Testimonials

Let me thank you for the excellent introductory Spanish course you conducted, and in which I participated. I really appreciated the vivacious manner in which you conducted your classes and give you high credit for keeping a relaxed atmosphere without intimidation. Your lessons always showed good planning and you had a good sense of “pace” for learning in the class. Once again, thank you.

Dear Mercedes, Your ability to reach people, to make everyone feel special, to educate and not insult, to accept with kindness, to understand, to be flexible, to be exciting and stimulating as an educator is rare and wonderful.  People say regardless of their ability, their time to practice, their infirmities or their time schedules, they love the class, particularly because of your ability to be kind, flexible, understanding and interesting all at the same time.  You seem to leave your ego at home and become a coach along with an individual who obviously cares about others. You are rare indeed, and I have trained teachers over many years, in journalism and general education.  When someone comes along like you, they should be seen as the best example, which you absolutely are.

OHSU is fortunate to have a truly extraordinary Spanish instructor. I have taken language courses from various teachers, in various situations and Mercedes Cohan is far superior to other teachers I have encountered. Portland Community College adult education teachers don’t even come close in caliber. Nor does PCC offer the continuity or personal attention that one gets in her classes. Mercedes has a thorough knowledge of the syntax, vocabulary and idioms. She is well-organized and systematic. She uses a logical progression that effectively builds on what has already been learned and continuously reviews prior material as new material is introduced. I think she has developed her own method, certainly her style is all her own. All this is quite enough to make Mercedes a very good teacher. But she is more than merely good, she is genuinely gifted. Maybe it is because she loves what she does so much. She works hard at giving us her very best, whether it’s running breathless to make copies for a newcomer or giving us funny mnemonics to helps us remember. Week after week she manages to inject fun into what is a really tough endeavor for adults with lots of other stuff going on in their lives. Her patience and understanding are admirable. Mercedes never hesitates to do just a little bit more, a translation, answer questions after class. Whatever it takes, she’s there making the extra effort. She encourages us. She makes us laugh. And we learn Spanish! What a fabulous asset she is to OHSU!

Listening to the Zoom class from 7/17:
Excellent! I actually found myself answering
Your questions out loud! Oh man!
Thank you for your most excellent notes!
Peggy

You are the best Language teacher I’ve ever had!  Thank you so much for staying enthusiastic with your teaching methods – and your use of review and repetition makes the language stick!

Today while writing your evaluation for the Elsie Stuhr Center, I was thinking about what a great teacher you are. I notice it during class, but when I realize it most is when I rewrite my class notes in my notebook each week. Every time when I come across something which confuses me a little, later in the notes will be your very thorough explanation of that point.

Hello Mercedes,
Just wanted to say that your Spanish class really transports me from the sometimes dreary days.
Your good humor, your extreme patience with your students, your hilarious use of the mute button…You are simply a joy!
I hope you never quit!
I don’t plan to either😘
All the best,
Peggy

I want to thank you for your knowledgeable and entertaining teaching style.  Your grasp of Spanish grammar is impressive! Your assistance and patience with all of us learners will be something I shall always remember.

I wanted to write to you and tell you that I started taking your classes during what was possibly the toughest times (emotionally) in my life.  I am sure that you have noticed that I perked up like a dry plant that finally got water. I feel so much better and the woman you saw me as during this past term is the real me. Now I am a version of me who knows more Spanish grammar! There was a significant amount of time that went by where having your class to anticipate during the week kept me going and reminded me that life is good and that it can get better. I was further inspired by the unfailing kindness of your students. It is the career path I can pursue with 100% passion! It really is an amazing group. I plan on continuing with Spanish as “danced” out by Mercedes.

You are such an amazing teacher and make learning Spanish a collaborative and fun adventure! I appreciate all your time and patience and I will definitely recommend you to my friends who are interested in learning Spanish.

GRACIAS!!

Priya

Mercedes
Thank you so much. I am studying and speaking out loud a lot every day now for our classes. The second hour has really challenged me. I appreciate you so much for your help and patience.
Hugs to you,
Annette

I truly enjoyed your teaching! You are super awesome! And I’ve found a renewed interest in learning Spanish, so that’s good.  Thank you for everything!

Well…  the feeling is very mutual!    And.. you know how much I (and the others) love coming to your class.  It’s definitely your sparkling personality and your approach to teaching Spanish that make it so much fun!  Not that many people would put so much energy and caring into it.  And… you’re sooooo patient with us.  That’s why we all keep coming back!

You are such a fantastic teacher:  I can see the joy in your work of teaching and pleasure when your students ask questions and grasp concepts. 

We want to thank you so much for getting us started.  I personally think your curriculum/method is fantastic, and we both recognize you as a great teacher who puts a lot of effort into keeping the whole class of different personalities involved and making progress at every step.  We will recommend your class to everyone. I must share with you one little success that proves I have learned something valuable from your class,  I was writing a check for the man who did some work at my home, and was able to verify the spelling of his name, Osvaldo, by asking him if it is spelled with a “beh chica?”   “Si, si, beh chica.”  Made me feel I know a little something very important.  I also know that with my background in your class, I can use the self-study books for Spanish because I can pronounce the words to myself, and I know the beginning structure of grammar.

I have arrived in Antigua and it is lovely! I have used your teaching since the driver picked me up in Guatemala City. I am so grateful for all you have done to help me communicate with other people in other countries.  It is so much fun and the locals of course love it that I try.  Love, respect and sincere gratitude to mi profesora.

This has been very helpful. I am able to communicate much easier with my patients already.

Rheem 

I have thoroughly enjoyed taking Spanish with Mercedes. She is an excellent instructor and very adaptable to the situation. When the pandemic struck she immediately was able to get classes on-line without missing a beat. She makes the on-line classes fun and easy to follow with use of white boards, repetition exercises, audio/video recordings and her engaging personality. I without hesitation recommend taking your next Spanish class with Profesora Mercedes.

Mercedes is a fantastic teacher. She’s like a friend who’s teaching you and it’s FUN. SO MUCH FUN. Years ago, I took a beginning Spanish class at community college and it was just average–it moved WAY too fast. Then I found Mercedes, from whom it was easier to learn, more personalized, and more affordable. I can’t say enough great things about Mercedes. I even learned more about the English language cause I was learning language basics. Mercedes is the Best, beyond compare!

As much as I enjoy Mercedes’s effective teaching method, I am in awe of the enthusiasm she brings to each and every class. She is excited when a student displays learning and patient when a student is having difficulty. Never any pressure, she’s always ready with praise. As a former teacher myself, I know how important these traits can be. I am now retired and “elderly.” I began taking classes with Mercedes two years ago when my health club advertised that her class would help with “mental acuity.” I feel I have gotten that and much more. Now, when traveling to Mexico, I feel I am getting more and more comfortable speaking the language, and even get a kick at impressing my wife with my newfound ability (not to mention “mental acuity”). DOS DEDITOS P’ARRIBA!

Edward Benett