Today we’d like to introduce you to Delia Ruiz.
Delia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I was in elementary school, I knew I wanted to be an educator. I started my career in education back in Huntsville, Alabama serving in an area with a high English Language Learner (ELL) background. Immediately I fell in love with the career and helped developed a program that met the needs of newcomers in our city. I had a great principal who would allow us to flourish in order to provide what was best for the kids. We made learning fun while also exposing our ELL students to U.S. culture.
I went with my team to present at the SETESOL Regional Conference on how to differentiate for ELLs and brought back a lot of knowledge back into the classroom. Throughout those years, I made sure that students used their native language for self-expression, found themselves in books, and made sure to learn from one another as many came from different Spanish speaking countries.
My brain always ran on one thought “How do I differentiate this for student X who doesn’t know English yet?” That thought allowed me to transform teaching in a way that got all students engaged. Even to the point where we all ate chocolate-covered grasshoppers when learning about insects and senses. I pushed students past their comfort zones, a Si Se Puede attitude. During my time, I helped three students get published and one newcomer student to have her book at the Brooklyn Art Library in New York.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth, no but interesting, yes!
My teaching was cut short when my now-husband received a job offer to work in San Diego. While I didn’t just leave right away, I liked the idea of a new change. I had lived in Alabama almost all my life and wanted to experience new opportunities. I left my life behind and packed my car with a few garbage bags and set for a 30-hour road trip to call California home.
To be honest, I did not have a career lined up and I also had to switch over my credentials. In the meantime, I found a job at a café in Encinitas while I got accustomed to life. While I did have a Master’s degree, I was cooking at the café, making lattes, and even flipping a sign on the corner of the street. I learned so much and really enjoyed my time learning how to cook healthy meals. Honestly, my co-workers taught me so much about the service industry that no degree can truly teach you. That café holds a special place in my heart.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Aventuras En ESL/ bad.doggie_puggy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As an educator, I have now transitioned from teaching in the classroom to doing admissions for my current two schools. My passion however, lies on creating activities geared towards the ELL population. I differentiate all my teaching materials to fit the level of the learner so they can succeed in the classroom. I take recommendations from my fellow teacher friends on a topic they find hard to differentiate and I turn it into a leveled activity so all students can participate in learning.
A big passion of mine is also reading multicultural and social justice children’s books. I love to share that passion with students to open their eyes to the world and have in-depth conversations. I also value the culture of where students come from so they can see themselves in books more. I didn’t see my culture in books as I was growing up. I now see more diversity in books and love it!
Another thing that sets me apart is being an active pug mom! I love participating in pug meetups throughout San Diego and have met some great friends through my dogs. I recently started a mini-campaign with my pug to sell pug stickers to raise funds for the San Diego Pug Rescue Mission. I have been donating 100% of the sticker funds to the mission so they can provide other pugs with medical needs. It feels great to give back even in a small way.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Well, on the topic of books..I am currently working on my own multicultural book about a little Coqui frog named Roqui. He has a big dream of playing the Pandero drum. The story is interactive and has kids tapping and clapping along to a beat. I’m currently working with a Puerto Rican band named Kadencia for the promo release.
I am also going the self-publishing route and am working with a talented friend of mine to illustrate the book. This has been one of my biggest dreams. I definitely hope it brings others joy and helps students relate to Roqui’s dream and his migration to the United States.
Pricing:
- $4 Pug Stickers (free shipping)
Contact Info:
- Email: aventurasenesl@gmail.com
- Instagram: @aventuras.en.esl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AventurasEnESL
- Other: @bad.doggie_Puggy ; Illustrator: @nino_planta
Image Credit:
Bob Topp (dancing photo)
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