University Spanish Instructor | AP Spanish Lang & Cult Specialist

Nefi R.

I am a Spanish educator with a strong academic foundation and extensive classroom experience at both the secondary and college levels. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in International Studies, as well as a Master’s degree in Iberian and Latin American Studies from the University of Notre Dame. I have also completed graduate-level coursework in teaching and language instruction and am currently pursuing doctoral-level work in Spanish. This background allows me to support students in language acquisition, cultural analysis, and advanced writing, all of which are essential for success in AP Spanish.

I have several years of experience teaching Spanish in a variety of settings, including as an adjunct instructor at Salt Lake Community College and as a middle and high school teacher in a dual language immersion program. I have taught courses ranging from beginner Spanish to AP-level classes, working with students from early adolescence through adulthood. My instruction is conducted primarily in Spanish and focuses on building real-world communication skills alongside strong grammatical foundations. I design lessons and assessments that mirror the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam, including speaking, writing, and cultural comparison tasks. My students consistently achieve strong outcomes, with high course averages and solid performance on assessments.

In tutoring, I take a personalized and structured approach that helps students build confidence and reach advanced proficiency. I provide guided practice, targeted feedback, and clear strategies for improvement. For AP students, I offer direct coaching on free response questions, essay organization, and timed speaking tasks. I also emphasize cultural understanding through authentic materials. My goal is to create a supportive environment where students feel prepared, challenged, and capable of success.