Melissa de Pineda

Melissa de Pineda is a passionate and dedicated Spanish teacher with a strong background in both traditional and homeschool education. With almost 18 years of  experience in language instruction, Melissa is committed to fostering a love for the Spanish language and culture through engaging, student-centered teaching practices.

Melissa de Pineda holds a Master’s degree in Education and currently holds a teaching license for the state of Pennsylvania. She has taught classes in all age and ability levels. Her commitment to inclusive education ensures that every student, regardless of ability, is empowered to succeed and develop a lifelong appreciation for the Spanish language and culture.

Melissa has taught for public schools, private schools, and homeschool co-ops. Besides teaching Spanish, Melissa has also taught English to Spanish-speakers in  community based organizations and online to kids in Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes comprehensible input (CI), interactive activities, and real-world applications to help students develop confidence in their communication skills and reinforce their language proficiency. She also integrates technology, music, and literature to make lessons both meaningful and engaging. Contact: mdepineda[at]aimacademy.online

Melissa homeschooled her 3 children, one of which had several learning disabilities. With this experience, she developed a deep appreciation for personalized and flexible learning. This background has allowed her to connect with students of diverse learning styles and adapt lessons to meet individual needs.

Outside of teaching, Melissa enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and continuously expanding her own language skills. Her goal is to inspire students to become confident and curious language learners, equipping them with valuable communication skills for life.