Meet Ruth
¡Hola! I'm Ruth Calderon, and I've been helping students discover the joy of speaking Spanish since 2002. Whether you're starting from scratch or polishing your fluency, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
My teaching isn't just about grammar rules and vocabulary lists — it's about helping you connect with real people, real culture, and real conversations.
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My Journey
A Life Shaped by Spanish
My story begins in Bogotá, Colombia, where I was born and raised. I spent 19 formative years in Caracas, Venezuela, where I developed my love for language and culture. My travels have taken me across the Spanish-speaking world — Spain, Panamá, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua — each place adding new dimensions to my understanding of the language.
Education & Credentials
- •BA in Administrative Science — José Maria Vargas University, Venezuela (1993)
- •Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) — Rutgers University (2013)
- •AP Spanish Language & Literature preparation coursework — TCNJ, Rowan, La Salle, and Rutgers
Professional Experience
Before dedicating myself fully to teaching, I worked as a business liaison with major American companies including HP, Revlon Overseas, Quaker, and Compaq. This experience gave me a deep understanding of professional Spanish and cross-cultural communication.
Since 2002, I've been a dedicated World Language Spanish teacher, helping students of all ages and levels achieve their language goals.
My Teaching Philosophy
Structured Foundation
Clear, organized lessons that build your skills step by step
Real Conversation
Practice speaking from day one with authentic dialogue
Supportive Environment
Scaffolded learning with patience and encouragement
I believe every student learns differently, so I adapt my materials and approach to match your unique style. Whether you're a visual learner, prefer hands-on practice, or learn best through conversation, I'll find the method that works for you.
Beyond the Classroom
When I'm not teaching, you'll find me practicing yoga, cooking traditional Spanish and Latin American dishes, enjoying theater and museums, or planning my next travel adventure. I'm a family-oriented person who believes in building genuine connections with my students.
I take pride in being trustworthy, patient, and dedicated to each student's success. Learning a language is a journey, and I'm honored to be part of yours.
Ready to Start Your Spanish Journey?
Let's meet and discuss how I can help you reach your language goals.