SBT Spanish Academy

SBT Spanish Academy was founded by Erich Meza, a native Spanish speaker and multifaceted professional who moved to New York in 2009.

After teaching in various language academies, Erich realized that one of the principle challenges of learning Spanish is that the majority of classes are standardized, and the student is expected to adapt to one form or structure of teaching. Erich created his own method of personalizing classes to address the needs of each student, and started to teach as an independent tutor. Little by little, his students began to recommend his classes and generated a large demand for his services.

Unable to directly take on more students in his schedule, and with the goal of giving more students access to his system, Erich created SBT, a boutique style Academy where each class is crafted according to the student profile.

"Adapting to the needs of the student and never the reverse"

SBT Instructors

Our instructors are native Spanish speakers, each with their own exclusive style and experiences. They offer a unique perspective on the language and a specific experience that only a native Spanish speaker can teach.

They are professionals that have traveled the world- in particular the American continents- and are thus equipped with a world of knowledge and experience that enriches conversations. Our team is passionate about learning and teaching, and offers one of a kind services.

Erich Meza

Erich Meza grew up in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. He has always had a talent for explaining ideas and concepts in a manner that best suits others. Even during his childhood, he loved helping his classmates with their studies.

In addition, he’s passionate about learning everything, and this is reflected in his various professional exploits.

Erich moved to New York in 2009, and in his dedication towards perfecting his English, he discovered his ability for teaching Spanish. He started to teach Spanish classes in no time, at academies such as Berlitz and Rosetta Stone; after some time, he started tutoring independently.

There was such a demand for Erich’s tutelage, that he decided to create SBT, an Spanish boutique academy . The academy follows his methodology, creating classes that are personalized and cater to each individual student.

"When I see that a student has great difficulties with a subject and accomplishes something, however small that may be, I celebrate with authentic passion; their accomplishments are mine as well, and I think that really motivates them."

Erich Meza

Lupita

In SBT’s dynamic structure, Lupita plays a pivotal role, maintaining crucial connections with teachers and students. Based in Baja California Sur – Mexico, she brings over 30 years of experience and a Master’s Degree in Educational Center Management

 

Lupita upholds the SBT philosophy, oversees curriculum quality, and conducts comprehensive teacher training. Demonstrating a fervor for education, Lupita steadfastly commits to personalized learning paths. Leveraging a robust digital library, she promotes an interactive and dynamic learning atmosphere.

 

As an integral part of the professional team, Lupita envisions growth, innovation, and enhanced credibility for SBT, ensuring ongoing success in the Spanish journey.

"Education is the compass guiding each unique journey at SBT. Together, we weave personalized paths, fostering growth and innovation"

Lupita

Karla Maldonado

Meet Profe Karla M, a highly qualified SBT Spanish Tutor. With a Master’s in Didactics of Teaching Spanish Language and Literature, she excels in DELE preparation. Originally from Cúcuta, Colombia, Karla’s proficiency extends beyond Spanish, including English, French, and Korean.


Her teaching covers reading, writing, listening, and verbal communication, emphasizing personalized practices. Passionate about interaction and language acquisition, Karla fosters a supportive environment for diverse students.


Beyond teaching, Karla is an avid literature enthusiast, with a commitment to education reflected in her aspirations for a doctorate. Her philosophy revolves around fostering belief in students’ abilities and facilitating growth through correction and perseverance. Whether beginners or advanced learners, Karla empowers students to excel in their Spanish language journey at SBT.

"I enjoy the interaction I can have in classes with people from other parts of the world. I enjoy explaining to others how to learn a new language"

Karla Maldonado

Karla

Karla is a native Spanish speaker and yoga lover who enjoys sharing time with her family and friends, reading, cooking, watching sunsets, as well as traveling and seeing new places and people. This has led her to visit 24 countries, most of them from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Her work as a tour guide and her own experience learning a second language helped Karla explore learning as a means of connection and empathy. As a teacher, she always takes the feeling of the student into account, putting herself in her students’ shoes to understand their learning needs.

Karla is very thoughtful about the class material she chooses, and careful with the preparation of the lessons so that her students stay motivated and entertained. It’s very important to Karla that she creates a bond with the student, to find things in common, and from this inspire the conversation.

“I like it when over time, the student confides in me and tells me things that allow me to know them. The relationship with my students is not only a part of class; part of learning the language is talking as friends. We exchange messages and share beyond class to enrich learning and bring it to daily use.”

Karla

Pedro

Born in Venezuela to Costa Rican parents, Pedro has grown up in the middle of two Latin cultures. His mother and aunts are also educators, so teaching is something that runs in his blood. 

His vigor to discover new cultures has led him to visit more than 20 countries, many of them in Latin America, where he has been able to discover new cultures, music, history, languages, and nature.

All of his experiences have allowed him to better understand the diversity and cultural richness that hides behind each accent, each phrase, each musical note and each traditional dish. For now, from his role as a Spanish teacher at SBT, he desires to find common interests with the students and make the classes more enjoyable, fun and interesting.

Classes with Pedro are dynamic, tailored to the student’s needs, and encourage and facilitate oral communication. Pedro is a teacher with the talent to create conversation spaces that allow the student to enjoy themselves, have fun, and make progress.

"Spanish allows us to communicate feelings, it is very emotional and has musicality, we can speak it in many countries and in each one it develops in a different way and that is fascinating."

Pedro

What students say about learning Spanish with us...

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