ABOUT SMART LINGUISTS NY
VISION
Our vision is to nurture young minds and inspire a lifelong love for language learning, empowering children to become global citizens in an interconnected world. We ensure that each student gets motivated to speak in full sentences in Spanish from their first lesson. Our team encourages our students to realize how important is to become a bilingual speaker.
We strive to provide exceptional language education that is engaging, practical, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each learner. Language is not only a means of communication but also a gateway to understanding diverse cultures and perspectives. We envision a future where children have the confidence and ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, opening doors to endless opportunities and fostering cross-cultural understanding and empathy.
Our vision is also to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. We strive to provide a joyful and interactive experience, incorporating total immersion Spanish language acquisition, TPR, play-based activities, songs, hands-on learning skills, and role playing among others. We believe that language acquisition in early childhood is a key foundation for cognitive development, enhanced problem-solving skills, and increased cultural awareness.
Join us on this exciting adventure of language discovery and enrichment for children. Together, let’s nurture young minds, unlock their potential, and create a brighter and more interconnected future.
OWNERS/DIRECTORS
Edelmira Ibarra, born and raised in Tecalitlán, Jalisco, Mexico, has over thirty years of experience teaching her native language in NY. Her experience as a teacher began in Mexico at a prestigious bilingual elementary school and later on at high school levels at Colegio Campoverde Colima, where she taught ESL. Edelmira also taught at her alma mater, the Faculty of Foreign Languages of the University of Colima. She continued her experience as a language teacher when she came to the USA in Rye, NY. She enjoys teaching children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. She has taught total immersion, Spanish through Theater, and TPR kids lessons.
Edelmira has a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Colima Mexico. She has a trilingual son beginning his journey in college. Edelmira has been living in New York for 32 years.
Susan Deus was born in Trujillo, Perú. She is a passionate and dedicated language teacher with over 22 years of experience in teaching Spanish. She has helped to develop the curriculum for multiple Spanish programs and possesses a deep understanding of effective teaching methodologies as well as a strong commitment to helping her students succeed. Her love for teaching came from her greatest role model, her mother, who provided her with a strong foundation in language acquisition skills and the intricacies of different language structures. Throughout her career, Susan has taught a wide range of students, from mommy and me, preschool, 3-18 years olds, beginners to advanced learners.
Susan is married and has two bilingual children. She has been living in New York for 22 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and volunteering.
FOUNDERS
Smart Linguists was founded by Paula Otero and Rocio Zapatero in 2011. While raising their trilingual children, they identified the need for a first-class Spanish language program targeting the Spanish and non-Spanish speaking community in Westchester. This opportunity, along with their desire for their own kids to become literate in Spanish, gave birth to Smart Linguists.
OUR FACULTY
Our teachers are native speakers and have strong backgrounds in teaching SFL (Spanish as First Language) and SSL (Spanish as a Second Language). They have all been carefully screened and selected for their strong credentials and extensive training in teaching Spanish to children. While energetic, enthusiastic and strongly passionate about teaching and sharing their culture, they provide the kids with a nurturing environment where independent learning is encouraged.