By Cynthia Olea

Students who have had the opportunity to study with Spanish teacher Sigfrido Zimmermann are likely well-acquainted with his fascinating career journey before discovering his love for teaching. Zimmermann’s professional path has been far from ordinary. Before finding his calling as a Spanish teacher, he worked as an ornithologist studying birds in El Salvador and also as an EKG technician. However, his passion for the Spanish language and his dedication to uplifting the Hispanic community ultimately brought him to Granada Hills Charter High School (GHC).

Zimmermann’s unique background enriches his teaching style, making him a standout educator. He is known for his ability to transform the art of storytelling into a captivating learning experience. Stepping into his classroom is an experience in itself with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the classroom air and his occasional “teaching moments” based on life experiences that extend beyond the syllabus and AP test into real-world life lessons. It is his teaching approach that makes his AP Spanish Literature course one of the most anticipated classes. 

The class offers students the chance to broaden their understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures by exploring varied voices from Latin America, the United States, and Spain. More than just a language course, it provides a deep dive into the rich literary heritage of these regions, offering students a cultural lens through which they can understand the history, struggles, and triumphs of the Hispanic cultural heritage.

Many students who requested to take AP Spanish literature were first inspired by Zimmermann’s teaching skills in the previous year’s course: AP Spanish Language. His method of engaging students left a lasting impression on them.

“I’m very excited because this is a big class with a very dedicated group of kids,” Zimmerman said. “Most of them took AP Spanish Language with me last year and have a lot of interest in learning about the literary culture of Latin America.”

Students will explore literature through a wide variety of genres including poetry, plays, short stories, and novels. The course is not only designed to prepare students to pass the AP exam but also to foster a deep appreciation for the literature.

Each lesson and unit involves several stages of analysis. First, students familiarize themselves with the vocabulary and key themes in the readings. Then, they read the texts closely, answering questions and discussing to assess their comprehension. Afterward, they analyze the structure, narrative techniques, and cultural significance of the piece. Zimmermann keeps this interesting and interactive with assignments like visual interpretations and literature games and characteristics most important to the text. 

The course is taught entirely in Spanish with only an occasional English translation when reading from authors such as Don Juan Manuel and his classic work “Conde Lucanor, Exemplo XXXV.” 

 There are a total of 38 required readings for the AP literature exam, and with those readings, students are required by the College Board to complete multiple-choice questions and answer efficiently to free-response prompts. The course helps bridge the gap between students’ heritage and their academic growth.

“The majority of students enrolled in this class are Hispanics born in the US that won’t have access to such a diverse class in a university,” Zimmermann said.

As with any AP course, AP Spanish Literature allows students to earn potential college credit and a GPA boost, but all by exploring students’ cultural roots. They gain a profound understanding of the second most spoken language in the United States, making them more competitive in the job market as well. 

“I’ve been a Spanish speaker since I was little,” junior Daniel De Luna said. “I wanted to take this class to better my understanding of my culture, and help open doors for future jobs outside of high school.”