Milcaliz Vazquez
Spanish Team
Hola!
Soy la Señora Vázquez
My students know me as Señora Vázquez — pronounced Vazquez (the "u" is silent 🤫). I’m a native Spanish speaker, and sharing my love for the Spanish language and Hispanic culture has become both my calling and my passion.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Labor Relations from the Universidad de Puerto Rico. I later completed a Master's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources, which led to over eight years of professional experience in the private sector in Puerto Rico. Coming from a long line of educators, I discovered my love for teaching after volunteering at my daughters’ school — and I haven’t looked back since.
I am a Comprehensible Input (CI) teacher with more than 12 years of classroom experience. I hold certifications in Spanish K–12 and ESOL. I have proudly contributed to curriculum development in Polk County Public Schools, including the Spanish curriculum mapping initiative and textbook adoption committees.
Currently, I teach Spanish 2, Spanish 4 Honors, and AP Spanish Language and Culture, and I also have the privilege of serving as the sponsor for the National Spanish Honor Society (NSHS), through which our students support our school, local community, and global causes.
I believe learning a second language is a powerful asset in today’s global society — one that opens doors for future professionals, whether they become doctors, engineers, or entrepreneurs. In my classroom, we engage in meaningful activities such as role-playing and real-life skits, encouraging students to speak, make mistakes, and grow in a supportive environment.
Learning a new language can be challenging, but I am confident that my energetic and culturally rich teaching style keeps students engaged and motivated. My hope is that students come ready to learn, because I am always ready to teach.
Outside the classroom, I’ve been married for over 24 years and am a proud mother of two. I value faith, family, and integrity, and I enjoy traveling as often as possible. I’m also a Madrid soccer fan — Hala Madrid!
Gracias y ¡Hasta luego!
Milcaliz Vázquez
