In today’s globalized world, bridging multiple languages and cultures is increasingly vital. Few educators exemplify this mission as profoundly as Irene Mérida, a multilingual teacher and education leader with more than 15 years of international experience.
Fluent in Spanish and English, with proficiency in French and Arabic, Irene has built her career on breaking down language barriers and preparing students to thrive in a globalized society.
“I believe the greatest impact I have is not just on my students but also on their families,” says Irene.
“Since they’re so young, our learning extends beyond the classroom. I’m proud of the work my team and I are doing to make a real difference in their lives.”
Her teaching philosophy, steeped in inclusivity, innovation, and empowerment, has positioned her as an expert in bilingual education and curriculum development.
Whether in classrooms in Spain, Dubai, or the United States, Irene’s dedication to fostering multicultural understanding and linguistic fluency has made her a transformative figure in education.
Born and raised in Spain, Irene’s journey in education began with a passion for languages and a desire to help others. This early interest inspired her to pursue a Bachelor’s in Teaching Foreign Languages at Castilla-La Mancha University.
Over the years, she added to her credentials, earning certifications in teaching English to speakers of other languages (CELTA) and a Master of Education in Learning and Technology from Western Governors University in the United States.
Her global career includes teaching roles in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Each experience has added to her unique educational perspective, allowing her to develop methods that resonate with students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Irene describes herself as a “true international teacher,” someone who embraces cultural diversity as a strength and integrates it into her teaching practice.
Currently, she serves as a Grade-Level Administrator and Dual Language Teacher at International Leadership of Texas, a charter school that offers a trilingual program combining Spanish, English, and Chinese.
In her role, Irene teaches first-grade students core subjects such as Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts entirely in Spanish, working alongside English and Chinese teachers to provide a comprehensive linguistic education.
There is no doubt Irene is at the forefront of bilingual education, leveraging her international experience to drive measurable success for English Learners (ELs).
Her impact is reflected in her students’ exceptional outcomes. Under her guidance, EL students achieved a 92% growth in ACTFL language proficiency, well above the national average of 71%. Her students also saw a 16% increase in reading skills, outperforming the district’s 10% average.
Additionally, her initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured uninterrupted learning, with her leadership in digital curriculum design resulting in sustained academic progress.
Irene’s leadership extends to mentoring fellow educators and serving on the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee, where she oversees the placement and success of EL students. Her work addresses the challenges faced by over 1.1 million English Learners in Texas, the state with the highest percentage of ELs in the U.S.
Irene is bridging achievement gaps by combining innovative teaching methods, culturally relevant curricula, and strong community engagement and setting new standards for bilingual education nationwide.
Her curriculum is more than just a language program—it’s a bridge to global leadership. By equipping students with multilingual skills, Irene opens doors to academic and professional opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Her efforts ensure that students are proficient in multiple languages and confident in navigating diverse cultural landscapes.
“I see language as a tool to connect people and create opportunities,” Irene says.
“When students learn a new language, they’re not just gaining a skill—they’re learning how to understand, empathize, and collaborate with others.”
As a Grade-Level Administrator, Irene’s impact extends beyond her classroom. She leads her team of teachers by providing mentorship, developing strategies for effective classroom management, and overseeing lesson planning. Her leadership style is rooted in trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Irene reveals: “I’ve developed a process where students begin testing in a small, supportive environment to help them get comfortable at the start of the school year. As the year progresses, we gradually increase the test environment size and reduce teacher assistance, helping them become more independent and confident in their abilities.”
Candida Peña is an experienced district-level educator at ILTexas, overseeing the Spanish curriculum implementation across all Houston campuses. She first collaborated with Irene in 2018 during the opening of ILTexas Orem K8, where their shared commitment to bilingual education allowed them to work closely together.
Candida reveals: “Irene has been instrumental in supporting our English Learner students, ensuring they receive the right academic support and language development opportunities. Her dedication to tracking student progress and her leadership on the LPAC committee have been vital in placing students in the appropriate programs and providing tailored accommodations, helping them excel both in the classroom and during state assessments.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Irene showcased her adaptability and problem-solving skills by spearheading the transition to virtual learning for her entire charter school.
