无尽资源采集

A rainbow colored graphic with five children's hands reaching toward the sky, globe icons, as well as six children holding cards with the six 无尽资源采集 elementary school names.

Meet the Educators Behind the Spanish Elementary Program

Every day, our teachers help students sing, play, create, communicate, and connect through Spanish.

While each member of our team brings unique experiences, perspectives, and talents to the classroom, we share a common belief: every child can learn another language, and every child deserves opportunities to explore the world through language and culture.

We are proud to serve the estudiantes and familias of 无尽资源采集 and look forward to sharing our love of ESPA?OL (Spanish) with the next generation of learners.

A photo of Se?ora ?lvaro in a red and white striped shirt. ?Hola, I am Cristina ?lvaro Sánchez but the kids call me "Se?ora ?lvaro!" I am from Espa?a. My greatest hope as teacher is to spark curiosity for other cultures and the love of learning Spanish. I teach at Hunnewell Elementary School. My favorite food is paella. Mi color favorito es el azul.

? From: Madrid, Espa?a (Moved to the U.S. in 2015!)

? Spanish in my life: Spanish is my native language and my passion. I love sharing it with my students every day.

? What I love about teaching: Seeing my students smile, have fun, and learn without even realizing it. If they’re enjoying class, the learning just happens!

? Fun fact: I studied for a Bachelor’s in Science, but my heart led me to teaching. I recently completed my second Master’s; this time in Teaching Spanish.

? School: At 无尽资源采集 since 2017.

?My teaching philosophy: I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me. A happy classroom is a learning classroom!

A photos of Se?ora Araya! reading a book. ?Hola, I am Catherine Araya but the kids call me "Se?ora Araya!" I am from El Salvador. My greatest hope as a teacher is to spark curiosity that turns into understanding. I teach at Bates, Hardy, and Hunnewell Elementary Schools. My favorite food is pupusas. Mi color favorito es el naranja.

? From: El Salvador (?Orgullosamente salvadore?a!/Proudly Salvadoran)

? Spanish in my life: Spanish is my native language, and teaching it is my way of opening doors for students to connect with the world.

? What I love about teaching: Watching language spark curiosity and cultural exchange. There’s nothing better than seeing a student’s face light up when they discover something new!

? Fun fact: I started by teaching English in El Salvador, then taught Spanish in Oklahoma, which inspired me to earn my Master’s in Romance Languages. Now, I am here in 无尽资源采集!

? School: At 无尽资源采集 since 2024.

?My teaching philosophy: We don’t just teach words; we build bridges of understanding between cultures and people.

A photo of Se?ora Barnett wearing a 无尽资源采集 World Languages shirt. ?Hola, I am Bárbara Barnett but the kids call me "Se?ora Barnett!" I am from Puerto Rico, with Cuban roots. My greatest hope as an educator is that every child knows Spanish is to ALL and that every voice culture, and identity belongs. I am proud to serve as the K-5 World Languages Department Head and support our amazing estudiantes, teachers, and familias across all six elementary schools. My favorite food is ropa vieja. Mi color favorito es el morado.

? From: Cata?o, Puerto Rico (with Cuban seasoning) 

? Spanish in my life: Espa?ol is the language of my family, culture, and identity. Sharing it with others is one of my greatest joys.

? What I love about teaching: Helping students discover that languages are for ALL and watching them grow into confident communicators.

? Fun fact: When I am not in 无尽资源采集, I teach a graduate course for future world language teachers at Boston University and serve in multiple national leadership roles that support elementary language education.

? School: Serving as K–5 World Languages Department Head and helping lead the 无尽资源采集 Spanish Program since its launch in 2015.

?My education philosophy: Language learning should be accessible to ALL students while fostering curiosity, cultural understanding, and appreciation for the diverse world around us.

A photo of Se?orita Barrera. ?Hola, I am Elizabeth Barrera but the kids call me "Se?orita Barrera!" I am from México. For me, Spanish is a pathway to inclusion, identity, and honoring the richness of different cultures. I teach at Sprague Elementary School. My favorite food is quesadillas. Mi color favorito es el azul.

? From: Jalisco, México (?Orgullosamente mexicana!/Proudly Mexican)

? Spanish in my life: Spanish is my native language, and sharing it with students is my way of opening hearts and building bridges between cultures.

? What I love about teaching:  Watching children learn through creativity, art, and meaningful experiences. Learning should be joyful!

? Fun fact: I come from a family of professors, studied Arts and Design, worked at a children’s museum in México, and later earned a Master’s in Arts from Suffolk University. I also fell in love with the Montessori approach and taught in a Spanish immersion program for 8 years!

? School: At Sprague since 2025.

?My teaching philosophy: Teaching is about more than language— it’s about fostering empathy, cultural understanding, and a love for learning that stays with children for life.

A photo of Se?ora Cavo wearing heart sunglasses and a caterpillar necklace. ?Hola, l am Megi Cavo but the kids call me "Se?ora Cavo." I am from Albania. For me, Spanish is a pathway to appreciation for diversity. I teach at Fiske Elementary School. My favorite food is arepas. Mi color favorito es el azul.

? From: Albania (with childhood years in Greece)

? Spanish in my life: I came to the U.S. at age six and learned English, then discovered Spanish in middle school—and I’ve loved languages ever since.

