Today we’d like to introduce you to Soledad Ramirez.
Hi Soledad, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher — it’s the way I’ve chosen to contribute to society. In El Salvador, I taught at all levels, from preschool to high school. I worked in one of the top-ranked private schools, run by Jesuits, where we used Montessori and personalized learning. I also taught in public schools, both in rural communities and urban areas with limited resources. There, I discovered I had a natural connection with teenagers and that my work truly made a difference in their lives.
After getting married, I moved to Los Angeles with my children. I started cleaning houses, then taught Spanish all over L.A. through after-school programs, later worked in a preschool, and eventually founded my own Spanish immersion preschool. It’s been a long journey — but full of purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At first, I didn’t have a California teaching credential, so I started by teaching Spanish — which was my specialty in El Salvador, especially grammar and literature. Another challenge was the language barrier. I had learned to read and write English back home, but I couldn’t really speak or understand it.
Learning a new language while teaching another gave me a deep sense of empathy for what children experience when they’re learning. I went to college to study English and to get something that would officially say I can teach Spanish. Every step brought me closer to where I am now.
Starting a company was another challenge
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the founder and director of a Spanish immersion preschool in Los Angeles, inspired by Montessori principles and built on a STEAM-based model. I personally design the classes and learning experiences, creating a curriculum that blends play-based learning with science, technology, engineering, art, and math — all within a rich Spanish-language environment.
In addition to leading my preschool, I teach Spanish to adults and work as a curriculum consultant for other preschools and schools. My goal is to make education meaningful, inclusive, and culturally rooted.
Whether I’m working with children, adult learners, or fellow educators, I bring structure, empathy, and creativity to every space I hold. I believe that education can transform lives — and I’ve seen it happen, one student at a time.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe my greatest strength is my deep passion for education — it’s what drives everything I do. I’m also resilient; I’ve learned to adapt through every challenge, whether it was starting over in a new country or learning English as an adult while working and raising children.
I lead with empathy and create meaningful connections with children, families, and staff. I care deeply about social justice, and I bring that into my classroom and my leadership. I’m creative — not just in writing poems or stories, but in the way I build learning environments that are engaging, inclusive, and rooted in love.
Most of all, I stay true to who I am. I don’t try to be someone else. I believe that authenticity, combined with a strong sense of purpose, is what has helped me build a preschool that reflects both my values and my culture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Solepreschool.com
- Yelp: Solepreschool.com
