Faculty Spotlight: Rebeca Espinosa
In 2022, Rebeca Espinosa joined Westover’s community as a Language Department faculty member. She teaches Spanish and serves our community outside of her classroom as the Latina/o/x Student Union (LSU) advisor. LSU is an affinity group for students, faculty, and staff on campus.
In 2022, Rebeca Espinosa joined Westover’s community as a Language Department faculty member. She teaches Spanish and serves our community outside of her classroom as the Latina/o/x Student Union (LSU) advisor. LSU is an affinity group for students, faculty, and staff on campus.
“One of my favorite things about working at Westover is connecting with young women and supporting their academic and personal growth,” Rebeca shared. “I enjoy fostering cultural awareness, teaching Spanish, and guiding students toward success. Additionally, my role as a Latino Student Union Advisor has been enriching, as it allows me to create a sense of community and celebrate the rich diversity within the Latino/a/x community.”
Rebeca's dedication to supporting her students' success and happiness at Westover is truly inspiring. Her efforts play a vital role in fostering a thriving, supportive community, and we are deeply grateful for all she does to make Westover a special place for everyone.
Get to Know Rebeca in Her Own Words
Favorite Westover tradition: Candlelight and Lantern
Favorite Westover meal: Salad bar
Where is your classroom? Room 24
Do you live on campus? Yes
What is the highlight of your year so far? So far, the highlight of my year has been the rewarding experience of seeing my students make significant progress in their understanding of the target language. Watching them confidently interact with their peers using the language they've worked so hard to learn is incredibly gratifying.
What is a book you would recommend to the Westover community? English recommendation: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck. Spanish recommendation: Cien Años de Soledad by Gabriel García Màrquez.
Who is your hero? My dad was my hero. Despite not having a formal college education, he achieved a high-ranking position at one of the most prominent banks in the Dominican Republic. Years later, when I began working at another bank, I encountered people who recognized me by my last name and shared fond memories of the invaluable lessons they had learned from my father.
What inspires you as a teacher? What truly inspires me as a teacher is the opportunity to nurture my students' personal growth and cultural awareness. My passion is helping them learn a language and embrace its deeper cultural context and significance. Something enriching about connecting with the younger generation is that I learn so much from them; their energy, enthusiasm, and unique perspectives make every day exciting. Working with teenagers is a privilege, as it allows me to guide them through such an important stage in their lives. I sincerely appreciate the trust they place in me as their Advisor. Ultimately, these moments of connection and growth fuel my love for teaching.
What is the first question you wish people would ask to get to know you? I read this in a book that truly resonated with me: "How is your heart?”
What is a topic that you could talk about for hours? I can tell stories about my childhood, memorable experiences, travels, and journey as a teacher—there are so many stories to tell!
Tell us about your dream day. My dream day would be in the summer and start early in the morning (since I’m a morning person) with a cup of tea while I relax on the couch and look out at the woods outside my window. I'd calmly and mindful walk outside to enjoy the fresh air. After that, I’d have a healthy, protein-filled breakfast to get me ready for the day. I’d meditate, then take a shower and get dressed. Next, I’d meet my friends and enjoy delicious food at an Italian restaurant. Afterward, I’d head home, read a chapter or two of my book, and then watch Netflix until I fell asleep.
Be Boldly You
Westover School admits students of any race, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. As a gender-diverse girls school, Westover welcomes applicants and students who are assigned female at birth and/or identify as girls. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions and financial aid policies, and athletic or other school-administered programs.