Hi! I am Tamara Melero Antúnez, I am a Spanish teacher in la escuela.
Hola! I am Tamara Melero Antúnez, a Spanish teacher at La Escuela. My native homeland is Castilla y León, Spain. I was born in Segovia and grew up on a farm in Cuevas de Provanco, a small mountainous village in the northern centre of Spain. My childhood was filled with freedom and close contact with nature and animals. I used to help my parents with various tasks like milking the sheep and picking grapes for winemaking. My area is known for its strong red wine and tourist culture, referred to as the “Ribera del Duero” region. During my university years, I was involved in different projects and wineries.
My father is Spanish, and my mother is from Honduras, Central America. This has given me a worldly vision and cultural influences from both continents. Since I was a child, I have travelled and spent periods of time on the Caribbean coast. I am currently living in Bellingen (NSW), Australia. Teaching Spanish for me is a bridge between Australia, Spain, and Latin America, allowing me to connect by sharing my heritage and cultural knowledge.
My father is Spanish, and my mother is from Honduras, Central America. This has given me a worldly vision and cultural influences from both continents. Since I was a child, I have travelled and spent periods of time on the Caribbean coast. I am currently living in Bellingen (NSW), Australia. Teaching Spanish for me is a bridge between Australia, Spain, and Latin America, allowing me to connect by sharing my heritage and cultural knowledge.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in advertising & public Relations and a master’s in communication & events management. Since moving to Australia almost a decade ago, I have become even more passionate about my roots. My journey began when I collaborated in various cultural festivals around Sydney, particularly the Latin American Festival in Bondi. This sparked a deep interest in teaching and promoting the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. I started with my own radio program called “La Escuela.” Later, I trained as a Spanish language teacher at the Instituto Cervantes in Sydney, the official Spanish language institute that promotes Spanish language teaching and knowledge of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries worldwide.
I strongly believe that language should be taught through rich cultural values and experiences. Hispanic rituals and traditions, along with our art and music, are widely celebrated. I incorporate these elements into my classes with creativity, freedom, and enjoyment. My unique teaching style is constantly evolving. I opt for an eclectic approach that combines various methodologies depending on the lesson’s aims and the learners’ abilities and characteristics. I focus on imagination and creativity, blending tradition with innovative tools and channels for both adults and children.
I strongly believe that language should be taught through rich cultural values and experiences. Hispanic rituals and traditions, along with our art and music, are widely celebrated. I incorporate these elements into my classes with creativity, freedom, and enjoyment. My unique teaching style is constantly evolving. I opt for an eclectic approach that combines various methodologies depending on the lesson’s aims and the learners’ abilities and characteristics. I focus on imagination and creativity, blending tradition with innovative tools and channels for both adults and children.
I have been influenced by different pedagogies such as:
Waldorf/Steiner Education: Based on anthroposophy, created by the multidisciplinary Rudolf Steiner. It is a holistic education aimed at developing intellectual, creative, and practical skills in students. The use of technology is minimal and learning occurs through stories, games, songs and plastic arts. This pedagogy is especially used with young children.
The Natural Approach: Developed by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell, this method focuses on providing comprehensible input and a classroom environment that promotes understanding. This is achieved through repetition, gestures, and movement, minimizing student anxiety and maximizing self-confidence.
TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling): This method, originally developed by Blaine Ray, teaches language competence through reading and telling unexpected stories. The acquisition process occurs naturally and dynamically. I adapt this method to make the stories funny and meaningful for students, encouraging enthusiastic participation and learning. It is ideal for any age.
As both a mother and a teacher, I am deeply committed to the Spanish language. I am also closely involved with homeschooling families and am currently researching and practicing the bilingual approach with my daughter. In recent years, I have expanded my knowledge through self-study and put it into practice during my weekly classes and playgroups. Learning a new language fosters greater cognitive development and flexibility in thinking, while also broadening social and cultural horizons.
Waldorf/Steiner Education: Based on anthroposophy, created by the multidisciplinary Rudolf Steiner. It is a holistic education aimed at developing intellectual, creative, and practical skills in students. The use of technology is minimal and learning occurs through stories, games, songs and plastic arts. This pedagogy is especially used with young children.
The Natural Approach: Developed by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell, this method focuses on providing comprehensible input and a classroom environment that promotes understanding. This is achieved through repetition, gestures, and movement, minimizing student anxiety and maximizing self-confidence.
TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling): This method, originally developed by Blaine Ray, teaches language competence through reading and telling unexpected stories. The acquisition process occurs naturally and dynamically. I adapt this method to make the stories funny and meaningful for students, encouraging enthusiastic participation and learning. It is ideal for any age.
As both a mother and a teacher, I am deeply committed to the Spanish language. I am also closely involved with homeschooling families and am currently researching and practicing the bilingual approach with my daughter. In recent years, I have expanded my knowledge through self-study and put it into practice during my weekly classes and playgroups. Learning a new language fosters greater cognitive development and flexibility in thinking, while also broadening social and cultural horizons.
