Ana Carolina Hernandez

Social communicator, Language educator

¡Hola!

I was born in Argentina and I grew up in Cordoba.  I hold a Bachelor Degree in Social Communication from Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. My academic background in journalism has contributed significantly to my knowledge of Spanish grammar and the development of different communication skill methods including the use of ICT to engage students to learn the Spanish language in an enjoyable and effective manner.

I came to Australia in 2006, when I started to work as a Spanish teacher by offering individual and group lessons to adults at different levels in several language centers.

My passion to teach Spanish to children commenced in 2009, when I started to work as a Spanish teacher at Jose Gervasio Argas Community School until 2014. Through that period, I participated in several seminars about raising children bilingually where I gained knowledge and experience in LOTE Methodology.

In order to extend my interest and passion in teaching Spanish to children, in 2015 La Ventana Spanish Language School was founded in partnership with my colleague Laura Mendoza.

In 2016, I completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care to widen my knowledge and skills in children’s learning and development. Then I worked in several early childhood settings. Providing care and educational programmes for young children where I also included teaching Spanish language to embrace cultural diversity.

In 2020, I decided to further my education by completing an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education at La Trobe University. Through my studies and work experience, I gained an insight of the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework and the important role of literacy in the early years of education, including the maintenance of the home language as an essential component of a child’s identity and sense of belonging.

“I believe that every child is a unique, competent and capable learner regardless of their specific circumstances. As an educator and Spanish teacher, my role is to create learning opportunities to extend children’s own interests and strengths and help them to reach their full potential. I also acknowledge that children learn through play, so I strive to create a fun and interactive learning environment to stimulate children’s curiosity and motivation to learn Spanish language.”

In addition to my professional vocation, as a mother of two children born in Australia, I have a strong interest in creating diverse contexts for teaching and learning where all children feel comfortable and confident to learn Spanish language and culture.

In 2021,I continue my passion of sharing my native language and culture by encouraging children to immerse themselves in their learning journey.

I look forward to continuing this endeavor to celebrate the Spanish and Latin American heritage, language and culture alongside the children, their families and the wider community.

Speaking

Jose Gervasio Argas Community School UNL
2009-2014