Teacher Highlight: Ms. Carla Espinosa | Spanish Teacher at Barnesville School of Arts and Sciences
Ms. Carlita (Carla) Espinosa has been a valued member of the Barnesville community for two years, bringing with her a rich background in education and a passion for connecting with her students. Originally from Ecuador, Ms. Carlita has been in the United States for seven years, and during that time, she has spent five years teaching. Before coming to Barnesville, she worked in various towns across Ecuador, teaching language to high school students and encouraging young learners to speak and write in Spanish. While in college, she also taught math, showcasing her versatility and dedication to education.
For Ms. Carlita, the most rewarding aspect of teaching at Barnesville is undoubtedly the relationships she builds with her students. “The students! That relationship you can build with them. When they feel you and the school are their safe space, it’s powerful,” she shared. She believes in creating a classroom environment where students can thrive, not just academically but emotionally as well. She takes great pride in making her classroom a safe, welcoming space for all students to feel heard and understood.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Carlita is actively involved in extracurricular activities at Barnesville. She leads the volleyball club, a passion of hers that allows her to connect with students in a different way. “In class, you follow the curriculum and structure, but in volleyball, you see students from a different perspective,” she explained. “It’s a different way to get involved in their lives, which is important.” Additionally, Ms. Carlita participates in the Pokémon club for lower school students. She enjoys these opportunities to interact with students outside of academics, getting to know them in a more relaxed, playful environment. “When they’re having fun and enjoying themselves, you see a different side of them,” she noted.
While she doesn’t have children attending Barnesville, Ms. Carlita is always mindful of the parents’ perspectives. As a middle school educator, she strives to be empathetic and ensure that communication with parents is clear and effective. “We try to think about the guardians’ shoes, what they’re thinking, and how we can do better in terms of communication and involving them more,” she says.
When she’s not teaching or coaching volleyball, Ms. Carlita enjoys spending quality time with her young child and her two Pitbull dogs, Black and Oshie, who was named after a hockey player from the Washington Capitals. She also loves spending time in nature and embracing the joys of family life.
At Barnesville, Ms. Carlita’s passion for teaching, her dedication to student relationships, and her love of extracurricular activities make her a truly special part of the school community. Her positive energy and caring approach to teaching have a lasting impact on the students she works with, both in the classroom and beyond.
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For Ms. Carlita, the most rewarding aspect of teaching at Barnesville is undoubtedly the relationships she builds with her students. “The students! That relationship you can build with them. When they feel you and the school are their safe space, it’s powerful,” she shared. She believes in creating a classroom environment where students can thrive, not just academically but emotionally as well. She takes great pride in making her classroom a safe, welcoming space for all students to feel heard and understood.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Carlita is actively involved in extracurricular activities at Barnesville. She leads the volleyball club, a passion of hers that allows her to connect with students in a different way. “In class, you follow the curriculum and structure, but in volleyball, you see students from a different perspective,” she explained. “It’s a different way to get involved in their lives, which is important.” Additionally, Ms. Carlita participates in the Pokémon club for lower school students. She enjoys these opportunities to interact with students outside of academics, getting to know them in a more relaxed, playful environment. “When they’re having fun and enjoying themselves, you see a different side of them,” she noted.
While she doesn’t have children attending Barnesville, Ms. Carlita is always mindful of the parents’ perspectives. As a middle school educator, she strives to be empathetic and ensure that communication with parents is clear and effective. “We try to think about the guardians’ shoes, what they’re thinking, and how we can do better in terms of communication and involving them more,” she says.
When she’s not teaching or coaching volleyball, Ms. Carlita enjoys spending quality time with her young child and her two Pitbull dogs, Black and Oshie, who was named after a hockey player from the Washington Capitals. She also loves spending time in nature and embracing the joys of family life.
At Barnesville, Ms. Carlita’s passion for teaching, her dedication to student relationships, and her love of extracurricular activities make her a truly special part of the school community. Her positive energy and caring approach to teaching have a lasting impact on the students she works with, both in the classroom and beyond.
Barnesville School
21830 Peach Tree Road
PO Box 404
Barnesville, MD 20838
p: 301.972.0341
PO Box 404
Barnesville, MD 20838
p: 301.972.0341
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