Teaching
My teaching philosophy is deeply influenced by the vision of Francisco Giner de los Ríos, who advocated for an integrative approach to education that nurtures the whole person. I believe that education should be guided by ethical principles and foster a dynamic activism among students in an environment that is tolerant, inclusive, and open to intellectual exploration. In this spirit, I strive to cultivate creativity and innovation in my classroom, countering dogmatism and authoritarianism with novel audiovisual methods and activities that encourage students to explore and express their ideas freely, while engaging rigorously in hermeneutics.
Education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is about instilling the belief that life itself should be viewed as a work of art. This notion resonates deeply with me, especially in a time when social media, immediacy, and easy access to information often overshadow the values of reflection, close reading, and immersion in language, especially in poetry. Every student possess the potential to realize their own vision, crafting a personal project that reflects their individual experiences and aspirations. It is essential for educators to provide the necessary tools and to connect literary texts and artifacts to students' interests. I am committed to fostering a learning environment that cultivates curiosity, empowers students to express their creativity in Spanish, and enables them to utilize their language skills in authentic communicative contexts. I aim to encourage students to embrace linguistic and cultural diversity while engaging in their educational journey as a vital form of self-expression.
Throughout my years of teaching, I have realized the importance of serving students as a mentor and guide to knowledge. Seeing my students mature, grow, and become experts in Spanish language and literatures makes me proud of my career. As a dedicated and passionate educator, my teaching is consistently rated as highly effective, with a 98.88% student satisfaction rate. My students frequently highlight my ability to bring energy and depth to the classroom, as reflected in one evaluation: “Francisco was incredible. An amazing instructor and really gave the source material the time and effort that it was worth. He brought a vibrant energy to every class that was almost impossible not to feel and be inspired by. I would recommend Fran to any student and give him the highest accolades. He was born to teach and this class truly showed that”. Building a rapport with them—one grounded in knowledge, understanding, and trust—allows me to facilitate their academic and personal development in meaningful ways. By providing various pathways to engage with the material, I encourage them to explore different forms of expression, whether through traditional research, creative projects, or collaborative discussions. This adaptability ensures that students not only meet course objectives but also develop critical thinking skills in ways that are meaningful to them.
As a former member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Graduate Committee at Rutgers, specifically in the subcommittee on curriculum and mentoring, I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that acknowledges and celebrates diverse learning styles and needs. My experiences in this role have heightened my awareness of how factors like cultural background, language proficiency, and cognitive diversity can shape a student's approach to learning. This understanding has informed my teaching practices, allowing me to design courses that are both accessible and equitable, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. In my courses, I incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, which promote flexibility in the way information is presented and how students demonstrate their knowledge. For example, I offer a variety of assignment formats—such as written essays, oral presentations, and creative projects—so students can engage with the material in ways that align with their strengths. This approach supports a wide range of learners, including students with special needs, while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Additionally, I integrate reflective practices to encourage self-awareness, helping students understand their own learning processes and how they can leverage their strengths for academic growth.
As a result of my dedication to both scholarship and teaching, I was selected to serve as Assistant Director to the Spanish Language Program for the current academic year. In this role, I have contributed to redesigning the syllabi and curricula for language courses 101, 102, 121, 131, and 132 at Rutgers University. I also supervise and observe graduate student teaching within the Spanish Department, while mentoring new TAs. Additionally, last year, I was elected to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Graduate Student Advisory Committee in the School of Arts and Sciences. As part of the Curriculum and Mentoring subcommittee, I developed self-assessment checklists and rubrics for faculty in in-person, asynchronous, and hybrid courses, ensuring that their teaching practices promoted accessibility, equity, and fairness for all students. In the private sector, I previously worked with EF Education First across the UK and Ireland as an Operations Manager (School Director) and Academic Manager. In these roles, I managed over 100 staff members and led my school in York to achieve the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS) globally in terms of student satisfaction in 2024.
