Zuleika Zapateiro President
Ricardo Acosta First vice president
Yarielis Garcia Second vice president
Eva Ramos Treasurer
Laura Villarreal Correspondent secretary
Gabriela Centeno Recording secretary
Aniluz Ortega Sub secretary
Juan Ríos Newsletter editor
Lizzie Garcia de Paredes Fiscal /Past President
I am Zuleika Zapateiro, with more than 20 years of experience as a teacher. I have been a member of Panama TESOL since 2011 and I have been learning, collaborating, and volunteering during these years. This has helped me to improve my leadership skills. I believe this organization needs to continue growing to support the professional development of all Panamanian teachers and professionals who contribute to teaching English in our public and private schools and universities. I believe that by being part of the board, I can continue making connections with other associations or institutions from the region to increase the recognition of our English teachers and keep them updated with workshops and networking activities. I believe that working as a team will be the key to success, working together with new ideas and projects to maintain the recognition of the association.
Originally from Puerto Armuelles, she completed her secondary education at Félix Olivares Contreras High School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Panama, a Master’s degree in English with a specialization in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL), graduating with honors as SIGMA CUM LAUDE, a Doctorate in Education with a methodological emphasis on English teaching, and a Master’s degree in ESL from Framingham State College.
With over 17 years of teaching experience, she has developed programs to promote intercultural exchanges, international scholarships for students, and self-managed language laboratories in various educational centers across the country. In recognition of her significant contributions to education, she was awarded the Manuel José Hurtado Order in the province of Chiriquí in 2013, a distinction given for her dedication to education and commitment to her students.
She has received international accolades for her teaching performance, including recognition from the U.S. Embassy through the «TEA Program» (Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program), where she received training at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. Additionally, the Dominican Republic’s English Teachers’ Organization (TESOL-DR) honored her for her selfless efforts in guiding English teachers in the country to implement educational reforms in the Dominican Republic.
From 2015 to 2023, she served as the National English Supervisor for the Ministry of Education, a position she earned through a competitive selection process in 2015.
Since 2024, she has started her new role, also obtained through a competitive process, as the Regional English Supervisor in the province of Chiriquí.
As a dedicated professional in the field of TESOL with extensive experience in both teaching and leadership roles, I am an ideal candidate for the position of Second Vice President for TESOL PANAMA. My background includes a solid track record of implementing effective educational programs, driving collaborative initiatives, and advocating for the needs of ESL/EFL educators and learners. I bring a deep understanding of the challenges faced by teachers and institutions in Panama, coupled with innovative ideas for addressing these challenges through professional development, resource sharing, and community building.
My commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment aligns with TESOL PANAMA’s mission to enhance the quality of English language education in the region. My proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, along with my strategic vision for advancing TESOL’s objectives, positions me to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s goals. I am passionate about supporting educators and promoting best practices, and I am eager to leverage my skills to help TESOL PANAMA thrive and make a lasting impact on the field.
I am aware of the importance of making TESOL grow and to be acknowledge by most English teachers in our country, because a lot of teachers are not involved in the existence of TESOL and all the proffesional opportunities that exist in this organization. Thanks for the opportunity to become one of the Board Directors.
Ms. Eva Ramos brings over 25 years of expertise as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) educator, working across a diverse range of levels, from preschool to university. In addition to her extensive teaching experience, she has been a teacher trainer for more than two decades and has successfully coordinated English language programs at the regional level for the Ministry of Education in Panama. She has presented at the prestigious TESOL International Convention in 2010 and 2011, showcasing her innovative approaches to English language teaching.
Ms. Ramos holds a bachelor’s degree in English and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Panama. She has further enhanced her professional qualifications with an EFL teacher certification from the School for International Training (SIT) in Costa Rica and an Elementary Science Teaching Certificate from the University of South Florida.
As a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow (2012–2013) at Boston University, Ms. Ramos specialized in computer-assisted language learning, teacher training, language program management, and instructional design, further enriching her ability to lead and innovate in the field of English language education.
Dedicated to advancing the quality of English teaching, Ms. Ramos is passionate about empowering fellow educators with effective methodologies and the effective use of technology to enhance English language learning.
As a dedicated educator and teacher trainer, I have always been passionate about empowering learners and colleagues alike to achieve their highest potential. Over the years, I have cultivated this passion through my work as an English teacher and freelance teacher trainer, offering workshops and professional development sessions to educators across Panama. My journey as a presenter at national TESOL conferences and with the international TESOL organization has deepened my understanding of global trends in education and inspired me to bring these insights to my local context. In 2023, I recognized the need to contribute more formally to the growth and development of the Panama TESOL organization. This realization marked a pivotal moment in my career, as I committed to supporting the organization not only through volunteer work but also by promoting its reach and impact.
