Fatima Ruiz was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Ruiz grew up in Lake Highlands, a community in north Dallas.

From a very young age, she knew she was wanted to be a teacher. From a young age, Ruiz liked to read “Are You My Mother?” to her dolls and pretend she was a teacher. It was from this point on that her parents suggested to her that she become a teacher.

After her childhood, Ruiz moved on to attend college at the University of Texas at Arlington. She majored in political science and minored in Spanish.

When Ruiz finished her time at UTA, she went on to pursue her passion for teaching. Ruiz began her teaching journey in Highland Park ISD as a long-term sub for Spanish, and instantly knew that she wanted to teach her native language.

Over eight years, Ruiz stayed at HPISD, where she had the unique experience of teaching Spanish to kids ranging from six to 15 years old. Additionally, she helped write curriculum for HPISD’s Passport to Spanish program with six through ten year olds, and later moved to the Intermediate School and developed curriculum for grades fifth and sixth grade.

After her time there, she decided to come teach at Greenhill School. A former Greenhill Spanish teacher and a friend of Ruiz’s told her about a Spanish position. Ruiz decided to check it out, and was very impressed with the rigor of the program.

“They are similar in lots of ways,” Ruiz said when asked about the differences between teaching at Greenhill versus Highland Park.

Ruiz also commented that students from both schools were very motivated and driven.

“Students at Greenhill are very mindful and inclusive to peers and others,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz says she believes that self-motivation is a key factor in learning a language and she sees that drive and motivation in her students at Greenhill. Ruiz mentioned that some people do not understand the point of learning a language because they think you can just use new technology tools like AI.

“There is so much that AI cannot do for us right now,” Ruiz said. “Learning a language relies heavily on cultural aspects, and AI cannot give that.”

Something that keeps Ruiz’s students excited and motivated to learn Spanish is being relatable. Making connections between Spanish, their hobbies and their lives can really help them learn a language.

Additionally, Ruiz said that Duolingo was a great additional resource that students could use to help them learn a language.

“Gimkits and quizlets are also a good way to review vocabulary,” Ruiz said.