KNOW THE DIRECTOR
"My strong belief in teaching our children and youth to become good citizens drives me to be a better teacher and set the example." Claudia Landeros
Maestra Claudia Landeros boasts a remarkable academic journey that has equipped her with a diverse range of skills and experiences. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Psychology from the Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas in Mexico, followed by a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics for Teaching Spanish as a Second Language from the Universidad de Jaén in Spain. Driven by her passion for language and literature, Claudia furthered her education, attaining a second Bachelor's and Master's degree in Spanish and Literature from Cal State LA.
With a strong foundation in both business and language studies, Claudia gained valuable professional experience in the corporate world, specifically in Human Resources and Business Consulting. Her unique blend of expertise offers a fresh perspective in her teaching approach, seamlessly integrating practical business insights with her deep understanding of language and culture.
Notably, Claudia's commitment to making a positive impact led her to found and lead Friendship Camp, a non-profit organization based in Zacatecas, Mexico. Through this initiative, she touched the lives of underprivileged children in rural communities, providing them with enriching experiences and quality education. Claudia meticulously planned the entire curriculum for the summer camp, orchestrated teacher participation, and facilitated the involvement of volunteer teachers from the United States.
Having spent a significant portion of her life in Mexico before immigrating in 2003, Claudia’s cultural roots remain a central part of her identity. Over the past 15 years, she has excelled as a private Spanish Linguistics and Literature instructor, using her expertise to create impactful and personalized learning experiences for her students.
Claudia’s literary prowess was on full display during her tenure as writer and editor-in-chief of the Spanish-language section of the University Times, Cal State LA's student newspaper. This role not only showcased her language skills but also exemplified her dedication to fostering communication and cultural understanding. Her fervor for writing remains a lifelong passion, one that continues to thrive as one of her favorite hobbies.
Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Claudia’s cultural involvement is underscored by her deep passion for dance, particularly Mexican Folklore dance. Her enthusiasm for this traditional art form reflects her commitment to preserving and celebrating her cultural heritage.
In addition to her extensive experience, Claudia has recently embarked on a Ph.D. in Education and Innovation (2024 - Present) at "Universidad de Investigación e Innovación de México". In this program, her research centers on innovative approaches to second language acquisition, with a particular emphasis on Spanish as a second language. Claudia is investigating how to enhance language learning through the integration of technology, immersive cultural experiences, and differentiated teaching strategies. Her work aims to develop evidence-based methods that improve language proficiency, foster critical thinking, and create engaging, student-centered learning environments for Spanish learners.
In summary, Maestra Claudia Landeros is a multi-faceted educator with a wealth of experience, a diverse skill set, and an unwavering dedication to fostering education, cultural understanding, and community enrichment.
ABOUT CONTIGO SPANISH LEARNING
We are a professional language school specializing in teaching Spanish as a second language, offering classes for students of all ages — from kindergarten to high school, as well as adults eager to expand their horizons with new language skills.
Our mission is simple: to meet our educational objectives while ensuring the satisfaction of our students. We uphold high-quality standards in all aspects of our work, which has earned us the trust and loyalty of our students.
While we primarily offer in-person classes in the Los Angeles area, we also provide online classes, making our services accessible to learners regardless of their location.
Our Methodology
Our approach to teaching is rooted in the Cognitive Approach, which emphasizes that learning is an active and meaningful process. Rather than relying on rote memorization, which often results in quick forgetting, we focus on helping students understand and apply new information in ways that are relevant and connected to their personal experiences.
Cognitive strategies involve skills that students use consciously and purposefully to solve problems and navigate new challenges. Our methodology empowers students to become independent learners who can engage with the language in a meaningful way, both inside and outside the classroom.
At Contigo, our curriculum prioritizes activities designed to enhance cognitive skills, encouraging active participation rather than passive listening. Students engage in real-life scenarios, problem-solving tasks, and dynamic interactions, ensuring that their learning goes beyond merely listening, writing, or repeating.
Key Principles of Our Approach:
-
Relevance: Learning must be meaningful to the student, connecting with their interests and goals.
-
Integration: New knowledge should be connected to what the student already knows, creating a foundation for deeper understanding.
-
Practicality: Language must be applicable in real-world situations, enabling students to communicate effectively and confidently.
Our Goal
At Contigo, our ultimate objective is to help our students communicate in Spanish fluently and confidently, ensuring they can use the language effectively in any context.