Spanish beginners: module 3

My name is Keylor Murillo Moya and I am from Costa Rica. I studied Hispanic Philology at the Universidad de Costa Rica and I also have a Master Degree in Online and Distance Education from The Open University. Currently, I am at the final stages of my PhD in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies at King's College London. I've been teaching Spanish as a foreign language for over 20 years, in the UK, Egypt and in my own country. I've worked for several higher education institutions in the UK and I've taught all levels of Spanish. Apart from languages, I'm also interested in literature (poetry, especially), philosophy and art. I do like to teach grammar in my classes, because I think that if you are learning a language you need to understand how it works and where it comes from. However, conversation and speaking are an obvious fundamental part of my classes and I always try to maintain a relaxed and friendly atmosphere among my students.

Analía is a native Spanish speaker from Argentina. She holds a BA and Postgraduate Diploma from Universidad de Buenos Aires. Since she graduated, she has taught English and Spanish language at various levels from Primary School to Adult Education in different settings. As a teacher, she has developed a passion for digital tools which she has incorporated into her teaching practice to enhance the students’ learning experience. Since June 2020, she has worked collaboratively with the Tutor Development Programme (TDP) to plan and deliver tutor training sessions about teaching online as well as student inductions to support students with different digital tools. Analía has recently received the Inspiring Teacher of the Year Award at City Lit. This award recognises tutors who have provided a high-quality online learning experience, demonstrated exceptional knowledge of their subject matter, and provided a memorable classroom experience.

Roberto was born and grew up in Madrid. He decided to become a language teacher because he is passionate about his language and culture. He has a Post-graduate Diploma in Teaching Spanish from the University of Barcelona and a Certificate in Advanced Methodology moderated by the University of Cambridge. He is also a DELE examiner and a qualified teacher trainer. As well as teaching at City Lit, Roberto teaches at London universities and Spanish schools. He has been teaching adults at all levels for many years, which he finds motivating as they share their knowledge, experiences and points of view. When he is not teaching, he enjoys reading historical novels, gardening and cooking.

Dr. Óscar Salgado-Suárez teaches Spanish language and cultural courses at Birkbeck, University of London; Imperial College and City Lit. His cultural research interests are 20th and 21st Century Spanish and Latin American visual and literary representations with a focus on storytelling, affects and humour studies in relation to historiography, national identities and power formations.

Amaia is a Spanish teacher from the Basque country in Spain. She grew up in Mondragón and studied in San Sebastián and Bilbao where she completed a teaching degree at university. She has always been interested in teaching and, as well as her work in adult education, she has experience teaching at universities and companies. Amaia has Qualified Teacher Status in England and has taught Spanish at all levels. She has a keen interest in exploring those areas of the language that her students find difficult. She takes great pleasure in seeing how her students progress in the language, in their motivation and dedication, and in the dialogue that takes place among adults in the context of the classroom.

Gracia holds a PGCE ( Post Graduate Certificate in Education-Modern Foreign Languages) from Greenwich University and a BA (hons) Contemporary European Studies. She has been a Spanish language and literature teacher for many years in both the English and American educational systems. She has also taught business Spanish. Her love for languages comes from wanting to learn English to be able to sing and understand the songs of pop and rock musicians she was influenced by in her teenager years.Teaching Spanish became the right path as she feels passionate about transmitting curiosity and promoting interest about the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. She finds teaching adults a breath of fresh air as they bring a mature and varied experience. Gracia is committed to building a supportive relationship with students, motivating and encouraging a positive and engaging environment in the courses she teaches.

Adriana holds a qualification to teach adults. She has taught Spanish to adults and teenagers for more than 8 years at different levels ranging from beginners to proficiency, including GCSE exams, in groups and one-to-one lessons -face to face and online-. She has worked as a Spanish tutor in educational institutions such as City Lit; Bishopsgate Institute; Morley College, UK Government departments as DEFRA, and for agencies tutoring private students for well-known organizations namely BBC, Arthur & Gallagher, AON, AHJ, among others. She got a degree in Anthropology from the Central University of Venezuela. A career in which she developed her knowledge and passion about Languages and Culture. Additionally, back in her country she worked in cultural research in the publishing area, events organization and organizational structure.