My commitment to Panama TESOL extends beyond participation to active leadership. I have been working hard in promoting the creation of the Veraguas Chapter of Panama TESOL, envisioning it as a vital platform to connect and support educators in the region. Through this work, I aim to foster a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to improving English language teaching and learning in our country. My belief in the transformative power of education drives me to inspire others to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for excellence in teaching practices. By contributing to Panama TESOL, I hope to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that our teachers are equipped with the tools and knowledge to shape the future of English education in Panama and beyond.
I am a passionate educator with a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities, specializing in English from the University of Panama. With a strong commitment to supporting English language learners, I have developed an understanding of educational needs through my previous experience as recipient of the «Dreamers Scholarship.» and current role as a Director of QLU Virtual Academy. Additionally, I am currently finishing a Master’s Degree in Applied English Linguistics with a specialization in TESOL and a Postgraduate Degree in Higher Education Teaching, both of which I have been pursuing simultaneously. This experience has broadened my perspective on modern teaching methodologies. On the other hand, I am actively involved in new projects and currently serve as a researcher in training for the research project «Formación Inicial Docente,» sponsored by the Centro de Investigación Educativa de Panamá (CIEDU) and the Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENACYT). I also participate in InnovAction, organized by Bridge for Billions, to enhance my entrepreneurial skills. I am dedicated to continuous learning, aiming to improve my skills to contribute positively to my community and the education sector.
I am the best candidate for the correspondent secretary position at TESOL Panama because of my extensive experience in education and a strong commitment to effective communication. As a Learning Center Director for high schoolers, I have worked on my organizational and management skills. My background in education and management, coupled with my involvement in educational initiatives, demonstrates my dedication to professional collaboration within the TESOL community. I possess the detail-oriented mindset and technological proficiency necessary to manage correspondence effectively. I am eager to bring my expertise and passion for education to this role, working alongside fellow members to enhance the impact of English language education in Panama.
Ms. Ortega has over 15 years of experience as an EFL teacher, working with students from preschool to university. She teaches at C.E.B.G. Bijagual Elementary School located in Anton, Cocle Province. She has also worked at UDELAS University and Universidad Latina as well. She holds a B.A. in English, and a M.A. in TESOL. Ms. Ortega has algo participated in important educational projects and program regarding teaching English as Didactic Guides for English Teachers and the new design of English Curriculum in Panama.
As an educator and a Panama TESOL board member, I am deeply committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth. My teaching philosophy emphasizes that learning is an active and collaborative process, where students are encouraged to engage with content, question assumptions, and explore diverse perspectives. I strive to create a supportive classroom atmosphere that celebrates intellectual exploration, nurtures individual strengths, and empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey.
Beyond the classroom, my commitment as a Panama TESOL board member extends to supporting professional development for educators and promoting excellence in English language teaching. Together, these roles reflect my dedication to empowering both students and teachers to thrive in their personal and professional endeavors.
Juan A. Ríos Vega is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education, Leadership, and Counseling at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He earned his doctorate in Philosophy in Educational Studies, Cultural Studies Concentration from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2014), Women’s and Gender Studies Certificate (2014). His research focuses on multilingual learners, critical race theory, LatCrit theory, and social justice education. In 2020, Dr. Ríos published High School Latinx Counternarratives: Experiences in School and Post-graduation. This book was selected as one of the 2021 Critics Choice Awards Books by the American Educational Studies Association (AESA).
I have been in education for over 20 years in Panama and the United States. As a Panamanian and former English teacher in the public and private systems, I possess vast experience with the challenges that English teachers face in Panama, as well as in the United States. As a former community leader and founder of a non-profit organization in North Carolina, I do understand how grassroots organizations are organized and led. Finally, as a current faculty at Bradley University, preparing future classroom teachers (Pre-K through 12), I understand the importance of developing teachers as leaders. I am convinced that my prior knowledge as a former English as Foreign Language (EFL) in Panama, as well as my years of teaching experience as an English as a Second Language (ESL) in North Carolina and faculty at Bradley University, besides my leadership skills, make me the best candidate for the 2nd Vice-President position in Panama TESOL.
Lizzie Garcia de Paredes
Adviser
Past President 2007 – 2009
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