Carmen Suárez

Carmen is deeply passionate about Second Language Acquisition, using immersive techniques to provide students with comprehensible input. With a strong focus on boosting confidence and proficiency, she has guided learners of all ages in mastering Spanish for twelve years. As a Lead Teacher in private schools, Carmen has not only refined her craft but also mentored fellow educators.

Carmen is committed to staying at the cutting edge of language pedagogy. She continuously enhances her skills through professional development, attending key educational conferences, and collaborating with peers in world languages. This dedication ensures that her teaching methods remain innovative and effective.

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia, where she also explored photography, radio, and television. She then earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish from the University of Illinois at Chicago, solidifying her expertise in language instruction.

Carmen’s diverse background led to a unique collaboration with the Colombian Ministry of Culture. For six weeks, she lived with an indigenous tribe in the Amazon, working as a writer-recorder and photographer. This experience deepened her understanding of indigenous dietary traditions, enriching her cultural insights.

Beyond her educational endeavors, Carmen is a meticulous freelance Spanish text editor and an enthusiastic cultural ambassador of the Spanish language.
At Bennett Day School, Carmen finds a perfect match for her inclusive and nurturing approach. She is excited to cultivate forward-thinking students with a global perspective, making the school an ideal place for her innovative teaching.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Carmen is a passionate self-taught cook with a deep love for plant-based cuisine. She enjoys reimagining traditional dishes from her homeland with a plant-based twist, sharing her culinary passion through cooking classes and food demos across the Chicago area.