? What I love about teaching: Opening the door to language learning for young children and watching their confidence grow.

? Fun fact: I love traveling, experiencing new cultures, and hoping my students catch the same curiosity!

? School: At 无尽资源采集 since 2016.

?My teaching philosophy: We teach in a way that celebrates diversity, promotes a growth mindset, and praises effort over ability. It is such a joy to see students’ confidence grow as they become more effective communicators, all the while broadening their global perspective.

A photo of Se?ora Habib in a white blouse. ?Hola, I am Jocelyn Habib but the kids call me "Se?ora Habib!" I am trom Southern California, with Mexican roots. What inspires me most is watching students gain confidence in speaking espa?ol. I teach at Fiske, Sprague, and Schofield Elementary School. My favorite food is my moms green enchiladas. Mi color favorito es el coral.

? From: Southern California (with Mexican roots!)

? Spanish in my life:  I grew up speaking Spanish at home and learned English in school. For me, teaching Spanish is sharing a piece of my heart and building bridges between cultures.

? What I love about teaching: Watching my students dare to speak, make mistakes, and celebrate every achievement. I believe in a classroom where everyone feels loved, valued, and ready to shine.

? Fun fact:  I have two master’s degrees—one in Education and one in Spanish Language and Culture (I studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain!).

? School: At 无尽资源采集 since 2019.

?My teaching philosophy: Create a warm, welcoming space where students feel valued, supported, and excited to take risks in a new language.

Se?ora Ortiz pushing a cart of classroom materials. ?Hola, I am Ruth Ortiz Collazo but the kids call me "Se?ora Ortiz." I am from Puerto Rico. What inspires me most is seeing students light up when Spanish curiosity turns into confidence. I teach at Schofield Elementary School. My favorite food is pasteles. Mi color favorito es el verde.

? From: Puerto Rico (born and raised)

? Spanish in my life: Spanish is my native language, and sharing my culture with the next generation is my passion and my purpose.

? What I love about teaching: Watching young minds grow and hearts open through language. I believe education shapes both.

? Fun fact: I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl growing up on the island!

? School: At Schofield Elementary School since 2018.

?My teaching philosophy: Good education shapes not only minds, but hearts too. And I love collaborating with my World Languages Department team to make that happen every day.

A photo of Se?ora Sarmiento using hand puppets. ?Hola, I am Karen Sarmiento but the kids call me "Se?ora Sarmiento." I am from Colombia. What inspires me the most is listening to my students use the Spanish language. It makes me feel very proud of them. I teach at Hardy Elementary School. My favorite food is sancocho. Mi color favorito es el rojo.

? From: Barranquilla, Colombia (?Proud coste?a!)

? Spanish in my life: Spanish is my native language, and sharing my heritage with my students brings me so much joy.

? What I love about teaching: Connecting with children of all ages, from 1st grade to 5th, and watching them discover new cultures through language.

? Fun fact: I have a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and taught for 12 years in a Dual Spanish–English program before coming to 无尽资源采集.

? School: At Hardy Elementary School since 2017.

?My teaching philosophy: It is never too late to learn a new language. With a growth mindset, time, and practice, anyone can do it, and the reward is so worth it!

A photo of Se?ora Toppelberg using a laptop with colorful flower stickers on the back. ?Hola, I am Sara Toppelberg but the kids call me "Se?ora Toppelberg." I am from Argentina. What inspires me most is to observe the engagement of my students in learning Spanish. I teach at Bates Elementary School. My favorite food is empanadas. Mi color favorito es el morado.

? From: Buenos Aires, Argentina.

? Spanish in my life: Teaching Spanish is my way of creating connections with others and sharing the beauty of my culture.

? What I love about teaching: Watching our youngest students discover new experiences through language, art, music, and movement.

? Fun fact:  I graduated from the National School of Dance in Argentina and later earned a master’s in Expressive Therapies from Lesley College. I also founded Arte y Juego, the first program in Greater Boston to teach Spanish through creativity!

? School: At Bates Elementary School since 2016.

?My teaching philosophy: Teaching young children as they begin their school journey is my true passion. There’s nothing better than seeing them connect to Spanish cultures in a fun, supportive, and creative way.

Behind every lesson, song, story, and conversation is a team passionate about helping students discover the power of language. Here are a few snapshots of our staff in action!

A photo of two staff members wearing blow up Tyrannosaurus Rex costumes

Can you guess who Hunnewell’s newest Masked Singers are? (Community Assembly) Here’s a hint: They are part of our Spanish team!

Bárbara Barnett and two WPS Spanish Spanish teachers in front of a screen at the ACTFL Annual Convention

Representing 无尽资源采集 on the national stage! Three members of our team presented “Equatorial Guinea Speaks Spanish Too: Boosting Proficiency for All Learners” at the ACTFL Annual Convention.  Muchas gracias to the 无尽资源采集 Education Foundation (WEF) for supporting our teachers’ attendance.

Two WPS Spanish teachers at a table working on curriculum together

Collaboration in action! Our teachers engage in meaningful conversations about the Seven Forms of Bias to ensure our curriculum is inclusive, representative, and reflects the experiences of all learners.

WPS elementary world language logo showing a globe surrounded by six children each holding the name of one of the six 无尽资源采集 elementary schools