Natally Alvarez
Spanish Team
Hola!
My name is Natally Alvarez, and I was born and raised in Colombia. I moved to Lakeland when I was 16 years old with my mom and younger sister, while most of my very large family still lives in Colombia—which gives me the perfect excuse to travel back often!
When I first moved to the United States, I had already graduated from high school in Colombia, but I decided to attend high school here for another year and a half so I could learn English and adjust to a completely new culture. That experience gave me firsthand understanding of how challenging (and sometimes frustrating) it can be to learn a second language. Because of that, I strive to create a classroom where students feel supported, encouraged, and comfortable making mistakes while they learn.
After high school, I attended University of Florida and graduated with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Economics. At the time, I never imagined myself becoming a teacher, but I truly believe God had different plans for me. Now, entering my fifth year of teaching, I can honestly say I am so grateful to be doing something I love.
One of my favorite things about teaching Spanish is sharing my passion for culture, language, and travel with my students. I love exploring new places, learning about different traditions, and of course trying new foods! I enjoy bringing those experiences into the classroom to help students see that learning a language is about so much more than vocabulary—it’s about connecting with people and the world around us.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me. I’m excited for another amazing school year 🤎
