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Nine visiting teachers from Spain

Last year, 91ֱ�� welcomed five talented educators from Spain through a special international partnership. This year, that journey has continued with six new teachers, plus the return of three teachers from last year — bringing the total to nine visiting teachers from Spain working across the district. Read more about the launch of the program last year here.

Meet Luis Garcia Castaneda

One of the new additions this year is Luis Garcia Castaneda, a first-grade teacher at Remynse Elementary. Luis came to 91ֱ�� with a deep curiosity and a heart full of purpose.

“As a visiting teacher from Spain, I was eager to experience firsthand the teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and school culture here,” Castaneda said. “I was particularly interested in becoming a cultural ambassador, sharing my own background with my students while learning from the diverse perspectives that 91ֱ�� has to offer.”

Castaneda is already making a meaningful impact in his classroom, especially when it comes to language learning.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to enrich my students’ linguistic experience by exposing them to different accents, vocabulary, and cultural nuances,” Castaneda said. “Seeing their curiosity ignited as they discover the diversity within the Spanish-speaking world is wonderful.”

A Program That Builds Bridges

The is part of a long-standing international cooperation initiative between the Spanish government and school districts across the United States. For more than 35 years, about 10,000 Spanish educators have participated in this cultural exchange, bringing their expertise and global perspectives into American classrooms. At the end of their time here, they’ll return to Spain to share their experiences and insights with their communities.

In 91ֱ��, these teachers are more than just educators — they’re bridges between cultures, enriching our schools with language and tradition.

Support That Makes a Difference

Transitioning to a new country and school system isn’t easy, but 91ֱ�� is committed to supporting the visiting teachers every step of the way. Dr. Ruth Martin, the district’s lead specialist, plays a key role in helping them settle in.

“We help them both with the personal and professional side,” Martin explained. “So, I help them find apartments, cars, and getting their social security and bank accounts set up.”

Castaneda expressed deep gratitude for that support. 

“Thanks to Ruth’s unwavering guidance, this process was much more manageable and easier,” Castaneda said. “She guided us through every step to ensure we completed each task correctly. Thank you for everything.”

He also credits his school community for making him feel at home. 

“I’d like to extend a special thank you to all my colleagues at Remynse Elementary. The entire school community has created a wonderfully collaborative and welcoming environment that has been essential for my transition.”