How These 17 Hispanic Educator-Influencers Help Teachers Thrive
Hispanic teachers matter.
Studies show all students see academic and social-emotional gains when matched with a teacher of color, however, the students of color these educators serve see the biggest impact. For example, Hispanic students who have a teacher who represents their race and culture see positive results on math and reading standardized tests and see a lower high-school dropout rate.
By the end of the decade, the Hispanic student population in the United States is expected to reach 30 percent of all public school enrollment. With 79 percent of public school teachers identifying as non-Hispanic white, increased teacher representation is necessary.
There are many Hispanic educators who are stepping up as a resource for teachers through social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have been particularly effective at connecting students with the representation they need and teachers with knowledge and tools to support students of color.
Our blog features 17 Hispanic educators or organizations that offer resources useful to all educators.
Michelle Barboza-Ramirez
Michelle, or MB, is a paleontologist, geologist, birder, forager, herbalist and co-host of PBS’ Eons on YouTube. MB—who uses they/them pronouns—is a true educator, using their Instagram account to educate followers on their favorite subject areas and show off some amazing natural scenery.
Follow Michelle Barboza-Ramirez on:
Instagram
Diana Campos
@misscamposs a little classroom tour🫶🥰 lots of love was put into putting it together💕 #transitionalkindergarten #kindergartenteacher #classroomdecor #classroomtour #fyp ♬ Dancing In The Moonlight - 苏颜悦
Transitional kindergarten teacher Miss Campos has built a following for her tips, resources and positive teaching content. With a bachelor’s degree in child development and a master’s degree in educational technology, Miss Campos not only knows her stuff but provides tons of creative ideas for kindergarten and transitional kindergarten teachers.
Follow Diana Campos on:
Instagram
TikTok
Twitter
Mariza Davila-Madwid
Spanish educator Mariza Davila-Madwid uses her TikTok and Instagram accounts to blend teaching insights and a behind-the-scenes look at life when class is over. Her colorfully curated classroom is an inspiration to anyone who wants to create a happy and playful learning environment.
Follow Mariza Davila-Madwid on:
Instagram
TikTok
Emily Francis
ESL teacher and author Emily Francis was inspired to go into education because of her own English learning experience. At 15 years old, she moved from Guatemala to the United States, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges English learners face. Her book, If You Only Knew: Letters from an Immigrant Teacher, tells her journey from Guatemala to the United States.
Follow Emily Francis on:
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
Selina Peña
@litwithpena #teachersoftiktok #highschool #latina #teachertok ♬ W y Raquel Barriendo sin escoba - Bismarck Avellan
Selina Peña uses her social media presence to encourage and inspire educators and students to think differently about learning. She loves incorporating tools like TikTok to get students excited about learning and is committed to celebrating diversity in all forms.
Follow Selina Peña on:
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Twitter
Brenda Mendoza
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with @SleepingBearBks #hispanicheritage #hispanics #latinos #latinx #kidlit pic.twitter.com/OdP9OshHaH
— Brenda Perez Mendoza (@maestra_mendoza) August 11, 2023
Author and bilingual educator Brenda Mendoza is committed to culturally responsive practices, which are reflected on her social media pages. Currently, Mendoza is using her platforms to promote books and resources for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Follow Brenda Mendoza on:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Angel Fross
@angelfross Happy #hispanicheritagemonth ❤️ #spanishteacher #teachertok #highschoolteacher #teachersoftiktok #teacher #dayinmylife ♬ Me Porto Bonito - Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone
Boasting 790k followers on TikTok, Angel Fross is one of #TeacherTok’s biggest influencers. The high school Spanish teacher uses her account to spread positivity, focusing on the humor and joy of being a teacher while providing helpful teaching tips.
Follow Angel Fross on:
TikTok
Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr.
Third-grade teacher Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr. is also a huge fan of children’s literature. His social media accounts are filled with classroom library recommendations, as well as classroom-management tips and a look at life outside the classroom.
