Nicholas Joseph Rubalcava

My name is Nicholas Rubalcava and I’m writing to express my desire to become an English teacher or English assistant in Spain. My native language is English, but I am also proficient in Spanish. I believe that my unique experience and my passion for Spanish culture make me an ideal candidate to hire me as a teacher or assistant of the main teacher.

I’ve devoted most my career to working with at-risk students in Los Angeles, many of whom came from Spanish-speaking homes. While earning my BA in English at CSU Los Angeles, I tutored English Learners until I graduated and became a Special Education teacher. In this capacity, I helped a number of students earn their high school diplomas and get into college. Eventually, I became a teacher with 5 Keys Charter Schools & Programs, where I work with incarcerated adults in LA County Jail and prepare them to re-enter the workforce.

My students range widely in age, education, and ability. Some demonstrate high academic proficiency, while others struggle with basic literacy. Given our proximity to the U.S.-Mexican border, many students speak little-to-no English. This has been a great opportunity for me to practice my Spanish and exercise my unique skills as an educator.

Teaching at-risk populations has been an important endeavor for me, as it reflects many of my core values. But, it has also been a dream of mine to teach English abroad – a dream that I am eager to pursue at this juncture in my life. I have traveled to Spain twice in the past year and have become completely enamored with the culture. As a Californian, Spain is as familiar as it is exotic. I believe that I would truly flourish as a Cultural Ambassador and be a strong presence in the classroom.