Teacher Spotlight: Paula Sena Treats Each Student's Journey As Her Own

From Rio de Janeiro to New York City, Paula’s path as an educator has always been shaped by language, culture, and connection. Her passion for languages has taken her beyond borders—living, learning, and teaching in Mexico, Colombia, Germany, and ultimately, here at NYC Global Center.

I sat down with Paula to talk about her journey, her teaching philosophy, and what makes the ESL experience at NYC Global Center so meaningful.

Tell us about your background—how did your journey as a teacher begin?

I’m from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and that’s where I first started teaching. I used to teach Portuguese to foreigners, so I’ve been working with international students from different backgrounds for a long time.

I’ve always loved languages, so I also traveled to places like Mexico and Colombia to teach and study, and later went to Germany to learn German. Those experiences really shaped how I see language learning—it’s not just about grammar, it’s about culture and connection.

Paula poses playfully in her classroom, showcasing her unique style.

What brought you to teaching English in the United States?

When I came to the U.S., I decided to focus more on English.  I moved to New York, where I've been teaching ESL since 2021. I started teaching at a school with a trilingual environment—Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

One of the most memorable moments was right after the pandemic lockdown. I was teaching at Spanish American Institute, and it was one of the only schools open at the time. The city felt empty, people were afraid, and students were dealing with a lot of anxiety.

We tried to make the classroom feel safe and calm—we had little tea gatherings with chamomile and passionfruit. It became a support system for students struggling with anxiety.

How does your experience as a non-native English speaker shape your teaching?

I think it helps me connect with my students on a deeper level. I understand every stage—the frustration, the moments when you feel like giving up—because I’ve been there.

I always tell them: it’s not easy, but it’s possible. And I show them that through my own journey. I also like to learn from them—I ask them to teach me words from their languages. It reminds everyone that we’re all learning together.

Teachers Paula, Suzie, Marie, and their students enjoy a joyful moment together at a lively class potluck.

What does your classroom environment look like?

I try to create a space where students feel safe, supported, and not afraid to make mistakes. We have a poster in our classroom where the students have written “I don’t speak your language” in their own language using the Latin alphabet.

It’s a simple idea, but it shows that we’ve all experienced that same struggle. When students realize they’re not alone, it helps them relax and open up.

You’re known for bringing learning beyond the classroom—what does that look like?

I love organizing activities and field trips because students learn so much when they’re actually experiencing the city. Some of them are here alone, without family, and that can feel really isolating.

When we go out together, they can relax, have fun, and practice English naturally. It’s learning, but without pressure and with a community feel.

Paula and her students at a bustling Times Square field trip.

One of my favorite trips is to the American Museum of Natural History. It’s such a unique space—there’s something for everyone, whether you like dinosaurs, gemstones, or butterflies. And after, we usually walk across to Central Park for a picnic. It’s a perfect combination of culture, nature, and conversation.

Paula and her student enjoy their field trip to the American Museum of Natural History, posing in front of a stunning amethyst geode.

What are some moments with students that have stayed with you?

There are so many. I had a student from Brazil who used to be a nurse in the Brazilian army. She came to New York to rebuild her career, and it was a long and difficult process—she learned English with us for about two years.

One day, she sent me a photo of herself working as a nurse at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. That moment meant everything.

I’ve also had students who went through very personal challenges while studying—like one who was pregnant and struggling to come to class. Later, she sent me a photo of her green card. We’re still in touch.

That’s the most rewarding part—seeing how their lives change, and knowing you were a small part of that journey.

What do you love most about teaching at NYC Global Center?

The community. We have such a supportive and diverse environment. Every teacher has their own style, and students can really find what works for them.

It’s not just about learning English—it’s about building confidence, making connections, and creating a space where students feel like they belong.

At NYC Global Center in Manhattan, our teachers are at the heart of the F-1 student experience—guiding, supporting, and inspiring students as they build confidence, improve their English language skills, and create new lives in New York City.