Maria Hodapp

“Teachers, as hosts of their classrooms, have the responsibility to thoughtfully and humbly shape their classroom community to be a welcoming, safe, and respectful place.”

Maria Hodapp was first attracted to languages because of the relationship of their structure and the creativity people can use within that structure. “As a student learning Spanish, I grew to value language as a bridge between cultures, a window to learn from others’ perspectives, and a tool for hospitality. I have been fortunate to pursue this as a career, first teaching Spanish language courses and now teaching English language courses.”

What drew her to Trinity:

Hodapp was drawn to Trinity because of the commitment to academic discovery through a Christian worldview. “Now that I am here, I am additionally inspired by the atmosphere of cross-curricular collaboration.”

Research interests:

Among her research interests, Hodapp explores how to create community in diverse classrooms. “I have seen how our learning goals are better met if students feel a balance of challenging content and a sense of belonging in their classroom community.” Another research interest is incorporating soft skills development into ESL curriculum.

When she’s not teaching:

When Hodapp isn’t teaching, she hears others’ stories through theater, taking in the language of music at the symphony, breathing in fresh air at the Garfield Park Conservatory, admiring Chicago architecture, gazing at Lake Michigan, and exploring the Chicago food scene.

+ Expertise

Maria Hodapp was first attracted to languages because of the relationship of their structure and the creativity people can use within that structure. “As a student learning Spanish, I grew to value language as a bridge between cultures, a window to learn from others’ perspectives, and a tool for hospitality. I have been fortunate to pursue this as a career, first teaching Spanish language courses and now teaching English language courses.”

What drew her to Trinity:

Hodapp was drawn to Trinity because of the commitment to academic discovery through a Christian worldview. “Now that I am here, I am additionally inspired by the atmosphere of cross-curricular collaboration.”

Research interests:

Among her research interests, Hodapp explores how to create community in diverse classrooms. “I have seen how our learning goals are better met if students feel a balance of challenging content and a sense of belonging in their classroom community.” Another research interest is incorporating soft skills development into ESL curriculum.

When she’s not teaching:

When Hodapp isn’t teaching, she hears others’ stories through theater, taking in the language of music at the symphony, breathing in fresh air at the Garfield Park Conservatory, admiring Chicago architecture, gazing at Lake Michigan, and exploring the Chicago food scene.