Mayra

I am from Guatemala. I have worked as a Spanish instructor since 1988 and during this time I have had the opportunity to meet many people of different ages, countries, cultures, professions and religious beliefs.

Teaching online has been rewarding for me because in addition to teaching the Spanish language and through what students share with me, I have been able to learn about their country and culture. This has been very interesting because I have always liked stories, especially when I can share about my beautiful country of Guatemala. I try to make our conversations natural and use the student-level vocabulary.

In my free time, I like to walk my dog, read, and listen to music in Spanish.

Welcome!

!Hola! Soy Mayra. Me gusta mucho mi trabajo porque tengo la oportunidad de conocer a personas de diferentes países. Me gusta enseñar español porque es un idioma muy bello y tengo la oportunidad de compartir  muchas cosas de mi idioma. Una de las cosas que más me gusta es caminar. En este momento estoy aquí en el Cerro de la Cruz. Pueden ver este lugar tan hermoso. Me gusta, también, ver películas. Me gusta leer también y estoy muy contenta de poder enseñarte mi idioma, y si tienes la oportunidad de visitar mi país, serás bienvenido.

Hello! I´m Mayra. I really like my job because I have the opportunity to meet people from different countries. I like to teach Spanish because it is a very beautiful language and I have the opportunity to share many things about my language. One of the things I like is walking. Right now I am in Cerro de la Cruz; you can see this beautiful place. I also like to watch movies. I like to read too, and I am very happy to be able to teach you my language. If you have the opportunity to visit my country, you will be welcome.

Teaching Style

My teaching style is based on aspects of grammar, phonetics and writing. I like to draw up a personalized plan focused on the goals and needs of each student because everyone has different goals. I am very flexible, so the student can participate in the development of this plan. I adjust according to what the students need. Besides the grammatical points, I like to emphasize conversation, reading, and vocabulary. All of these different aspects are so that students can see their progress, which then motivates the learners to continue with their studies.

Skills: Ability of individual and group communication, comprehension skills, creativity to develop the class, individualized planning, communication skills with basic English, ability to adapt to each student.

Cally

“Mayra is a wonderful, patient tutor. With her help, I was able to get a passing score on the (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) test. Although I began our first conversation somewhat panicked and stumbling over my words, thanks to Mayra’s calm, encouraging demeanor, I soon found myself chatting comfortably with her. It was fascinating to compare cultures and to discuss a variety of other topics.”

Andrew

“I have found Mayra to be a very patient and encouraging teacher with a good sense of humor. Even though I lack confidence in my basic Spanish, she has always made me feel comfortable. Mayra displays a genuine interest in the student, and their progress.”

Margo G., Retired

"Mayra is a superstar. She is hands down the best Spanish teacher I've ever found in the classroom or online. Mayra is patient, organized, responsible, very well-prepared, and just really fun to talk to. I appreciate how she introduces new vocabulary and grammar and then offers lots of examples to help it sink in. I also like that she will send me homework and review my answers with me the following week. I'm really loving my classes. If you want to build your Spanish skills and your overall confidence speaking Spanish, sign-up with Mayra! ¡Disfruta de tus clases!"

Janice L.

"I have been studying with Mayra for a few years and I always look forward to talking with her and learning from her. I am an ex-French teacher so that I wanted someone who knew and who could explain grammar as well as speak the language. Mayra does both beautifully! And she is such a wonderful person to talk to. I really appreciate her as my teacher and as my good friend."

Harry B.

“I first met Mayra Juarez on Skype five years ago. I was a beginner student of Spanish, looking for a way to improve. During those five years, Mayra has converted me from a beginner student to a fluent Spanish speaker. Together we have covered a multitude of topics and have read close to twenty books in Spanish. Now I have travelled and have friends in many countries of Central and South America. If there is still a grammar “mystery”, my friends, Spanish students, come to me because they know that I have a teacher (Mayra) who will know the answer. Mayra’s knowledge of Spanish grammar is amazing. The best thing is that I’m always looking forward to her classes because she makes learning Spanish fun.”

Professional Credentials

Licenses & Certifications

  • Certificate: Medical Spanish for Foreign Students

  • Conference: “Cultura Turística”  Guatemalteco de Turismo INGUAT, History and Culture of Guatemala, Probigua

Education Background

  • BA  – Teaching Spanish as a Second Language to Foreign Students from the Universidad de Rafael Landivar 

Professional Experience

  • Online Spanish Coach – Pronto Spanish (2022 – Present)

  • Online Spanish Tutor – Speak Shop (2006-2021)

  • Spanish as a Second Language Instructor –  PROBIGUA Language Academy (1996 – 2006)