After graduating from the Saint Louis University M.A. program in 2013, Dorotea Lechkova continued her studies in the Ph.D. program at Washington University in St. Louis. Now, she strives to help her students develop linguistic abilities and cultural awareness and become engaged, global citizens.
Q&A
How long were you in the program?
Two years.
What have you been doing since receiving your SLU M.A.?
Completed Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies and Comparative Literature from Washington University
in St. Louis (2019).
What is the title of your current position?
Upper School Spanish Teacher, MICDS (Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School)
In what ways did the SLU M.A. prepare you for what you do today?
Rigorous pedagogical training in second language acquisition and collaborative work
with peers.
What does a typical day look like?
Combination of teaching, planning, collaborating with colleagues, meeting with students,
grading.
What do you consider the most essential skills for your career?
Supporting student learning, designing curriculum (daily activities, projects, assessments),
collaborating with colleagues.
What are some highlights from your time at SLU?
As a graduate student, receiving the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (2013);
as a BA English/Spanish double major, studying abroad at SLU Madrid (2008-2009).
What are your academic interests?
Cultural exchanges between Latin America and the Soviet Bloc.