For Claudia Camarillo, Teaching Is More Than a Job—It’s a Passion

For Claudia Camarillo, teaching is more than just a profession—it’s a blessing. With 10 years of experience, she currently teaches dual enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish courses, including AP Spanish Literature and AP Spanish Language. But her path to the classroom wasn’t always so clear.

“I always said I was going to be a police officer or something that had to do with the law,” Camarillo said. However, during high school, an AP Literature class taught by Mrs. Yolanda Garcia sparked her interest in language and history, inspiring her to pursue teaching.

Now, as an educator, Camarillo finds joy not only in doing what she loves but also in helping students understand the culture and history embedded in the Spanish language. She incorporates literature from various Spanish-speaking regions, such as Don Quixote and El Brujo Postergado, to provide historical context and cultural insight.

“I like to see the students’ faces when they learn the perspective of a lot of things that we do,” Camarillo said. “Like why we celebrate Christmas a certain way, why we have certain traditions—I explain to them the ‘why’ behind the things we do in our daily lives.”

Camarillo’s teaching approach is deeply student-centered. She recognizes her students’ interests and adapts her methods to keep them engaged.

“Every group of kids in my classes likes different things, so I try to see what it is that they like so I can keep them engaged while following the curriculum,” she said. “We have to be able to sense what it is that the kids like.”

Her unique approach keeps students engaged, even if it means stepping outside traditional teaching methods. She incorporates independent learning days and makes an effort to connect with students on a personal level.

“We are not always going to be able to give them exactly what they are into, but we try to find something they can relate to,” she said.

For Camarillo, teaching isn’t just about delivering lessons and grading assignments—it’s about being fully invested in her students’ growth and understanding.

“My personality is if I know that I am not going to be 100% at something, I would rather not do it,” she said.

As she continues to set high standards for herself and her students, Camarillo remains dedicated to fostering a love for language and culture, always putting her students first.