Alba Wagar, B.S., M.A.T., is a native Spanish speaker and educator from Colombia who has been teaching Spanish for over 13 years in a variety of educational settings, including public, private, and inner-city schools. When traditional methods weren’t sparking the level of student engagement she knew was possible, Alba began exploring more meaningful ways to connect her students to the language—through storytelling, authentic cultural content, and personalized instruction.

This shift in approach not only helped her students feel more confident and connected but also inspired her to write her own educational materials. Her debut novel El despertar de Gaby (2025) was born from that passion—a culturally rich story that integrates grammar, idiomatic expressions, and relevant teen themes, crafted especially for Spanish learners.

Alba has taught every level from elementary to AP Spanish Language and Culture and believes in the power of language learning to open minds, build empathy, and foster curiosity. She currently teaches in New Jersey and serves as an executive board member at Casa Freehold, a nonprofit supporting immigrant communities.