Two Harlan County High School teachers have written a Spanish I textbook that focuses on rural life, including specifics of Harlan County.

“Viajes desde Appalachia,” by Spanish teachers Chris Anama-Green and Emmanuel Anama-Green, includes rural scenarios and matching vocabulary.

“When you read many ‘mainstream’ Spanish textbooks, you find mostly vocabulary and scenarios related to city life,” Chris Anama-Green said. “It’s harder for students to see the importance of learning a second language when the examples provided just aren’t relevant to them.”

The textbook meets Kentucky World Language Standards and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages standards. The authors are working on a level II textbook also.

Their work has drawn praise from Harlan County education administrators.

“I am very fortunate to have these two members on my faculty at Harlan County High School,” Principal Kathy Minor said. “Their academic achievements and knowledge of state-of-the-art technology are a huge asset to the school and district. These teachers exceed expectations to help their students be successful. They assist their co-workers daily. They are exemplary.”

Chris Anama-Green has taught Spanish I at Harlan County High School since 2016. He received a bachelor’s degree from Emory & Henry College, a master’s from Morehead State University and one from East Carolina University, and a doctorate in education from the University of the Cumberlands.

Emmanuel Anama-Green earned an associate degree from Southeast Community and Technical College, a bachelor’s degree and a master’s from Morehead State University, a second master’s and Rank 1 from Southern Oregon University’s summer Spanish institute in Guanajuato, Mexico, and an education specialist degree from the University of the Cumberlands. In November 2020 he completed requirements for a doctorate in education.