Isabel Ríos-Torres

was born and raised in a coastal town on the west side of Puerto Rico. Over a decade ago, she moved to Durham, where she currently lives with her daughter, Paz. She graduated with a Bachelor in Hispanic Studies from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master's Degree in Romance Studies from Duke University. Isabel has taught Literature, Writing, Critical Theory, and Spanish as a first and second language for the last 16 years. The last couple of years, she has focused her intellectual curiosity on learning and practicing strategies to teach Spanish as a second language to students with different learning styles. When teaching, she emphasizes a growth mindset and provides a safe space for students to create and speak the language. In addition to her teaching role, Isabel serves as Carolina Friends School’s Upper School Associate Head Teacher, Equity Coordinator, and Advisor. She loves dancing Rueda de Casino, gardening and learning about plants, and spending time with Paz and her Durham family.