Biography

Maritza Varela holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction ESL from Kansas State University, a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching English from Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, and a Diploma in English Language Teaching and Pedagogical Courses from Kansas State University.

She is a self-directed, action-oriented professional with over 34 years of teaching experience in both private and public high schools, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas (ESPE) and at Yachay Tech University since 2016.

Her strong passion ,expertise and dedication to inspire and encourage students to be successful learners as well as her vast professional development, has led her to  be selected  as recipient of two scholarships sponsored by the SENESCYT and Ministry of Education, for studying in one of the best universities of the United States.

Because of her professional experience and qualifications, she was also selected as external evaluator for the validation of the Amended English Curriculum of Ecuador based in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Research Interests

Her research interests include: Independent learning strategies, Using Games to Engage EFL Students in English Language Performance, Cooperative learning, and Strategies for students with special needs.