Follow Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr. on:
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Ana Guerrero, PhD
A college and grad school coach, Ana Guerrero, Ph.D. specifically works with first-generation students looking to advance their education. Her Instagram account takes on topics like gap years, how to ask for a recommendation letter and more.
Follow Ana Guerrero, PhD on:
Instagram
Jorge Del Muro and Dr. Ces'Ari Garcia-Del Muro
These two first-generation educators use their experience to help other educators advance their careers. They provide professional development and coaching specific to educators and work with a team of editors to provide professional editing services.
Follow Jorge Del Muro and Dr. Ces'Ari Garcia-Del Muro on:
Facebook
Instagram
Diana Iracheta
Diana Iracheta uses her social media presence to build a community for Latina STEM students and professionals. Her accounts are filled with resources and opportunities for her followers, including scholarship information, giveaways, conferences and more.
Follow Diana Iracheta on:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Latinas in STEM
Latinos for Education is a nonprofit organization that helps inspire Latinas to pursue STEM careers. The organization works to promote K-12 outreach, offer college students support and provide professional development resources.
Follow Latinas in STEM on:
Facebook
Instagram
Latinos for Education
"Stay and Prevail" is a shout-out to every story that celebrates the strengths & heroic members of the communities we serve, the communities our students and families call home.
Read the story behind the book written by @nancybgutierrez & @DrRPadilla.
https://t.co/2TooQqIN8X pic.twitter.com/viubd0Gax4— Latinos for Education (@Latinos4Ed) September 20, 2023
This nonprofit works to develop and place more Latino leaders in the education sector. Working to create equitable education for Latino students, Latinos for Education breaks down barriers through advocacy and providing fellowship opportunities.
Follow Latinos for Education on:
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
Latinx Education Collaborative
We already know representation matters, and the Latinx Education Collaborative is working to increase Latinx educators in K-12 schools. Included in the organization’s resources is a teacher self-advocacy toolkit, which is a roadmap to help educators of color navigate challenging situations like microaggressions, discrimination, grievances and more.
Follow Latinx Education Collaborative on:
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
Secretary Miguel Cardona
Did you know the current United States Secretary of Education is Puerto Rican? Secretary Miguel Cardona began his career as a fourth-grade teacher, eventually becoming a principal, assistant superintendent and commissioner of education before taking on the role of Secretary of Education. Through his social media accounts, Secretary Cardona showcases school life around America and support for educators.
Follow Secretary Cardona on:
Facebook
Instagram
Elsie Martinez
First-generation school counselor Elsie Martinez uses her Instagram account to share life as a school counselor, as well as celebrate her Hispanic heritage. She gives her followers gentle reminders to ease stress and offers tips on how to finance college and connect with financial aid.
Follow Elsie Martinez on:
Instagram
Susy Ruiz
🔔 Hi Everyone!
📚 QuestBridge is a nonprofit organization that aims to increase the number of outstanding low-income students who attend the nation’s leading colleges & to support them to achieve success in college & beyond.
📚 Students receive a full four-year scholarships💰 pic.twitter.com/WEgaKiThPT— Ms.Susy(She/Her) (@MsSusyRuiz) July 28, 2023
Navigating the college process can be intimidating, and Susy Ruiz uses her knowledge and platforms to help students access scholarships and internships. With more than 12 years of experience in college admissions, higher education, scholarships and general education, Susy Ruiz is a great resource for students or educators working with college-bound students.
Follow Susy Ruiz on:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter or sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter for more information and stories from the field of education.
Heather Ngoma has over 25 years of experience collaborating with educators across New Jersey to drive education innovation. She currently serves as the Director of the Rutgers-GSE Alternate Route Program in the Department of Learning and Teaching, a program which helps career changers, recent college graduates, and other aspiring education professionals become licensed teachers in New Jersey. Follow her on Twitter @heatherngoma.
