¿Qué tal? I've been a Spanish teacher for 25 years in LAUSD and have been at Garfield High School for a combined of 18. I'm from Los Angeles and attended high school in México and came back for college to the institution where I was born at, UCLA! Go Bruins! I'm a big-time Dodgers, Chivas del Guadalajara, and Lakers fan! I'm a huge believer that music is fuel for the soul and enjoy listening to multiple genres including favorite artists such as Pedro Infante, The Beatles, U2, Nirvana, and a myriad of rock en español bands. Every now and then you'll catch me playing the guitar between passing periods and will spontaneously offer extra credit for any student who will play or sing a song in Spanish.

 

When at UCLA, I majored in Spanish Literature and also incurred in a Business Administration Specialization. My background in business eventually enabled me to value, aside from the artistic perspective of literature, a focus on results and numbers. I hold a California Real Estate license and have learned to apply data, practicality, and service when connecting people to their goals. I also completed a Master's in Educational Administration degree in 2018 from Concordia University Irvine. These different experiences have helped me find a steady balance when in the classroom. I try to merge an effective pedagogical approach with results-driven data. I've twice participated in classes of 43 students where every single student received a passing score on the AP Spanish College Board exam and this in turn has helped me sustain that it is indeed possible to provide a stress-free learning environment, while also challenging your critical thinking skills and prepare you for favorable results in subject matter assessments.

 

I value your contribution to our class! We have a great cultural asset in our community and we take a deeper dive into the things of the Spanish language and culture that you've been limited to further explore. This is a safe haven for discussions about your interests, your community, your family, your art, your music, your values, your world, your sports, your challenges, your aspirations, your success, and your life. My goal, aside from nurturing your competence and appreciation for our magnificent language, is to also help you prepare to thrive as a citizen of the world, build solid character skills, and be a critical thinker of the 21st century. Are you ready?