Meet the Educator
Behind Raíces
ABOUT RAÍCES
Passionate about language, literacy, and helping children grow with confidence.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Hi, I’m Yanira!
Founder & Educator, Raíces Language Academy
Master’s Degree in Education • Native Spanish Speaker • 12+ Years of Teaching Experience
Hi, I’m Yanira, the founder and educator behind Raíces Language Academy. I’m a native Spanish speaker, born and raised in Puerto Rico, with more than 12 years of experience teaching children from PreK through 5th grade in bilingual education, special education, ESL, and inclusive classroom settings.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful language can be. Learning another language goes beyond vocabulary—it helps children communicate, build confidence, connect with others, and develop a deeper appreciation for different cultures.
I created Raíces Language Academy to give children a welcoming, engaging place to develop their Spanish language and literacy skills through meaningful learning experiences.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
A Strong Foundation in Teaching & Learning
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Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a Major in Moderate Disabilities, PreK–8
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Native Spanish Speaker • Born & Raised in Puerto Rico
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12+ Years of Teaching Experience in Massachusetts Public Schools
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Licensed in Early Childhood Education
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Licensed in Bilingual Education
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Experience Teaching Pre-K Through 5th Grade
Bilingual Education Endorsement
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Bilingual Education, ESL, Special Education & Inclusion
Curriculum Development & Teacher Mentoring
My experience across diverse learning environments has shaped an approach that is intentional, engaging, and responsive to each child’s strengths and needs.
Education & Licensure
Experience & Background
WHY RAÍCES?
More Than a Language Class
Raíces (rah-EE-sehs) • Spanish for “roots”
Raíces means “roots,” and the name reflects the heart of what I want this academy to represent. Roots are where growth begins. They give us a foundation, connect us to where we come from, and help us grow with strength and confidence.
As a native Spanish speaker born and raised in Puerto Rico, Spanish has always been more than a language to me. It is connected to family, culture, traditions, memories, and a sense of belonging. When I created Raíces Language Academy, I wanted to create a place where children could experience that same deeper connection to language—whether Spanish is part of their family heritage or a completely new language they are beginning to discover.
At Raíces, children are not simply learning vocabulary or memorizing phrases. They are building the foundations to communicate, connect with others, understand different cultures, and see the world from a broader perspective. With every new word, conversation, story, and experience, they are growing their own roots in the Spanish language.
And just as strong roots help a tree grow and flourish, my hope is that the foundation children build at Raíces will give them the confidence and curiosity to continue learning for years to come.
Strong roots . Growing confidence . Lifelong connections.
Children learn best when they feel comfortable, successful, and actively engaged. At Raíces, lessons combine purposeful language instruction with conversation, literacy, games, movement, and hands-on activities. Small-group learning allows me to get to know each child, meet them where they are, and provide the support and challenge they need to grow.
Small-Group Learning
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Personalized attention in a supportive, interactive environment.
Learning That Feels Meaningful & Engaging
Meaningful & Engaging Lessons
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Learning experiences designed to keep children active, curious, and involved.
MY APPROACH
Individualized Support
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Instruction tailored to each child’s strengths, needs, and learning pace.
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Language + Literacy Development
Building confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and communication in Spanish.
Every lesson is designed to help children learn, connect, and grow with confidence.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Give Your Child the Opportunity to Learn, Connect & Grow
Explore our Spanish programs and schedule, then complete a short placement questionnaire so we can help find the best class for your child.
Have questions? We’d be happy to help.