Adriana Paredes, M.Ed.

Teacher: High School Spanish, Middle and High School Art

I was born and raised in Mexico City. I was fortunate to attend a truly bilingual school where English was taught every day for half the day, and several subjects were taught in English. From a young age, I yearned to connect with people from other cultures and believed that the only way to truly know a culture and its people was to live in its country.

I came to the United States in 1994 with my 8-year-old son. What was meant to be a six-month adventure instead became a life-changing experience for both of us.

I have two master’s degrees—one in Education and another in Psychology. Earlier in my career, I worked as a clinical therapist for children with learning disabilities. I started painting as a teenager and continue to paint every day.

I began teaching in Mexico City in 1991 and have continued ever since. I have taught in many kinds of schools: private, public, international, Waldorf, charter schools, and through private lessons. You may even find me working as a painting instructor at Pinot’s Palette.

My purpose in teaching Spanish is for students to acquire the language rather than dissect its rules or simply memorize vocabulary. I want them to understand Hispanic culture through the eyes of painters, poets, and songwriters, as well as through its traditions and history. Ultimately, I hope students recognize that every person who arrives in this country has intrinsic value and something meaningful to offer.

My teaching experience at Compass has been wonderful, and I am enjoying teaching a group of fantastic students.