Lianne Lydum Triumphs as Teacher of the Year

Verde Valley School’s Spanish teacher, Lianne Lydum, has been recognized as one of the International Baccalaureate Schools Program Teachers of the Year. This accolade comes as she marks her ninth year with the school.

“Receiving this award feels like a representation of language teachers across the state,” Lydum remarked. Her passion for teaching languages resonates deeply, making this recognition even more meaningful.

Head of School Ben Lee praised Lydum’s multifaceted contributions, highlighting her role as a mountain biking coach and her participation in campus musical activities. “She brings not only academic excellence but also an enthusiastic spirit to extracurriculars,” Lee stated.

Lydum incorporates music into her Spanish lessons, using songs to enhance pronunciation skills. “It creates a fun atmosphere in which students can engage with the language without pressure,” she explained.

Originating from Los Angeles, Lydum moved to Mexico at the age of 12 and later earned a degree in industrial engineering. After working in various roles and having children, she pivoted to education, obtaining her master’s degree in teaching Spanish from Northern Arizona University in 2013.

Before joining Verde Valley School, she taught in Boston and Providence, Rhode Island. Lydum maintains a strong connection to Mexico, where her children have chosen to reside as adults. “I feel like I need both cultures in my life to feel whole,” she noted.

Her engineering background influences her teaching methodology. Lydum emphasizes that languages are dynamic and evolve over time. “Languages are alive; they reflect the society that uses them,” she stated, encouraging students to embrace their role as custodians of future linguistic trends.

Returning to the U.S. after years abroad revealed to her the evolution of American English. Lydum pointed out new expressions, such as “no worries,” which puzzled her initially. “The shift in language reflects broader cultural changes,” she observed.

To reinforce her belief in the value of language learning, Lydum has begun studying Korean. “It’s important for my students to see that I am committed to lifelong learning,” she said. Delving into a language so distinct from her own has allowed her to gain a fresh perspective on culture and communication.

Lydum anticipates it will take about three years to become fluent in Korean. This journey enriches her understanding of the student experience in language acquisition. “Learning languages fosters individual growth and bridges cultural divides,” she argued.

Recently, a former student from her advanced Spanish class reached out to share his experiences studying in Spain. After exploring the works of Federico García Lorca in class, he had the opportunity to visit the site that inspired one of the playwright’s renowned works. “It’s rewarding to hear how classroom discussions can resonate in students’ lives beyond school,” Lydum reflected.