We were lucky to catch up with Leticia Amaya recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Leticia, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

To prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career, the educational system could focus more on practical life skills, such as financial literacy, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Introducing experiential learning opportunities, like internships, apprenticeships, and project-based learning, would provide real-world context and application for classroom knowledge. Moreover, promoting creativity, adaptability, and resilience through interdisciplinary approaches and personalized learning paths could better equip students for the dynamic demands of the future workforce. Finally, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and encouraging continuous self-improvement would empower individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

In all my years as an educator, I have learned the importance of project-based/play based learning. Play-based learning offers numerous benefits for children’s development. Firstly, it promotes creativity and imagination, allowing children to explore and express themselves freely. Secondly, it fosters social skills like cooperation, communication, and empathy as children engage in collaborative play activities. Additionally, play-based learning enhances cognitive skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking as children navigate different scenarios and challenges. Moreover, it supports emotional development by helping children regulate their emotions, build confidence, and develop resilience through trial and error. Overall, play-based learning creates a dynamic and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive holistically.

My fondest memories as a child are singing, dancing, and art projects. I remember laughter and silly conversations. Children do not need four walls to learn. Educational institutions need to shift their thinking and philosophy around how children learn. Educators should be encouraged to use our local parks and nature as a space for learning. Children can learn about the cycles of plants, while reading informational books. The opportunities are endless.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a tutor, my passion for teaching children through hands-on learning experiences can be incredibly impactful. By incorporating interactive and tactile activities into my lessons, I can effectively engage students and cater to different learning styles. As a bilingual educator, I have the unique opportunity to enrich students’ language skills while providing them with valuable educational experiences. My approach fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. My dedication to creating dynamic and immersive learning environments undoubtedly makes a positive difference in the lives of my students.

As a literacy consultant, I play a crucial role in promoting literacy development within educational settings. I work with school districts and organizations to design and implement effective literacy programs, provide professional development for educators, and assess student literacy needs. I can offer valuable insights and strategies to support reading and writing instruction, improve literacy outcomes, and address the diverse needs of students. My dedication to promoting literacy skills can have a significant impact on students’ academic success and lifelong learning.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building a social media audience is a new level of expertise for me. I am a bit of an introvert, so this is clearly out of my comfort zone. I focus on sharing valuable content such as teaching tips, educational resources, and insights into the latest trends in education. I engage with my audience by responding to comments, asking questions, and fostering discussions that help build a sense of community. Collaborating with other educators or education-related organizations to cross-promote content and reach a wider audience is also beneficial. Consistency in posting quality content and utilizing relevant hashtags to increase visibility plays a role in growing my audience over time. Overall, my commitment to providing valuable and relevant content builds a strong and engaged social media following interested in education.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Starting a tutoring and literacy consultant business during COVID presented challenges but also opportunities. Firstly, leveraging online platforms for virtual tutoring allowed me to reach a broader audience beyond my local area. Creating a professional website and utilizing social media for marketing helped attract clients. Offering flexible scheduling and personalized learning plans tailored to each client’s needs. I also provided free resources and hosted webinars. Overall, adapting to the circumstances of the pandemic while providing high-quality services was key to launching and growing my business successfully. As we move away from the pandemic and into a new normal, my students’ needs are diverse. I am here to support childrens’ educational journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laliteracytutoring.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laliteracytutoring/

Image Credits
Janet Gomez IG: jansspringdesign