Dr. Ángeles Torres Méndez was drawn to College of the Redwoods for its strong commitment to preparing students for their future. She believes deeply in the power of education to transform lives and finds that CR’s mission resonates with her own values as a lifelong learner. Teaching, for her, is both a way to inspire and to continue growing, learning alongside her students through their unique experiences and perspectives.
A native Spanish speaker, Dr. Torres Méndez has been teaching Spanish since 2016 at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. She brings to the classroom not only her academic and professional expertise but also a rich cultural perspective, incorporating her heritage to create meaningful, authentic learning experiences. Her courses emphasize communication and cultural context, helping students connect language learning to the real world.
Her teaching style is interactive, supportive, and student-centered. From the first day of class, she encourages students to use Spanish actively, to ask questions, and to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. “Language learning is a journey,” she says, “and motivation, consistency, and patience are key.” Her approach builds both confidence and competence, creating a dynamic classroom where students can grow at their own pace.
Dr. Torres Méndez emphasizes that studying Spanish opens doors to many opportunities—in education, healthcare, business, social services, international relations, and beyond. More than that, it fosters cultural awareness and communication skills that are valuable in every profession.
At CR, she teaches Spanish 1A and 1B for beginners and Spanish 2A and 2B for intermediate learners. These courses develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while deepening students’ understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures.
What she enjoys most about teaching at College of the Redwoods is the diversity of her students, their goals, life experiences, and motivations. “I find great value in the exchange of experiences that happen in the classroom,” she says. “It’s an honor to be part of each student’s educational journey.”