Advancing Excellence in Heritage Spanish Education: Isabella & Ferdinand® Participates in the Instituto Cervantes of New York Conference

Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ participates in the 4th Conference on the Teaching of Spanish for Heritage Speakers (4ª Jornada sobre la Enseñanza del Español para Hablantes de Herencia) at the Instituto Cervantes of New York

In October 2025, representatives from Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ participated in the 4th Conference on the Teaching of Spanish for Heritage Speakers (4ª Jornada sobre la Enseñanza del Español para Hablantes de Herencia), organized by the Instituto Cervantes of New York in collaboration with Fairfield University, Columbia University, and City College of New York.

The conference, held under the theme “Social Justice: Equitable Access of Minorities to Bilingual Education” (Justicia social: acceso equitativo de las minorías a la educación bilingüe), brought together leading scholars, researchers, and educators committed to promoting inclusion and equity in the teaching of Spanish as a heritage language.

Maira Abasto, Academic Director, and Susana Paredes, DELE Coordinator, attended the event alongside a group of Isabella & Ferdinand® teachers, as part of the Academy’s ongoing efforts to promote professional development and pedagogical excellence among its faculty.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in keynote lectures and workshops led by renowned experts, including Dr. María Luisa Parra (Harvard University) and Dr. María Carreira (California State University), who explored practical approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion in Spanish-language instruction. The conference also featured specialized sessions led by Alejandro Acero (University of Oregon), Ivette Dobarganes (Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School), and Beatriz Uzal (Instituto Cervantes of Los Angeles).

This participation reinforces Isabella & Ferdinand®’s institutional commitment to fostering continuous learning, intercultural dialogue, and innovation in bilingual education. It also strengthens the Academy’s collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes, the global authority in Spanish language and culture.

At Isabella & Ferdinand®, professional development represents a cornerstone of educational excellence and a bridge to connect our educators with the broader academic community devoted to advancing Spanish-language teaching in multicultural contexts.

🎓 Celebrating the Completion of the English Program for Nursing Assistants

This fall, 18 Hispanic adults proudly completed our English Program for Nursing Assistants, developed in partnership with Identity Youth. Designed specifically for aspiring and current nursing assistants, the course focused on practical English language skills needed in medical and caregiving contexts.

Over the course of several months, participants worked diligently on building vocabulary, improving pronunciation, and practicing real-life scenarios that they will encounter in healthcare settings. The program emphasized communication, confidence, and cultural understanding, all essential tools for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

While Isabella & Ferdinand® is widely recognized as a Spanish academy, we are equally committed to providing English-language programs that meet the needs of our community. This initiative reflects our mission to support learners not only in embracing the Spanish language and culture, but also in empowering bilingual professionals to thrive in their workplaces and daily lives.

The culmination of this course represents much more than the end of a class — it is a milestone in empowering individuals to succeed professionally, access better opportunities, and provide compassionate care to patients. It also highlights the transformative power of collaboration between nonprofits and community organizations in creating pathways to education and employment.

We congratulate every student for their commitment and growth, and we thank our partner Identity Youth for joining us in this mission. Together, we are not only teaching languages, but also building bridges to a brighter future.

“At Isabella & Ferdinand®, we believe that language is not only a tool for communication, but a bridge to opportunity. Seeing 18 dedicated Hispanic adults complete this English program is a powerful reminder of how education can transform lives and open doors to brighter futures.”

— Maira Abasto, Director Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™

🥑 Whole Foods Supports Our Community with a Special Donation

At Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™, our mission extends beyond teaching Spanish. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where children and families feel connected, supported, and inspired.

This month, we were delighted to receive a generous donation of healthy snacks from Whole Foods Market. While it may seem like a small gesture, the impact goes far beyond the treats themselves. Sharing these snacks with our students created moments of joy, fueled their learning with energy, and reminded us of the importance of partnerships between local businesses and community organizations.

By supporting our programs, Whole Foods is investing in the well-being of children and reinforcing the idea that education flourishes when community members come together. It is a beautiful reminder that when we unite efforts — schools, families, and businesses — we can build a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Whole Foods Market for believing in our mission and for making a difference in the daily lives of our students.

Isabella & Ferdinand® Joins Washington Global for a Night of Culture and Celebration

By Alejandra Martinez.-

On a beautiful spring evening, Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español had the honor of participating in the Washington Global Spring Benefit, hosted at the Tunisian Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C.

A Night of Global Connection and Celebration

The event brought together educators, families, and community partners to celebrate the diverse cultures represented at Washington Global. We were proud to contribute to this evening of unity and learning, showcasing how Spanish language and Hispanic culture open doors to connection and understanding.

Spanish Through Culture

At our booth, guests were invited to explore our immersive approach to Spanish education. Highlights included:

• Our “Passport to Spain” activity, where students shared facts about Spanish geography, art, and traditions.

• A collaborative Joan Miró-inspired art station, where attendees of all ages expressed their creativity while learning vocabulary in Spanish.

• A storytelling corner, featuring El toro Ferdinando, one of our students’ favorite spring themes.

💡 Why It Matters

Our mission is to help students grow as global citizens through authentic language learning experiences. Events like the Spring Benefit remind us of the importance of building bridges across cultures—and how early language immersion makes that possible.

“This unforgettable evening was a true testament to the power of language and cultural education. We are honored to have shared this experience with Washington Global and the Tunisian Embassy, and look forward to continuing to inspire young minds through meaningful cultural immersion and global learning opportunities.”

-Maira Abasto, Director

Thank you to the Washington Global team and the Embassy of Tunisia for including us in such a meaningful celebration.

Special Guest Session – Firefighters from Bolivia: “Los Quebrachos”

Last Saturday, during our Saturday Spanish School, Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ had the honor of hosting Quebracho, a volunteer forest firefighter team from Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

These brave environmental heroes, officially known as the Bomberos Forestales Quebracho, are dedicated to the prevention, control, and education of forest fires across one of Latin America’s most biodiverse regions.

Our DELE and Spanish immersion students enjoyed an unforgettable cultural and educational experience that brought environmental awareness to life through language.

🌿 What our students learned

• Biodiversity and ecosystems in Latin America

• The dangers of wildfires and the essential role of firefighters in protecting natural reserves

• Environmental vocabulary and real-world applications of Spanish

🔥 Activities included

• A Q&A session with the team commander and volunteers

• Interactive Spanish practice through meaningful dialogue

• A demonstration of real firefighting tools and techniques

This hands-on encounter allowed students to practice Spanish with purpose — while reflecting on the importance of conservation, teamwork, and global citizenship.

A heartfelt thank you to the Quebracho Firefighters of Bolivia for inspiring our students and sharing their vital work protecting our planet. 🇧🇴❤️

At Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™, we believe that environmental education is a pillar of intercultural learning. Together, we can continue fostering awareness and action to protect our forests and communities. 🌳💚