Español Para Todos
About
I have been working as a full-time K-5 Spanish teacher since 2018. I have worked in both California and New York City. Prior to that, I was homeroom teacher (from 2013 onwards). I am a Middlebury College graduate (Masters in Spanish, GPA: 3.93) and a Bank Street College graduate (Masters in Childhood Education).
I focus heavily on full immersion when I work with my students, as that is how I have helped my students to gain maximum language proficiency in the shortest amount of time. It is the most natural way for a child to learn a language, it helps my students to gain greater confidence, and it guarantees the best results.
I primarily work with Pre-K through Fifth Grade students, but am happy to work with other ages as well. I strongly prefer meeting in person, and always travel to the client's home or to a public venue such as a café or a library. On occasion, if I have the time, I will also work with the parents of the children that I teach, as they wish to be able to communicate with their child in the language. I am also open to working with small groups of children (at a different rate), but these need to be limited to no more than three to four children, as small groups are crucial so that each student can make progress.
I am passionate about story-telling, theater, singing, and play-based learning, as the research shows (and I have seen), these are the best vehicles for language learning (and learning in general). Play-based learning, in my experience, is key in maintaining student engagement and motivation. I frequently use puppets with my students as well as board games that I have specially designed for the children.
I get excellent results with my students! Parents will typically notice improvement in their child's language acquisition within just six weeks of working with me once weekly.
I have worked with a range of students and ages, from complete beginners to advanced speakers. With students who have advanced language proficiency, I work on improving literacy (reading and writing).
I strongly recommend a minimum of one session weekly for a student to acquire the language more quickly, but can also work with clients a minimum of twice per month. As you know, with a language, the more a student practices, the more quickly they gain confidence.
For students who are struggling with Spanish in school, it is helpful if the parents share their school's Spanish curriculum with me so that I can target the more challenging areas for this student.
Finally, upon request, I provide homework assignments for students. I aim to make these assignments interesting and motivating so that students are more likely to complete them.
Please reach out to me if you have any questions!