Señora Natasha

I have been teaching since 2016. Before becoming a Spanish teacher, I worked as a Drug Education Prevention Specialist, educating students in health classroom settings with a focus on prevention and wellness. I am certified in New York State and have taught Spanish at the middle and high school levels (grades 7–12), with an extension for grades K–6. I have experience working with a wide range of learners, including students on the autism spectrum and students who use AAC devices to communicate. I prioritize accessibility, clarity, and inclusive instructional practices to ensure all students can meaningfully engage with language learning. In 2024, I presented at the ACTFL Annual Convention, sharing best practices and strategies for heritage language learners in world language instruction.

My teaching style is energetic, inclusive, and student-centered. I believe language learning should be joyful, engaging, and accessible to all learners. I intentionally design lessons that support diverse learning needs, including students on the autism spectrum and students who use AAC devices. Visual supports, predictable routines, multimodal input, and flexible response options are central to my instruction. I love incorporating music, movement, singing, and dance into my lessons to help students of all ages build confidence and retain language naturally. My goal is to create a classroom environment where students feel safe taking risks, communicating in ways that work for them, and discovering the joy of learning a new language as a way to connect with others and the world around them.

-Presenter at the ACTFL Annual Convention (2024) -Recognized for creating engaging, inclusive, and culturally responsive Spanish instruction -Known for supporting diverse learners and fostering confidence in communication Some of my proudest moments come from seeing students—especially those who may need alternative pathways to communication—find success, joy, and confidence in using Spanish in ways that feel authentic to them.

I hold both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Spanish Education. My academic background, combined with classroom experience across multiple grade levels and learning needs, allows me to design materials that are pedagogically sound, inclusive, and classroom-tested.

I am passionate about helping students fall in love with language learning while honoring how they communicate and learn best. Beyond grammar and vocabulary, I emphasize cultural appreciation, human connection, and accessibility. Whether through music, movement, visuals, or alternative communication methods, I believe every student deserves an entry point into language learning that feels joyful, respectful, and empowering.