As the course lead for first-grade Math, she created comprehensive lesson plans and digital resources, ensuring that education remained accessible during an unprecedented crisis. Her ability to pivot and innovate under pressure highlights her exceptional leadership capabilities.
“One of the initiatives I’m most proud of is the work we’ve done in parent education.’ Irene explains.
“My team and I have been creating short video tutorials for parents to help them support their children’s learning at home. Instead of sending out long newsletters that often go unread, we’ve embraced quick, engaging videos—think 30-second TikTok-style clips—where we share everything from weekly vocabulary words to the latest math strategies we teach in first grade. It’s a more effective way to capture parents’ attention and help them actively participate in their child’s education.”
Irene’s commitment to teamwork and professional development has also inspired her colleagues. Over the years, she has mentored several teachers, helping them develop their skills and advance to leadership positions. Her willingness to share knowledge and foster growth among her peers underscores her belief in the collective power of education.
“One of my proudest achievements is leading a trilingual education program where students begin learning Spanish, English, and Chinese from elementary school. I work closely with my fellow language teachers to ensure the curriculum is aligned and cohesive, creating a seamless and enriching learning experience for our students,” Irene adds.
This trilingual approach equips students with linguistic skills that have far-reaching implications for their futures.
She reveals: “For instance, students graduating from our program often qualify for international scholarships and exchange programs, giving them a competitive edge in higher education and beyond. By nurturing multilingual proficiency, I aim to prepare my students to become global citizens, equipped to thrive in any environment.”
Irene’s success as an educator is rooted in her ability to connect with her students personally. Irene often works with students from underserved communities while teaching at a Title I school in Texas.
She recognizes that many of her students face challenges outside the classroom, from economic hardship to limited access to resources. To address these issues, Irene goes above and beyond to ensure her students receive the support they need to succeed.
Her initiatives include creating video tutorials for parents, organizing Saturday tutoring sessions, and providing additional support during lunch breaks. These efforts improve academic outcomes and foster community and trust among students and their families.
“We’ve been offering free support to parents by inviting them to bring their children in on Saturdays for extra help, particularly with closing the reading gap.’ Irene explains, ‘During lunch breaks, I encourage parents to join me to sit down and review key concepts. The hands-on, personalized approach truly helps address the challenges our students are facing right now.”
Creativity is another hallmark of Irene’s teaching. She incorporates culturally relevant materials into her lessons, making learning more engaging and meaningful for her students. Her ability to adapt her teaching methods to suit the needs of individual learners has earned her widespread recognition.
Irene has been named Teacher of the Year twice and was the first international teacher in her district to receive this honor. Additionally, she holds a Master Teacher designation from the Texas Education Agency, further solidifying her reputation as an expert in bilingual education.
Her colleagues and students describe her as compassionate, innovative, and solution-oriented—a leader who inspires those around her to strive for excellence. Whether mentoring a colleague, guiding a student, or supporting a parent, Irene approaches every interaction with empathy and a commitment to making a difference.
Milena Landoni is an Italian national and educator based in the United Arab Emirates. With a strong background in languages and international education, she enjoyed collaborating with Irene at Dubai International Academy.
She says: “Irene’s leadership in creating and delivering the Spanish curriculum at Dubai International Academy was nothing short of exemplary. Her ability to design a curriculum that not only adhered to the principles of the IB PYP framework but also infused cultural sensitivity and inquiry-based learning significantly enriched the educational experience for our students. The success of her curriculum, which began with grades 3 to 5, was a testament to her expertise in integrating language learning with a global perspective.”
As Irene continues to shape the future of bilingual education, her vision remains clear: to empower students and educators to break down barriers and embrace opportunities.
She hopes to expand her influence by taking on broader leadership roles, ultimately becoming the Academic director of curriculum development. In this position, Irene wants to advocate for policies that promote linguistic diversity and equity in education.
“I want to inspire others to see the possibilities in every challenge,” Irene says. “Education isn’t just about teaching—it’s about opening doors, building connections, and preparing students to change the world.”
Irene’s journey as a multilingual educator and leader is a testament to the transformative power of language and education. Through her innovative teaching methods, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication to her students, Irene is not only bridging language gaps but also building the next generation of global leaders.
Her work is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passion and purpose come together in the classroom.