by Dana Romero

As you walk into her fully decorated classroom, you get hit with music, and get greeted with a pumped and exhilarated “BUENOS DIAS” from  Heritage Spanish teacher Megan Cortes.

“I like to think that I am teaching them more about their heritage, their culture,” Cortes stated.

 As a child, Cortes was introduced to the teaching world early on by her aunt. 

She would often visit her aunt’s school and help grade papers, which became a fond memory of her aunt and later inspired her to become a teacher. While she did get lost in College, she found herself fixated on Spanish.

As she became more familiar with the language, she began to wonder if perhaps the corporate world was a better fit for her, or if she should continue pursuing a career in the language. She often thought about becoming a translator or even an immigration lawyer. She soon received an offer for an ESL tutor position, which inspired her to pursue a career in teaching.

Some hope their plans include vacations, new homes, and new cars. Not Cortes, she hopes to expand and develop this Spanish heritage program.

“I wish to continue to develop this program, to expand this program, to get more students to be able to get their literacy seals on their diplomas,” stated Cortes 

For many, college is a brief chapter of life, but for  Cortes, higher education has stretched across decades and become a defining part of her career. In her early college years, she admits she “played around a lot” and didn’t take her classes seriously. The result was a low GPA that closed doors when she first applied to a master’s program in education. But rather than giving up, she spent three years paying out of pocket for classes and reapplying until she was finally accepted.

“It’s not about what I believe. It’s about empowering them to find their truth, understand the issues, and take action if they want to make a difference.” 

Heritage Spanish Teacher Megan Cortes

That determination became a theme in her professional journey. Though she began her career with a Spanish certification, she was placed in an ESL classroom, which required her to return once again for additional coursework. Later, when she took on dual credit teaching, she had to pursue even further education. Today, she holds two master’s degrees and multiple certifications, but the road has been long. 

“I feel like I’ve been in college my entire adult life,” she said, reflecting on her 40s and the years of classes, exams, and late nights of study.

Her story highlights the reality for many educators, who often face additional requirements, certifications, and advanced degrees to remain in the classroom—obligations that go far beyond what’s expected in most corporate jobs. While the path has been challenging, her persistence serves as a reminder that passion for teaching is often built on resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to students.

“I feel like she is very passionate, because every day, she strives and motivates us to do more and be capable of speaking our native language more frequently,” stated senior  Fernando Leon.

Her passion is evident not only in the lessons she delivers but in the way she constantly pushes her students to go beyond their comfort zones. Each day, she motivates them to strengthen their voice, urging them to use their native language more often — not simply as a subject in school, but as a living part of their identity. In doing so, she’s not just teaching words; she’s cultivating pride, confidence, and a connection to heritage that might otherwise fade. Her dedication reflects a belief that language is more than communication — it’s culture, memory, and power.

“I feel like she lets us struggle a bit and, like, let us try to figure it out ourselves, where she likes to see if we’re struggling a bit too much, she comes and offers us a quick word of advice or some just some space. If she sees us straight up struggling, she helps us out with what we need,” stated Leon.

Her approach to teaching blends independence with timely support. Instead of immediately intervening, she allows students to wrestle with challenges, giving them the space to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. This method fosters resilience and encourages a deeper engagement with the material.

At the same time, she maintains a keen awareness of when to step in. When struggles risk turning into setbacks, she offers concise advice or targeted guidance to redirect progress. This careful balance between autonomy and assistance has earned her a reputation for creating a classroom environment that is both empowering and supportive.

“I genuinely believe she’s a great person. She’s there for her students even outside of school. Kids come up to her when they see her. She’s a teacher who gets along with her students easily,” stated junior Areli Hernandez.

As a person, not a teacher, her personality is as huge as her heart. She’s seen as an empathetic person who truly listens and understands others.

“Their emotional state, and I don’t, you know, I hate that. I hate to see my kids suffer,” stated Cortes.

 Her students admire the way she makes everyone feel comfortable and supported, creating a welcoming environment where they feel valued and respected. Her positive energy and dedication leave a lasting impact, showing that she cares not only about teaching but also about shaping her students into better individuals.

“I honestly feel moved by her actions about her protesting. I appreciate her for speaking up for those who can’t. Teachers like her deserve recognition and support from others around her,” stated Hernandez.

Her passion extends far beyond the classroom. As an active member of the Southern Indiana Know Your Rights group, she devotes her time to educating the community about their legal protections, especially during a politically tense climate that has brought fear to many, particularly within the Hispanic community — a group she deeply cares for and fiercely protects.

“I think it’s important to inform people and let them know what their rights are,” she explained. “I want to make sure people are aware, educated, and doing everything they can to keep themselves safe,”

Her advocacy also shapes the way she interacts with her students. She encourages them to develop their voices, research their beliefs, and stand firm in what they are passionate about. 

“It’s not about what I believe,” she emphasized. “It’s about empowering them to find their truth, understand the issues, and take action if they want to make a difference.”