2018, I started Global Immersion Excursion (GIE) to assist participants in conquering their language learning goals through innovative virtual teaching methods, experiential learning opportunities, cultural explorations, and service-driven excursions. It’s simple, at GIE, we have one mission: Incite Global Connectivity through Second Language Acquisition.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting Global Immersion Excursion came with its own set of obstacles. The costs associated with starting a new busy can be overwhelming, the time and energy necessary to make the business a success while juggling the work/life/family balance, the fear of the unknown, and the doubt that creeps into your mind are all hurdles that I have had to overcome. The changing face of education and travel due to the Pandemic is another challenge. Through prayer, and the encouragement and unwavering love and support of my parents, husband Jay, family, and friends, nothing seems impossible. It is completely possible.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently a Professor of Spanish at Morehouse College, the CEO and Founder of Global Immersion Excursion, LLC; and the host of a television series, Hola! Adventures in Spanish with Señora Lisa on AIB Network. I have earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism, from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Master of Arts degree in Spanish, from Florida State University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Leadership with a minor in Urban Education, from Nova Southeastern University. I have studied abroad in various Spanish-speaking countries, including but not limited to Costa Rica, The Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Spain; engaged in the Spanish culture through host-family living and homestay hosting; taught using a variety of delivery methods; accommodated students’ schedules through flexible contact hours; and have worked diligently to spread my knowledge with learners, while designing curriculum and implementing courses for faculty and students.

I have 18 years of full-time Spanish teaching experience, working with elementary, middle and high school students, dual-enrolled students participating in early college programs, online learners, and traditional college students. I served as a full-time Professor of Spanish at Florida State College at Jacksonville for seven years, and worked at Purpose Built Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, teaching Spanish and raising thousands of dollars to take students abroad. I am a well-versed, creative, and resourceful individual that works diligently to encourage international service learning, enhance civic engagement, boost academic achievement, create curriculum design, stimulate global connectivity, and establish a plan to allow learners an opportunity to conquer Spanish language acquisition. My language proficiency, passion for cultural learning and global awareness, desire to ensure success, respect for human beings and the diversity that makes us unique, innovative teaching style, and drive and determination to contribute to each person’s personal Spanish language acquisition goals, are all unrivaled qualities that I possess.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the education industry becoming more open to offering Spanish language and culture courses in primary schools. With the growing number of Spanish-speakers, Hispanics, and Latinos in the United States of America, we are working harder to value and respect diversity in all of its forms. The importance of bridging the gap and connecting through language and culture has never been more evident and necessary. Did you know that the United States is now the world’s second largest Spanish-speaking country after Mexico? With 400 million speakers, Spanish is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world. And get this, if you count only native speakers, Spanish outranks English! The trend is definitely moving upward to include Spanish language learning and require a certain level of proficiency to graduate high school.

Pricing:

• $40 per hour for private virtual Spanish language lessons
• $2000 Daycare Experience
• $350 six week summer session for kids
• $3500 full service study abroad package including round trip airfare

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.globalimmersionexcursion.com
• Instagram: excursionglobal
• Facebook: excursionglobal
• Twitter: excursionglobal