Our Assistants
This year we've had 5 language assistants, who have been coming to our English classes, as well as to classes of other subjects in English. They've helped us with our students. Both the students and us, the teachers, have learned from their work!
Hello,
my name is Shakirah Warren. I am 27 years old and come from Iowa, United States. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. My experience at IES Joaquín Araújo has been nothing short of amazing.
I have learned a lot about myself and my preferred style of teaching, as well as the Spanish culture in terms of education. I was lucky enough to teach a multitude of subjects (English, Art, PE and History), where I got the opportunity to see the children shine in their preferred subjects. While there, I made an incredible bond with both the students and the staff.
It's hard to choose what I enjoyed most during my experience but, the way I felt welcomed and appreciated by the staff and students is what stood out to me. In my free time away from teaching I have had lots of fun being able to explore Spain, travel, hang out with friends, and enjoy the beauty of living abroad!
Overall, I am so thankful for this experience and would encourage anyone to take the risk and come to Spain and teach at IES Joaquín Araújo!
Shakirah Warren
Hello!
My name is Kiley and I've been working as a language assistant at IES Joaquin Araujo since October. I decided to move to Spain for a year because I wanted to experience new cultures, develop my Spanish speaking, and continue doing what I love most– teaching!
I'm originally from the state of Iowa and have lived there for most of my life. After graduating from high school, I decided to attend the University of Northern Iowa to obtain my teaching degree. Since graduating, I've taught abroad in both Thailand and Spain, as well as two additional years in Iowa. I've worked with students of all ages–from 5 years old to 18! When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being active, and reading books.
I have absolutely loved my time at this school and feel grateful to have met so many wonderful teachers and students. I've enjoyed building relationships with students and helping them build their confidence in speaking English. Reflecting on this year, I think my favorite memory was being involved in Global Classrooms and getting to go to Madrid with the students to watch them participate in the Model UN debate. They all worked so hard and we had a great time! I am going to miss everyone when I return home!
Kiley Westhoff
My name is Teresa Pavia and I am from Brooklyn, New York. I studied Public Policy at the University at Albany in upstate New York, and graduated in 2023.
My hobbies include running, writing, reading, and traveling. I have also been learning Spanish for the past few years.
This past year at IES Joaquin Araujo was an amazing experience, filled with so much learning, laughter, and joy. My favorite part of this year's teaching was getting to know each and every one of my students. You all have left a footprint in my heart and I will always look back on these memories with a smile.
Teresa Pavia
My name is Andrea McKinley and I was a language assistant at Joaquin Araujo from 2023-2025. I'm from the great city of angels, Los Angeles, California, USA.
I studied human biology and have a master's in education. Ever since I took my first international trip while in university, I knew that one day I would live abroad. I almost moved to Colombia in 2020, but the pandemic changed everything.
I'm glad it didn't work out, because in 2021 I traveled to Madrid and completely fell in love with the city. Now I live here, and I plan to stay. What brings me the most joy in life outside of the beautiful relationships I have is music, nature, food, learning languages, and traveling.
What I've enjoyed the most during my time at Joaquin Araujo is building relationships with the students and staff, and also all the delicious food from the cafeteria!
Andrea McKinley
