At Young Men’s Leadership Academy Ms. Espinoza a Spanish teacher, Her inspiration to teach came from her own high school experience, where teachers like Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Garcia at El Rancho High School in California went the extra mile to help her achieve her goals. Wanting to give back and contribute to her community in the same way, she decided to become a teacher at the middle school and high school level, where she could guide students toward success during an this stage of their lives.

Ms. Espinoza chose to teach Spanish because of her passion for the language and culture. She want to not only spread the language and culture but also the traditions and food, which she describes as “really good and amazing because of the flavor.” She enjoys teaching high school students because “they are more focused, take their work more seriously, and they have a strong connection to the culture.” In her classroom, she sets clear goals for improvement, such as ensuring that by the end of six weeks, students can count to fifty in Spanish.

To Ms. Espinoza, success as a teacher does not mean every student will become fluent instead, she defines success as “helping at least one student leave her class knowing Spanish proficiently”. Beyond teaching, she also supports her students in preparing for the future by encouraging them to apply for scholarships and guiding them toward opportunities. While her original dream was to become a radio host and morning announcer, her teaching career has given her a different way to connect with people and make a difference.

In conclusion, Ms. Espinoza creates a positive classroom environment by connecting with her students’ interests and cultures while also stepping in calmly to resolve conflicts when needed. Her dedication shows in the way she builds relationships, sets academic goals, and encourages growth both inside and outside the classroom. Through her passion for Spanish and her commitment to her students, she will inspire the future of Young Men’s Leadership Academy.