Celebrating Her Culture: Ms. Stauffer Brings Hispanic Heritage Month to Life

For Florida Cyber Charter Academy (FLCCA) Spanish teacher Paola Stauffer, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) is more than a celebration on the calendar, it’s a chance to bring culture, history, and family traditions directly into her students’ homes.

“I always tell my students that Hispanic Heritage Month is about the impact our culture has in this country,” Ms. Stauffer explained. “It’s not celebrated anywhere else in the world the way it is here, so I want them to see, hear, and feel what that means.”

Now in her sixth-year teaching Spanish at FLCCA, Ms. Stauffer is known for her creativity and her passion for connecting students with authentic cultural experiences. She shares her heritage not just through lessons but through lived traditions – inviting students to experience Hispanic culture in ways that feel personal and unforgettable.

Cooking Up Culture

One of Ms. Stauffer’s favorite ways to connect students with Hispanic traditions is through food. This year, she plans to host a live cooking class from her own kitchen, teaching students how to make arepas, a traditional Colombian dish made of cornmeal.

“Cooking is family,” she said with a smile. “When we cook, we pass traditions through generations. I want my students to see how simple it is and hopefully try it at home with their families. If they share pictures, even better – I may give them a little extra credit!”

Ms. Stauffer recalls when a student sent her photos of making arepas with his mother after her lesson. “That’s when I knew these activities can reach beyond the screen,” she proudly said.

Flowers That Speak

In addition to food, Ms. Stauffer plans to introduce students to Colombia’s world-famous Feria de las Flores (Festival of Flowers), held every August in Medellin. The highlight of the festival is the Desfile de Silleteros (Parade of the Silleteros), where participants carry massive flower arrangements called silletas on their backs – an art form rooted in the tradition of farmers carrying flowers to market.

Ms. Stauffer is recreating her own silleta for her classroom this year, with help from her husband and mom. Instead of fresh flowers, she’ll use paper and craft materials, allowing her students to see the intricate designs up close.

“It’s true art,” she said. “Through flowers, my students will learn about history, tradition, and even economics – since Colombia is one of the largest flower exporters to the U.S.”

Finding New Ways to Engage Students

Ms. Stauffer works hard to tailor her lessons, so they feel fresh each year. For her Spanish I students, she’ll showcase her collection of cultural artifacts. For returning students, she focuses on new projects like cooking and flower traditions.

“I want my students to feel proud of learning Spanish and understand that it’s not just about vocabulary. It’s about people, culture, and community,” she said.

Is Online Learning Right for You?

Florida Cyber Charter Academy (FLCCA) is a full-time online public school providing tuition-free education to students in grades K-12 throughout Florida. FLCCA, powered by K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand, offers flexible, personalized learning with a curriculum designed for academic success. With 25 years of experience, K12 has led the nation in providing online education programs that help students thrive. Learn more here.