Thomas Pratz, Ed.D.
Spanish Adjunct Professor & HS Teacher
International Travel Statement
My journey with international travel began in high school when my Spanish teacher organized a trip to Spain in the summer of 2011. Initially hesitant, I took the leap with my parents' encouragement—and that decision changed my life. Since that transformative moment, I have studied abroad, earned a Master’s in Spain, and built a career teaching high school and college Spanish. Spain has become my second home, and I remain deeply grateful to my teacher for inspiring a lifelong passion for language and culture.
Visiting over 30 countries has deepened my understanding of cultural diversity and the importance of inclusivity. These experiences taught me the value of cultural humility and strengthened my commitment to fostering global citizenship in my students. Whether engaging with communities in Brazil, Morocco, or Japan or exploring the rich traditions of Spanish-speaking countries, I bring these perspectives into my teaching to broaden students’ worldviews and enhance their learning.
Since 2018, I have organized and led international student trips to Canada, Spain, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and Costa Rica (planned for Spring 2025). These experiences have sharpened my leadership and organizational skills while offering students enriching opportunities to develop cultural competence in a safe environment. Guiding them through new environments allows me to help them navigate different languages and customs while sharing my passion for global exploration. Many students return from these international experiences with a renewed passion for language learning, greater cultural sensitivity, and a deeper understanding of global issues.
Having grown up in an English-only environment, I deeply understand the challenges of language acquisition, which fuels my commitment to designing meaningful, engaging curricula. I strive to equip students with the cultural awareness and confidence to communicate across cultures and navigate diverse global contexts. By fostering global awareness in my students, I have also recognized the importance of equipping future educators with the skills to do the same. This realization has shaped my dedication to preparing pre-service teachers for culturally responsive teaching.
I am dedicated to guiding students through multicultural education and preparing pre-service teachers to do the same. To further this mission, I earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, equipping me to help future educators develop the tools and perspectives necessary to embrace and celebrate diversity in their classrooms. I focus on fostering a new generation of teachers who prioritize inclusivity, promote cross-cultural understanding, and inspire their students to participate actively in an increasingly interconnected world. Through this work, I strive to make education a powerful force for unity and cultural appreciation in both local and global communities. These global experiences continue shaping my perspective on language, culture, and education. Below are some defining moments from my international journey.