Ph.D. Spanish Professor | AP, College, & Professional Spanish

Barbara D.

I hold a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Spanish and bring over 25 years of experience as a college-level Spanish educator. I’m an award-winning teacher (Educator of the Year) with a strong background in proficiency-based instruction that emphasizes all four language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Over the years, I’ve taught a wide array of Spanish courses, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced language classes, conversation and composition courses, as well as Spanish for Healthcare and Spanish for Business.

In my work as a Spanish tutor, I help students who are feeling overwhelmed or falling behind get back on track. I’m especially effective at breaking down complex grammar and helping students apply it in writing and speaking. I offer support across all levels—from those seeking to improve their class performance to advanced learners preparing for proficiency-oriented exams like STAMP 4S or AP Spanish Language.

In addition to working with students enrolled in high school or college Spanish courses, I also provide individualized instruction for adult professionals who need Spanish for work, travel, or personal enrichment. My teaching experience in Spanish for the Workplace and Foreign Languages Across the Curriculum programs, combined with hands-on experience in healthcare settings as a certified medical interpreter, has prepared me to help adult professionals with specific learning goals in workplace or real-world communication. I build lessons that are practical, relevant, and motivating—always geared toward the client’s needs, whether it is travel, using Spanish at work, or practicing conversational Spanish.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit, and I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. Whether you’re a student trying to succeed in class or a professional seeking to develop your Spanish skills, I’m here to support your learning goals.