Learning goals are dependent upon each learner's specific needs for improvement.

**PAULA**
Hola! My name is Paula and I teach Spanish, bilingual math, and ESL to elementary students. In addition, I teach Spanish as a world language to middle schoolers. I have been teaching for 8 years: 3 years in Colombia and 5 years in a dual language school in North Carolina. I hold a bachelor's degree in English/French Foreign Language Teaching and I am currently pursuing a North Carolina teaching certification in Spanish Foreign Language Teaching.

My approach to teaching is student-centered, interactive, and collaborative. What got me into teaching was my love for learning, which I hope to share with you.

A random fact about me is that I love plantains in any and all presentations! We’ll be a great fit if you love learning and are willing to work with me to achieve your learning goals.

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**MONICA**
My name is Monica and I teach Math and Spanish to K-12 students. As a native Spanish speaker, sharing my language and culture has become my passion. I was born and raised in Asturias, Spain where I attended Universidad de Oviedo and obtained a BA in Hospitality Management. I also have certifications in teaching and as an early childhood director certification. I have been teaching pre-kindergarten for the last 12 years and have over 15 years of experience teaching Spanish to both children and adults.

My students love listening to music in Spanish, learning about cultural differences and traditions, and learning how to have fun while acquiring a new language. I believe that a good education shapes not only minds, but hearts as well. By learning about different languages and traditions - especially at a young age - students develop an appreciation of cultures and incorporate that respect into their daily lives and futures. Learning a new language can be intimidating, but I believe that my enthusiastic approach to teaching Spanish enables students to acquire language skills in a manner that keeps them interested and motivated. 

I understand that every student has different strengths and weaknesses in their learning processes; therefore, I am committed to differentiating instruction and creating a variety of opportunities for my students to achieve their goals. Nevertheless, learning a language involves repetition, constant work, memorization skills, and you willing to try your best!

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**GAIL**
Hello! My name is Gail and I teach many different subjects, including: ESL, Spanish, test prep, English literacy, K-6th math, and Business English. I have been teaching for over 20 years and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I fell into teaching while looking for a job as a translator, and I’ve never looked back. In addition to teaching online, I spent many years teaching in a variety of settings, from Pre-K up to the university level. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, a TESOL certification, a Spanish/English translation certification, and I have returned to school to pursue a Master’s degree in Adult Education.  

My approach to teaching is that learning is FUN. I don’t want to be bored when I take a class, so I make sure that my classes are interesting and engaging for my students. I am fortunate in that I genuinely love what I do. I believe that kindness counts, and that extends into my classroom approach. I find that many learners are fearful of making errors, but I EXPECT you to make mistakes. If you already knew everything, you wouldn’t need to be studying with me!  Not knowing the correct answer to something is just an opportunity for you to learn it.

A random fact about me is that I collect charm bracelets and uranium glass jewelry.  My children and my dogs are the most important parts of my life, and I’m honored to share my life with them. We’ll get along beautifully if you genuinely want to learn. My biggest expectation for you is that you TRY.  I look forward to meeting you!

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*MARIA* (only teaches 3-10 year-olds)
¡Hola! My name is María Menéndez. I was born and raised in Asturias, España. I teach Math and Spanish to PreK-6th grade students. I have been teaching for 20 years all over the world - in Europe, Asia, North and South America - as well as online. I spent 11 of those years teaching in bilingual programs in the United States. I am a fully certified Spanish and Elementary School teacher. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education, Bilingual and ESL teaching endorsements, and a Master’s Degree in Innovation and Research in Education. I am also an accredited examiner from Instituto Cervantes, Google Certified, and Microsoft Innovative Educator.

I believe that the best way to learn a language is by having fun. That’s why I encourage my students to move, play, act, and get hands on! This allows them to experience a meaningful, creative, and engaging learning environment that relates to their own experiences and interests. My classes are designed to deliver creative and innovative lessons that get my students excited about learning Spanish. 

What got me into teaching was discovering that it was an opportunity to help others, make a difference in children's lives, and apply my creativity every day! I fell even more in love with teaching when I realized that this was a job that I could do from anywhere in the world!

When I am not teaching, I love to spend time on the beach, swimming, hiking the Asturian mountains, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family. We’ll be a great fit if your goal for your child is to communicate fluently and with confidence in Spanish, and to become an open-minded citizen of the world while having a great time!

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**JULIANA**
Hello! My name is Julianna. I teach Elementary Math, Science, and Health in a Spanish immersion classroom, as well as Spanish as a World Language. I teach grades K through Sixth and have been teaching for seven years.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Foreign Languages and a teaching certification with the Virginia Department of Education in Pre-K through 3rd grade General Education, as well as Pre-K through 12th grade Spanish Language Education. My approach to teaching is to involve students in a relatable way that makes them comfortable with making mistakes.

What got me into teaching was my 9th-grade Spanish-speaking geometry classmates who often asked me to reteach the class material. That was when I discovered how much I loved Math and teaching bilingually!

A random fact about me is that I have five brothers and am the only sister. We’ll be a great fit if you are outgoing or quiet - I have fun with all types of learners!