From Carpentry to Coaching: Monica Valencia’s Journey as an Online Spanish Tutor

Monica Valencia’s journey, from Saltillo to the south of France and now Jerusalem, is anything but ordinary. As an online Spanish teacher and true polyglot, she sees language as more than just grammar rules. For Monica, to learn Spanish online is to unlock deeper cultural understanding and human connection. In this article, discover how she blends her love for carpentry, culture, and teaching into every Spanish lesson, helping students feel inspired, seen, and empowered to explore the world through language.

Monica Valencia's path to becoming a language coach began with an unexpected job at the age of 15. That summer, she was tasked with caring for and teaching Spanish to a group of young American children. It could have been just a simple summer gig, but it ended up sparking something in her. "I loved the experience," she recalls with a smile, "and I've been a teacher ever since." What started as a small introduction to teaching has since grown into a lifelong passion that has taken her across countries and cultures, and has helped her become a true polyglot, speaking five languages.

Growing up in Saltillo, Coahuila, Monica was always fascinated by languages. Her curiosity led her to France, where she spent over a decade living in the south, studying at Université Lumière Lyon 2. Now, she's pursuing a doctorate at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. While her academic path is impressive, what truly stands out is her dedication to her students. "I try to create an environment where my students feel comfortable and motivated to learn," she says, explaining the close relationships she builds with them. Her goal is to foster an environment of trust, and her students respond to that in meaningful ways.

Teaching, for Monica, is about much more than grammar or vocabulary. Her connection with her students tears down the walls of the virtual classroom, and she sees their enthusiasm as her own reflection. "I see a lot of myself in them," she admits. That personal connection, she believes, is what allows her to help them truly grow. By helping them achieve eventual fluency in Spanish, she's guiding them through a learning process that often opens up new ways of thinking and experiencing the world. Her belief in the transformative power of language and culture is inspiring and motivates her students to explore and learn.

For Monica, the Spanish language is an actual key that unlocks cultural doors.

"Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world," she explains, "and it gives you access to a rich cultural diversity—literature, music, cinema, and art from so many Spanish-speaking countries."

Her passion for sharing this cultural depth makes learning with her feel like more than just a language class. It explores the world's vast Hispanic heritage, and her enthusiasm is contagious.

Outside of teaching, Monica has another passion that surprises many: carpentry. "I love carpentry," she says. It's a creative outlet that allows her to use her hands and focus her mind, much like teaching. Something about shaping raw materials into something functional and beautiful resonates with her, and it aligns with her patient, methodical approach to life and work.

Much of Monica's drive and resilience comes from her deep admiration for her personal hero, Auguste Stein, the mother of Edith Stein. Born in 1849, Auguste faced immense hardship, taking on the responsibility of running a small lumber business after her husband’s death to provide for her family. Despite the limited opportunities for women at the time, she persevered, raising her children with unwavering dedication. Her daughter Edith would go on to become the philosopher and saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, but it was Auguste's quiet strength that left the deepest mark on Monica. "She worked tirelessly," Monica says, visibly moved by her example. Visiting Auguste's grave, Monica felt a profound connection to her resilience, determination, and sense of purpose, qualities she strives to embody in her own life.

Reflecting on her time at Spanish55, Monica doesn't point to one specific achievement. For her, the ongoing relationships she builds with her students are most meaningful.

"Seeing them progress, watching them grow more confident—it's incredibly rewarding," she shares. This sense of fulfillment drives her to keep pushing herself, both in her academic work and as a teacher.

Monica's approach to teaching feels deeply personal. It's not about ticking off grammar points or vocabulary lists but guiding her students toward a greater understanding of language and culture. The care and commitment she brings to every lesson stems from a desire to help others grow, just as figures like Auguste Stein have inspired her to grow. Whether teaching, studying, or crafting in her workshop, Monica is constantly creating, learning, and giving—an example of the transformative power of dedication.

Monica’s thoughtful approach to teaching has impacted countless students, but few stories capture that connection as beautifully as James McGuire’s. With over 200 lessons together, their journey is a powerful example of how trust, dedication, and friendship can turn a dream of learning Spanish into a daily reality.