I Teach Spanish! ... Naira Arrieta Bracamonte

With a background in modern languages and teaching English, Naira was prompted to learn more about her own language after working at a Summer Camp in the United States. Following further study, and experience as an online teacher, Naira found her way to Australian shores and into the El Patio classrooms. She loves teaching her native tongue and is inspired by the curiosity of her students to learn more about Hispanic culture and language.

Read all about Naira's experiences and her advice (including some useful tips on how to roll your R's)!

I Teach Spanish! ... Isidro Martínez García

Isidro is one of El Patio's most sought after and revered teachers. Having been with us for almost 10 years, he's earnt the respect and admiration of hundreds - perhaps thousands - of students.

In this article we dive into what makes Isidro tick - his strategies, his inspiration and the challenges he faces as a teacher. You'll also get lots of advice and even some practical exercises!

I Teach Spanish! ... Ángeles Aznar

Originally an English teacher, Ángeles (Angie) started teaching Spanish practically by accident! When one of her colleagues in Buenos Aires didn't show up for a class Angie stepped right in to cover her. This could have been a disaster for some but Angie took to it like a duck to water. After falling in love with Melbourne on a holiday and deciding to stay put, she's now sharing her language and culture with El Patio students.

Find out all about Angie's journey as well as her teaching strategies and advice for students. Stick around till the end for a song exercise using Argentinian Folklore!

I Teach Spanish! …Monika Lewandowska

Monika is one of those teachers who instantly lights up a room. Her infectious energy has led to what can only be called a 'cult following' - so many students just can't get enough of Monika!

Monika (from Poland) is living proof that being a fantastic Spanish teacher doesn't mean you have to be a native Spanish speaker. In fact, learning from a teacher that has themselves learnt the language from scratch has many amazing advantages.

Isidro's Book: The Journey of Dreams Pursued

Those who've ever had the pleasure of being in one of Isidro's classes know just what a true master of language he is. Yet they may be unaware that he is also a total literature fiend, and a published author himself!

In this article read 9 of Isidro's mini-tales from his short story collection: La travesía de los sueños perseguidos (The Journey of Dreams Pursued); with wonderful side-by-side translation.

Read to the end to enter the draw to win a copy of Isidro's book!

One of Our Teachers Wrote a Travelogue!

Meet Andrés Treviño (if you haven't already met him in class)! Andrés is one of El Patio's teachers - but also, a traveller and a writer.

In his book 'Fragmentos del paisaje', Andrés invites us to share his experiences throughout a year of travelling through Latin America; past the beautiful postcards and brochures and into the lives of the locals. Through his eyes and ears be a witness to the amazing moments, and raw truths of Latin America.

Read the inspiration behind and enter the competition to win one of four copies of 'Fragmentos del paisaje'!

I Teach Spanish! …Clara Cueva

Clara arrived in Melbourne from Perú in 2014, since then she's been inspiring students and pumping energy into the classroom at El Patio!

Read about Clara's helpful strategies for learning and memorisation. Stay tuned until the end for a fun and dramatic Soap Opera clip exercise!

I Teach Spanish! … Beatriz Solera

Meet Beatriz; Spanish language teacher, intrepid traveller and proud new mother! Read about her pathway to Spanish language tuition along with her advice to new and continuing students.
Beatriz has also provided us with a fun song exercise to share!

I Teach Spanish! … Jorge Leiva

Meet Jorge! From growing up in Colombia, Venezuela and the United States, Jorge has settled in Australia as a multi-talented teacher.

His passion for music and language combine in his love of teaching. Read about Jorge's story as he discusses the good and bad of being a Spanish teacher in Australia. (And some advice to take onboard with you!)

I Teach Spanish! … Isidro Martínez García

Meet Isidro! He's from Mexico and has been teaching at El Patio since 2009. His contribution to our profesores series is thoughtful and offers colourful insight to the processes of teaching and learning Spanish in Australia. Do read right to the end, as he has created a fun lesson on the Direct Object and Indirect Object Pronouns!

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