My name is Ana Wallace. I have a degree in Psychology and 17+ years of experience teaching Spanish to children in many different settings and educational institutions. Throughout my career as an educator I have noticed the ability that young children have to learn a second language, absorbing the language’s sounds and constructs much easier than students who start learning as adults. I have also noticed that this ability can be nurtured and utilized to its fullest potential by allowing children to learn a second language in a way that resembles the way all people learn their first language. This idea is what is behind the Spanish Immersion Program that I have developed using my many years of experience and the results that I have seen firsthand in my students.

Learning a second language early in life enriches the life of a person in so many ways, allowing the brain to develop and open up cognitive paths that will benefit a student for life. This is even more important in today’s globalized world, as it allows a person to interact with the world and understand human life and culture from multiple perspectives. I am a firm believer in the words of Frank Smith, Psycholinguist and Professor of Language: “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” Allowing a child to take advantage of his or her natural ability to learn a second language early in life will open many doors in life that will enhance the way a person interacts with our world, becomes successful in it, and is able to give back and make a positive impact.

These are the ideas that inspired me to open Austin Spanish Academy. Welcome, and thank you for being a part of it!