About me
As a licensed Spanish and ESL instructor—and a mom of three—I bring both expertise and heart to every lesson. My mission is to spark a love for language and culture, while building the skills students need in order to feel confident and successful.
I believe every student has the potential to thrive, and with personalized lessons and steady encouragement, my vision is to help them grow—not just in Spanish, but in confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
Background
Education
B.S. in Spanish, University of Wisconsin–Madison. M.Ed., Bethel University.
Licensure
Licensed Spanish and ESL instructor since 2014. Minnesota licenses valid through June 2029.
Immersion
Taught in Bogotá, Colombia, living with a Colombian family for full cultural immersion.
Curriculum development
Taught at a Spanish immersion school, where I helped develop the curriculum for the pilot program.
Latin America
Gained diverse experiences in Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Ecuador, which helps to bring authentic language and culture into lessons. I’ve also translated professional documents into Spanish in a corporate setting.
Specialty
Helping students from elementary through college, plus adult learners, build strong foundations and confidence in Spanish.
Professional development
Constantly investing in professional development, so my teaching keeps up with current standards, curriculum, and best practices.
At home
Mother of three, bringing patience, encouragement, and real-life perspective to teaching.
How I teach
I believe in immersion — hearing and using Spanish is how the language actually sticks. I also believe explicit grammar instruction is deeply beneficial. Immersion builds instinct, grammar builds accuracy, and students need both to feel genuinely confident.
My goal is for students to be able to do the work on their own — so we do it together, not for them.
What a first session looks like
We get to know each other
How was your day? What do you like doing outside of school? I tell them about my life, my kids, and where I’ve lived. Students learn better from someone they’re comfortable with.
We name the goal
I ask what they want to get out of our sessions — a grade, a test, or just not dreading class. That’s what I plan around.
I ask for feedback, every time
I ask my students directly what’s helping and what isn’t, and I adjust. Tailoring lessons only works if the student tells me the truth about them.
I meet them where they are
Spanish didn’t come naturally to me either — I know what the work feels like. No student gets made to feel behind.
Why it matters
Unlike AI tools or one-size-fits-all programs, I invest in the growth of all my students, encourage their progress, and celebrate their wins, every step of the way.
Ready to get started?
Send me a message and tell me a little about your student. I’ll get back to you by email.
Or email brennahoeg1020@gmail.com