SELECTED TEACHING & ADVISING EXPERIENCE
Birkbeck University of London, School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication: Spanish and Latin American Studies, London, UK
Assistant Lecturer, Spring 2024
- Spanish 1 (In-person)
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Spanish & Portuguese Department, New Brunswick, NJ
Spanish Instructor, Fall, Spring and Summer 2021-2025
Taught the following courses:
- Spanish Review and Continuation 121 (In-person, Fall 2021)
- Intermediate Spanish 131 (In-person, Spring 2022)
- Spanish 101 (Online, Fall 2024)
Designed and taught the following courses:
- Advanced [Spanish] Conversation and Contemporary Issues 313 (In-person, Fall 2022)
- Hispanic Children’s Literature, Culture and Pedagogy 16:940:512 (Graduate course, Summer 2023)
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of French & Comparative Literarure, New Brunswick, NJ
Teaching Assistant, Literature, sexuality and culture course “Francophilia: Literature and Sexuality in Modern France (in English)” (Professor Parker)
- Taught one section (25 students) on French history, sexualities and culture (In-person, Spring 2023)
Auburn University, Department of World Languages, Auburn, AL
Spanish Instructor, Fall & Spring 2020-2021
- Elementary Spanish I, 1010-012 (In-person and online, Fall 2020)
- Elementary Spanish I, 1010-015 (In-person and online, Fall 2020)
- Elementary Spanish I, 1010-007 (In-person, Spring 2021)
Auburn University, Auburn Athletics Department, Auburn, AL
Spanish Tutor, Fall & Spring 2019-2020
Provided supplementary classroom instruction (one-on-one and groups) to ensure the success of the student athletes using instructional technology materials (Contraseña)
EF Education First, Language Courses Abroad, London, UK
ESL & Arts Teacher and Course Developer, Summer 2018 and 2019
Designed and delivered an academic program that integrated arts and media studies with English language learning, catering to a diverse international student group. Managed interactive classes of up to 17 students, extending learning beyond the traditional classroom setting to museums and art galleries. Responsible for the school's activity program, managed schedules and administrative tasks.
RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS DIRECTION & ADMINISTRATION
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Spanish & Portuguese Department, New Brunswick, NJ
Assistant Director to the Spanish Language Program, Fall and Spring 2024-2025
Assisted in the administration and coordination of the Spanish Language Program for undergraduate students, including curriculum development, faculty support, course scheduling, student advising, and program assessment to enhance language learning outcomes.
EF Education First, Languages Abroad, London and York, UK
School Director (Operations), May-August 2024
Achieved the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS) globally within EF, demonstrating exceptional student satisfaction and educational outcomes. Managed the daily operations of a school with over 1000 international students, ensuring that all academic documentation and methodologies aligned with EF's accreditation standards. Led a team of over 100 staff members, providing strategic direction and strong leadership to enhance program delivery and optimize staff performance. Coordinated comprehensive logistics and administrative duties to ensure operational efficiency and maintain high-quality service levels.
EF Education First, Languages Abroad, Dublin, Ireland
School Director & Academic Manager, May-August 2022
Directed the academic and operational functions of an institution with a student body of over 800 international learners, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards and educational practices. Spearheaded a team of more than 100 professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement to elevate educational outcomes and staff productivity. Managed the coordination of key administrative and logistical tasks, streamlining processes to support efficient operations and consistently deliver exceptional service.
EF Education First, Languages Abroad, Málaga, Spain
Academic Manager, June-August 2021
Led and supervised a team of over 40 teachers, overseeing ESL educational programs to ensure smooth and efficient operations. Analyzed educational data, monitored teaching methods, and resolved arising issues to maintain high academic standards. Supported teachers in lesson planning, tracked attendance, maintained academic facilities, and provided feedback on teaching effectiveness, all aimed at enhancing student engagement and language proficiency.
HULT International Business School, Languages Abroad, London, UK
Assistant Director to the Summer Program, Summer 2017
Provided leadership to new students ensuring that the summer course reflects university and School policy, practice and processes; addressed and resolved issues relating to the quality of course delivery, student satisfaction, student progress and retention as they arise.
