Speak, Cook, Taste: Discover Italy With Us!

With experience in language education and a deep passion for Italian culture, Ms. Natalie Hernandez brings real-world expertise to the classroom. She holds a B.A. in Italian Language, Literature, and Culture from Barnard College of Columbia University and an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from Teachers College, Columbia University. Ms. Hernandez also has an Italian academic background having studied Modern Italian Literature at the Università degli Studi di Milano ("Laurea Magistrale").

Ms. Natalie Hernandez is a certified Italian educator currently teaching at the high school level, where she leads courses ranging from intermediate Italian to AP Italian Language and Culture. She also serves as an AP Italian exam reader for the College Board and is a certified ACTFL AAPPL rater, evaluating students’ language proficiency at a national level.

Her teaching experience spans both the United States and Italy, including time spent teaching in Italian public schools in Milan and working with adult language learners through Columbia University’s Community Language Program. She has also worked as a private tutor, curriculum designer, and editor of Italian-language scholarly publications.

Ms. Natalie Hernandez is dedicated to creating engaging, immersive learning environments that connect language with culture. In this course, she brings her expertise to life by combining Italian conversation with culinary traditions, offering students a dynamic and authentic way to experience Italy.