Yahaira Cepeda

My name is Yahaira Cepeda. I will have the pleasure of sharing and teaching you about my first language, Spanish. I have been teaching for 23 years! Yes, I still love it and look young! HA! For me teaching is a way to inspire others, have fun, give back to our society and help young minds to be successful. I believe everyone can learn and be successful when they try their best. As a teacher, I am always learning too.

Teaching a world language in my native language, Spanish, is a way for me to share the richness, beauty and potential of my own roots. The Hispanic culture has so much to offer to the world. It is my intention that by coming to my Spanish class, each student learns more than simple vocabulary or how to say a word in Spanish. I want to open their eyes to the wonderful opportunity it is to learn more languages and understand more our world’s diversity. I want to inspire appreciation and respect to other cultures, and hopefully a desire to continue learning about it. Learning a new language is not only good for the brain, but also for the soul because it humanizes people and creates awareness about us as a human race.

About my life … I was born and raised in San Juan, PR. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary School, a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and another Master's Degree in Spanish Language and Culture. I went to college in Puerto Rico and in Spain. I have worked as a teacher for the past 25 years. I have experience working with students from preschool through college. I like when my students call me "Maestra Yahaira" in Spanish (that means Teacher Yahaira).

I consider myself a responsible, dynamic and creative person, committed to my family and my work. Most people say that I am fun to be around and witty. I am a woman of faith. I believe that we ALL have a purpose in life, and, with good heart and attitude, we can learn from everything and turn things into something good. Fun fact about me...Red is my favorite color and I always wear a reddish color lipstick!

In my spare time I like to play with my little princess, my daughter J (she is the love of my life!) and our mini poodle. My hobbies are listening and dancing Latin music, photography, sewing, scrap-booking, swimming, traveling, the beach, Disney and, my favorite... shopping!