**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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**MARYNIA**

Hello! My name is Marynia Rivera. I teach Spanish as a Second Language and bilingual classes. I have taught reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies to students from 3rd-6th grades in a Spanish and bilingual classroom setting.

I hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, both from universities in Puerto Rico. I am also a certified bilingual teacher for PreK-6th grades in the state of Texas. I have been teaching for fifteen years, ten of them in Puerto Rico, and the most recent five years in Texas.

My approach to teaching is centered around interactivity and differentiated instruction. I prepare my lessons by trying to encourage students to actively engage and participate in their classes. I also like to integrate strategies that respond to the diverse learning styles and needs of my students.

What got me into teaching was that most of my family members are teachers (including both of my parents); so, I grew up with their fabulous examples and love for this profession. When I was a child, I remember playing like a teacher with a small board and always saying that I would be a teacher when I grew up. I never doubted my career path and always knew I wanted to become a teacher.

A random fact about me is that I and my daughter share the same birthday! If you want to learn another language, have fun, and discover something new in every class, I’m ready to be your teacher!

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*MARIA* (only teaches 7-10 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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**ANNA**

Hi all! I teach Elementary Math, ESL, and Reading. I have been teaching for 5 years now. I hold a Bachelor's Degree and I'm trained in the Rassias Method of teaching languages.

My approach to teaching is making sure the student knows they belong. What got me into teaching was my experience tutoring during high school. A random fact about me is I love figure skating (watching, not doing haha).

We’ll be a great fit if all parties are willing to communicate their expectations, when you don't understand something, if something comes up, etc. Feel free to ask any questions!


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**ALVARO**

Hi, I’m Alvaro, a bilingual educator with 15 years of experience, currently based in Mexico. I specialize in reading, writing, math, ESL, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese for learners of all ages. I hold a Bachelor's in Middle School Education with a focus on English and a TESOL certification.

Being fluent in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese allows me to connect with students from different backgrounds. I use teaching methods like the Natural Approach and Task-Based Learning to make lessons practical and engaging. My goal is to help students learn in a way that feels natural and fun.

I started teaching in high school, helping my classmates with their studies, and that’s when I realized how much I love it. Since then, I’ve been inspired by great teachers who encouraged me to follow this path. Now, I aim to bring that same support and energy to my students.

Outside of academics, I like to mix sports and games into my lessons to keep things fun and active. I’m excited to help you reach your goals, whether it’s improving language skills or getting better at a subject!