MommyMaestra

Hi! My name is Monica Olivera and I am currently a homeschool teacher, education blogger, and freelance education writer. I've been working with children in an educational setting since 1998 when I began working as an Outreach Supervisor at the Fort Worth Zoo. Our focus was on educating children (and adults!) about conservation, science, and social responsibility through school programs and classes. Since 2009, I've been homeschooling my own children and sometimes other kids as part of our homeschool co-op. For several years, I also led our local homeschool 4-H chapter, implementing various educational classes and programs. Many of the printables I create were originally created for my own kids and others. I'm also the co-founder of Latinas for Latino Lit and am the creator of the first online summer reading program for Latino children.

I'm all about interactive learning and helping children to learn about world cultures and conservation through fun, engaging printable activities and reading passages. I firmly believe in helping children learn about and be proud of their own heritage and the role of Hispanic figures and events in U.S. history, as you'll see in my products that describe the REAL history behind holidays, such as Cinco de Mayo, or that feature famous Hispanics in U.S. history. However, I also strive to make engaging products for all subjects, including math, science, and language arts. I'm most proud of the fact that the majority of my products are available in both ENGLISH and SPANISH to help bilingual students learn in either language. And I'm working to make ALL of my products available in both languages.

In 2011 & 2012, I received the LATISM Best Latina Education Blogger Award for my education website MommyMaestra.com. In 2013, I received the LATISM Best Latina Education Blog Award for my work with Latinas for Latino Lit. My articles have appeared on NBCNews.com, Latinamom.me, Educents, PBS Parents, and Fox News Latino. I have also been on Huffington Post Live, NPR's Tell Me More show, and PBS NewsHour to discuss Latino children literature and education.

I have a Bachelors in English - Writing Emphasis with a Minor in Social Work.

Please visit my website, MommyMaestra.com, for more free downloads and fabulous resources to help your children or students learn in English or Spanish!