Mara S. Cobe
Mara (Silverman) Cobe is a seasoned world language educator with over 33 years of experience in K–12 education. She currently serves as the K-12 World Languages Curriculum Specialist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, one of the largest school districts in the United States, a role she has held for more than 18 years. Mara specializes in World Language and Dual Language Immersion instruction, curriculum development, and professional development, with a focus on creating equitable learning opportunities for all students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and French Education from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Gardner-Webb University. Throughout her career, Mara has been committed to building strong professional networks and mentoring educators. She has been an active member and leader of the National Association of District Supervisors for Languages (NADSFL), serving in roles including Executive Secretary, Vice President, President, and Past President. Her work has been recognized with the 2025 NADSFL Supervisor of the Year, 2020 SCOLT Leadership and 2014 FLANC Honorary Life Member awards, and she was selected as one of Charlotte’s Influential Women for 2026. Mara’s professional philosophy centers on equity, humanity, and opportunity, and she strives to create bridges across languages, cultures, and communities. Mara began her career teaching Spanish and French in Central Illinois and later in Northern Virginia, where she launched an elementary Spanish program and taught a range of Spanish programs, including immersion continuation. After relocating to Charlotte shortly after 9/11, she taught French and Spanish and transitioned into district-level coaching and leadership before taking on her current curriculum specialist role. Now preparing for retirement from her district position, Mara plans to continue her work in language education serving on the inaugural board of the Dual Language Immersion and Multilingual Alliance and working with a language company, bringing her expertise, mentorship, and passion for language learning to a broader audience.
• Gardner-Webb University – Master of Arts (M.A.), Educational Leadership and Administration
• Illinois State University – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Spanish Language Teacher Education & French Language
• 2020 SCOLT Leadership Award
• Influential Woman 2026
• 2025 NADSFL Supervisor of the Year
• 2014 FLANC Honorary Life Member Award
• National Association of District Supervisors for Languages
• ACTFL
• SCOLT
• FLANC
• Dual Language Immersion & Multilingual Alliance
• Serves on several committees for her faith community
• Writes articles on behalf of her faith community for a local publication
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors and professional networks I have cultivated, particularly through NADSFL, and to my colleagues who have mentored me in both small and large ways. These relationships have guided me, opened doors, and helped shape my path in world language education.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Communicate early and often, and ensure that you give back to your profession.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Build your network. Focus on creating opportunities for others—whether that’s students, colleagues, or the broader community—and strive to be a bridge that connects people, communities and ideas.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Funding to ensure equitable access for all students, to attract high quality educators, and to sustain successful programs. Given that funding is an issue for all educators at this time, we're seeing World Language and Dual Language Immersion programs being cut or discontinued because they are not valued.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Equity, humanity, and opportunity are at the forefront of everything I do. A guiding principle in my life, rooted in my faith, is to repair the world—a value that shapes my work and personal life daily.