Spanish

K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd

English, Spanish

Auxiliadora Guzmán is one of the Specialized Learning Leads at the American Nicaraguan School (ANS), with experience in Pathways, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, and Fifth Grade. She has been teaching since 2014, gaining 11 years of experience in guiding and supporting students’ academic and personal growth. She holds a Master’s degree in Attention to Educational Development Needs and is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Special Education and Intervention.

She has extensive experience designing and implementing intervention plans. Her work emphasizes small group instruction, phonological awareness, articulation, early literacy development, and strengthening reading and writing skills through playful and evidence-based strategies.

Auxiliadora is skilled in progress monitoring, data-driven instruction, and collaborating closely with teachers, parents, and specialists to support all learners.

1st, 2nd

English, Spanish

Hello! My name is Cecilia Berrios, and I’ve been teaching English as a second language for 16 years. I specialize in working with children, helping them build strong language skills through fun, engaging, and age-appropriate lessons.

I believe kids learn best when they feel supported, encouraged, and excited to explore new words and ideas. My lessons combine interactive activities, games, and stories to make learning English something children look forward to. Whether your child is just starting out or wants to improve their speaking, reading, or writing, I’m here to help them succeed

K, 2nd

Spanish

Maestra de Español con enfoque en el enriquecimiento profesional continuo, dedicada a potenciar las habilidades lectoras de sus estudiantes como base fundamental para fortalecer sus competencias en la escritura. Su labor se centra en acompañar a los estudiantes en el desarrollo de la comprensión lectora, fomentando así expresiones escritas más claras, creativas y estructuradas.

K, 1st, 2nd

English, Spanish, Math, Science, Social Studies, Phonics

Passionate about education with experience supporting diverse students individually or small groups. Capable of adapting quickly to different classroom settings. I create positive learning environments that encourage participation, respect, and growth.

4th, 5th

English, Spanish

Hello! My name is Cecilia Berrios, and I’ve been teaching English as a second language for 16 years. I specialize in working with children, helping them build strong language skills through fun, engaging, and age-appropriate lessons.

I believe kids learn best when they feel supported, encouraged, and excited to explore new words and ideas. My lessons combine interactive activities, games, and stories to make learning English something children look forward to. Whether your child is just starting out or wants to improve their speaking, reading, or writing, I’m here to help them succeed

K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd

English, Spanish, Math, Science, Social Studies, Phonics, Guided Reading, Phonological awareness, Homework

My name is Jorge Lacayo. I work as an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher at the American Nicaraguan School. I enjoy working with an amazing group of passionate and dedicated teachers at ANS. My teaching philosophy centers around creating a student-centered classroom where learning is fun and meaningful. Additionally, I am devoted to fostering a love for lifelong learning through curiosity, inquiry, and critical thinking. My teaching background includes: supporting students' language learning in an NGO, working as an English teacher in a virtual learning environment, and facilitating classroom support in the different subject areas as a 5th and 2nd grade paraprofessional, as well as, English Language teaching for Elementary students at ANS. Finally, I have had the chance to work on Tutoring as a freelance for Primary students. It will be my pleasure to support our Primary students achieve their full potential in the Tutoring program. 

K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

English, Spanish, Math, Science, Social Studies

I am an English teacher with a degree in Pedagogy and over 12 years of experience in primary education. Passionate about teaching, I am dedicated to supporting students’ individual learning needs and fostering their growth.

1st, 2nd

English, Spanish, Math

I’m Mrs. Karen Velasquez, and I offer tutoring for Kinder, 1st, and 2nd grade. With 13 years of experience at ANS, I help children strengthen their reading, writing, phonics, and math skills. I also support with homework and make learning fun and engaging. Let’s help your child feel confident and succeed!

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

English, Spanish, Math, Science, Social Studies

Over the past 2 years, I have been supporting 4th grade classes, taking on different roles such as leading, co-teaching, and providing one-on-one support to students who needed extra help or were part of school support programs. My main focus has been in Math and Writing, where I’ve worked on reinforcing concepts and helping students build strong skills in these areas.

K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

Spanish

Mi nombre es Miriam Rojo y soy maestra de Español. He enseñado Lengua y Literatura desde hace más de 20 años, desde los niveles iniciales hasta la preparación para tomar exámenes universitarios. Tengo mucha paciencia para explicar y me encanta ver crecer académicamente a los alumnos con quienes trabajo. 

Kinder, 1st, 4th

English, Spanish

Maria Mercedes Estrada is an educator at the American Nicaraguan School (ANS) since 2017. She has guided and inspired students across both lower and upper elementary, nurturing not only their academic growth but also their confidence and love for learning. She holds a Master’s in Child Psychology, a Certificate in Inclusive Education, and is completing her Master’s in Special Education. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to equipping students with strong foundational literacy skills so they can become confident readers, expressive writers, and lifelong learners. Known for her empathy, dedication, and creativity in the classroom, she strives to ensure every child feels valued and capable of achieving success.

5th

Spanish, Social Studies

Mi nombre es Modesto Guzmán Calderón. Soy profesor de Español y he laborado en Educación por 29 años. Mis áreas de experiencia son Español y Ciencias Sociales en español.

En las asignaturas que desarrollo con los alumnos, aplico el enfoque de carácter investigativo, basado en la criticidad y la búsqueda de elementos científicos y aplicables a la realidad social. 

Gracias.

Kinder, 1st, 2nd

Spanish, Math, English

I have been part of the ANS community for several years, supporting students in both preschool and lower elementary. My expertise lies in reading and writing intervention for early learners, and I am passionate about accompanying students throughout their literacy journey. I am also a Certified Math Specialist in international schools, and I work closely with students to help them build a solid foundation in mathematics during the critical early years. I strongly believe in developmentally appropriate practices and in meeting students where they are and providing the right support at the right time to help them grow with confidence.

1st, 2nd, 3rd

Spanish

 I’m from Mexico where I  got my degree as an Elementary School Teacher.  I have twenty 25 years of experience as a  Teacher , I have worked in Mexico, U.S.  and Nicaragua. 

I have been working at ANS for more than 10 years, and I love teaching reading and writing.