Dr. Dana Flaskerud

Dana Flaskerud teaches Spanish in the Upper School. She particularly enjoys using technology to bridge language learning with learning about Hispanic culture. She likes to do class projects like karaoke competitions, filming and editing short movies, and creating digital comic strips.

“As a junior in high school, I spent a year in Barcelona where I fell in love with Spain and Spanish,” says Flaskerud. “In college, I lived in Granada for a semester. I’ve backpacked, hiked, and sailed my way through Central and South America. My unique travels and exciting adventures would never have been possible without my Spanish.I hope my students will always appreciate the gift of speaking another language and realize the immense value of it.”

She completed her Ph.D. at Columbia in Spanish literature. Her area of specialization is Medieval and Early Modern periods. Her dissertation, recently published with Juan de la Cuesta, is a study and modern edition of Salas Barbadillo’s 1621 novel, La sabia Flora malsabidilla.

Prior to joining the faculty of CWA, Flaskerud taught at the University of Puget Sound and Columbia University, where she directed the language program. In addition to teaching she serves as co-coordinator of CWA’s Winterim program and coaches Middle School ultimate frisbee.

“I really admire CWA’s dedication to teaching languages at an early age. I am convinced that by teaching our children a second language, we are not only opening doors to the appreciation of other cultures, we are also giving them an opportunity to explore their own identity, nationality and language.” Flaskerud says that her favorite thing about CWA is having the opportunity to lead Winterim trips.  “I’ve led trips to El Salvador, Oaxaca, Ecuador, Italy and Peru. This year, I’m looking forward to taking a group of students to Colombia. CWA students have proven to be excellent world travelers, and I enjoy watching my students putting their language skills to the test!”

Flaskerud also loves sushi, Thai and Indian food. She has found that the keys to her happiness are family, strong coffee and frequent hot yoga classes.  In her free time, Flaskerud enjoys downhill skiing, hiking, reading, cooking, sailing, kayaking and soccer. “I also love Pedro Almodovar films and fusion flamenco music, and am crazy about abstract art and theater. My favorite books of all time are Don Quixote de la Mancha, One Hundred Years of Solitude, and The Lost Steps.”