“I stress enjoyment and excitement for learning language, culture, and literature as a vehicle for connecting with people. Through communication in another language we open opportunities to meet new people and ideas and experience life in ways we otherwise would not. In doing so, we expand our thinking about ourselves and others. We become advocates for mutual respect and understanding between diverse linguistic, cultural, and political groups.”

Title

Associate Professor of Spanish

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Purdue University – West Layfayette, IN
• M.A.T., Indiana University – Bloomington, IN
• B.A., Indiana University – Bloomington, IN

Year Joined Franklin

2007

Expertise

foreign language pedagogy, Latin American literature and culture
study abroad in San Luis Potosí, México.

I want to be a French or Spanish teacher. Why should I choose Franklin?

Our balanced curriculum provides a foundation for success, whether you want to teach at the elementary, secondary, or college level. However, we want you to not only learn, but to live language and culture. This makes for truly outstanding language educators. Therefore, we urge you to study abroad to experience the thrill of culture and language firsthand. We also strongly suggest our exciting co-curricular opportunities, such as living in our Modern Language House, serving as a conversation table leader or peer tutor, or volunteering to teach local pre-school students. If you combine French or Spanish with education, you will accumulate 600 hours of practical experience in real K-12 classrooms before you even begin to student teach!

What else can you do with a degree in French or Spanish besides teach?

Our modern language students do a lot more than just become teachers. Our graduates work in a variety of sectors: law enforcement, dentistry, medical, non-profit, banking, immigration, counseling, and public health. In some cases, they don’t use the language frequently, but our program’s and the college’s emphasis on cultural sensitivity and critical thinking sets them apart in a continuously diversifying job market. Graduate school is also a popular option, as students have proceeded to programs in psychology, public health, and medical school.

Selected Professional Accomplishments

Honors and Awards

Franklin College Academic Adviser of the year Award Nominee, 2012,2014, and 2015
Foreign Language Teacher’s Association Teacher of the Year University Level, 2010
Franklin College Student Organization Adviser of the Year, 2010

Supplementary Materials Publications

Alsop, Thomas, and Dan Alsop. 85 No, No, No, Noes in Spanish. Rochester Hills, MI. Carlex, 2016.
Alsop, Thomas, and Dan Alsop. Treasure Chest of Speaking Activities for Spanish Class. Rochester Hills, MI. Carlex, 2014.
Alsop, Thomas, and Dan Alsop. 124 Technology Based Portfolio Activities. Rochester Hills, MI. Carlex, 2012.

Conference Presentations

“A New Dimension to Literature: The Dramatization,” with Sara Colburn-Alsop and Kate Johnston. Central States Conference on Teaching Foreign Languages, Chicago, IL. March 2017.
“A New Dimension to Literature: The Dramatization,” with Sara Colburn-Alsop and Kate Johnston. Indiana Foreign Language Teacher Association Conference, Indianapolis, IN. November 2016.
“Active Ideas for Planning a Foreign-Language Immersion Day,” with Sara Colburn-Alsop and Kate Johnson. Central States Conference on Foreign Languages, Milwaukee, WI. March 2012.
“Service Learning in Spanish,” with Sara Colburn-Alsop, Amanda Sexton and, Savannah Williams. Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association Conference, Indianapolis, IN. November 2008.

What Students Say

“With Dr. Alsop, I encountered a style of teaching that was both engaging and intellectually challenging. He understands each student’s strengths and knows how to highlight them in group discussions. He asks challenging questions that don’t offer simple solutions, but instead requires that the student analyze for themselves. Finally, his love for the Hispanic culture, his global mentality, and passion for teaching inspire in students an equal passion and desire for learning.” – Daniel Harvey ‘16
“Dr. Alsop is a very challenging and engaging professor.  His passions for both education and Spanish shine through in his teaching each day.  He is the perfect role model for me as a Spanish teacher.  As both my professor and adviser, Dr. Alsop prepared me to be a teacher that is excited, passionate, and one that is a champion for students each and every day.” – Conner McNeely ‘16

In My Spare Time…

I enjoy reading, attending rock concerts, following the Indiana Pacers, and playing tennis. My favorite book – if forced to choose – is B. Traven’s Treasure of the Sierra Madre.