Mariana Apalategui

Mariana Apalategui is a Part-Time Lecturer in Spanish at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA, with over 20 years of teaching experience in Spanish and English as a Second Language (ESL). She has held adjunct roles at institutions like San Diego Mesa College and the New School of Architecture and Design, and served as an ELL Coordinator and Modern Languages Department Head at Cortez Hill Academy.

• Education: B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Portuguese (San Diego State University), M.A. in Spanish Linguistics (San Diego State University); graduate coursework at Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Spain.

Her research focuses on Spanish linguistics, ESL pedagogy, and interdisciplinary teaching methods, particularly integrating art and cuisine into language education. She has developed lesson models like "Mi historia laboral" and presented on topics such as differentiated instruction, educational law, and language development methodologies.

Recent publications include her 2008 master's thesis on language use and attitudes in San Diego County, emphasizing second language acquisition and educational demographics. Earlier work from 2007 explores similar themes in high school and college settings.

• Scientific Awards: California World Language Project Fellow (2019), Laureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (2012), Administrative Services Credential (2010), and multiple certifications in ESL and Spanish teaching.

Her professional expertise spans curriculum development, language policy, and cultural integration in education. She has held roles in K-12 and higher education, contributing to teacher training and student rights frameworks.