Hello! Hola! Ciao!

Welcome to Language First Academy, where we redefine language education. For us, it's not merely about memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules; it's an immersive experience centered around communication, confidence building, and fostering cultural connections.

Our certified teachers bring a wealth of experience, having not only taught internationally but also holding teaching credentials and a background in education within the US and Canada. We understand that engaging children in language learning requires a diverse approach, which is why we incorporate a variety of activities, personalized lessons, and instructional strategies tailored to each student's unique goals.

Recognizing that every learner is distinct, with individual strengths, weaknesses, and past learning experiences, we conduct thorough assessments before crafting our lessons. This personalized approach ensures that your child receives instruction aligned with their specific needs and objectives.

To enhance the learning journey, all students receive comprehensive materials, including lesson resources, an optional printable workbook, and a resource booklet filled with online games, songs, and flashcards for use outside the classroom. Homework is also available upon request.

Whether you're seeking tutoring or a full and comprehensive language program, rest assured that we've got you covered at Language First Academy!

Welcome to our community!
Bienvenidos a nuestra comuidad! Benvenuti nella nostra comunità.

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𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦 . . .
   Experienced K-12 Educators
   Two years or more of classroom and/or online teaching experience
   Have or are working towards a bachelor's degree or higher
   Experience living and teaching abroad 
   Create an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment

Caitlin Townsley
Cait is an accomplished educator with a strong academic foundation. She holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in education, specializing in Spanish and English Linguistics & Literature 📚. Additionally, Cait is certified to teach in Pennsylvania 🍎 and holds international certifications in TESOL, AMET, and EBE ✈️. With 12 years of teaching experience under her belt, Cait has taught both English and Spanish 🌍 in various countries including the US 🇺🇸, Spain 🇪🇸, Thailand 🇹🇭, Guatemala 🇬🇹, and Mexico 🇲🇽. In addition to her language expertise, she also offers beginner Italian and study skills courses for online learners.

Mary Carper
Mary's educational journey is as diverse as it is impressive! 🌟 With a bachelor's degree in biology 🧬 and Spanish 📚, she's got a solid foundation. 🎓 Mary is also equipped with a TESOL teaching certificate 🌍, adding another feather to her cap. 🕊️ Having lived and taught both English and Spanish in the USA 🇺🇸, Spain 🇪🇸, and Colombia 🇨🇴, she's truly a global educator! 🌎 And guess what? This marks her 5th year in the teaching arena! 🎉

Ashley Haley
Ashley is a highly qualified educator with a diverse academic background. She holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work 🎓 and Spanish 📚, a master's degree in Education 🏫 specializing in English Language Learners 🌍, and an Education Specialist degree in School Leadership and Administration 🌟 with a focus on equity in education. 📜 Additionally, she is licensed to teach in Tennessee 🍎 and boasts an impressive 11 years of experience in the field. ✨ Her teaching journey has taken her to various countries including the US 🇺🇸, Guatemala 🇬🇹, and Colombia 🇨🇴, enriching her perspective and expertise. 🌟


Kristen Paulson
👩‍🎓 Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences with an education concentration, and a master’s degree in education specializing in elementary education and English language learners. Her deep love for education started the first time she entered an elementary school classroom when she was a little girl. Before becoming a teacher, she spent many years volunteering and working in schools even when she was still a student herself. Kristen is a licensed teacher in Tennessee where she has seven years of classroom experience teaching first grade, third grade, sixth grade, and English Language Learners of all ages. 🏫📚

Allison Caracciolo
Allison is an accomplished educator specializing in early childhood education with five years of teaching experience 🧒🎓. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University 🦁, where she developed a strong foundation in nurturing young minds 🌱. Continuing her commitment to educational excellence 🌟, she obtained a master's degree in curriculum instruction and coaching from Wilkes University 📚🎓.

Samantha Spann
Ms. Sam is a certified teacher 📚 with six years of experience working with diverse learners. She is also a mental health intern 🧠. She holds both a Master's Degree and a Bachelor's Degree from Trinity International University. Her passion is to support her students both academically and emotionally 💖. Her approach is to meet them where they are 🌟. She emphasizes their strengths 💪 while building upon any areas of weakness 🛠️.

Alex Pantazi
🎓 Alex Pantazi is a certified teacher originally from near Chicago, USA. He graduated from Illinois State University with degrees in music education and music performance. After teaching high school music for one year in the United States, he moved to Spain to teach English, his native language. He taught in primary schools there for four years. Spain is also where Alex solidified his Spanish.📚🎶 Whether it be English, Spanish, or music, Alex loves helping students learn so they can become more genuinely confident and powerful in their own lives.

Jordan Blamer
🌟 Jordan has been inspiring students with her love for French since 2020, teaching and tutoring from French 1 all the way to French 5, including immersion classes! 🇫🇷 She's also pursuing her Bachelor's in French, and she's passionate about sharing the beauty of the language with her students. 📚✨

Marissa Cheney
Marissa Cheney has been teaching for 14 years 👩‍🏫. She began her career teaching 5th grade and has been teaching 4th grade for the last 11 years 📚. Marissa holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education 🎓 and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Reading 📖. She is certified to teach Kindergarten through 6th grade 👶👧. The subjects she teaches include Language Arts (Reading/Writing) 📝, Math ➗, Science 🔬, and Social Studies 🌍.

ANGIE DRERUP

🌟 With 30 years of experience teaching Spanish, She has guided students from levels 1-4, College Credit Plus, and AP Spanish Language and Culture. Angie holds a Bachelor's in Spanish Secondary Education from Ohio University, a Master's in Classroom Guidance from the University of Akron, and 20 hours of graduate Spanish coursework from Cleveland State. ✈️ She studied abroad in Mexico and led exciting trips with students to Spain, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands. 🌍