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Amarilys Heard
Amarilys is a reader and table leader for the AP Spanish Exam with ETS. She has sponsored the Sociedad Hispánica de Amistad and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, both national organizations, in previous schools. |
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AMARILYS HEard
Amarilys Heard is an accomplished world language educator with over 30 years of experience in teaching. Originally from Puerto Rico and based in Florida since 1988, she brings a lifelong passion for language, culture, and learning to her classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Language Education from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Education in Instructional Technology with a specialization in World Languages from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Throughout her career, Amarilys has taught a diverse range of courses, including English for Speakers of Other Languages, Spanish for Native Speakers, Spanish as a Second Language, and Spanish for military personnel. She has also contributed her expertise to educational publishers, including Barron’s and the Defense Language Institute. At Miami Country Day School, she currently teaches AP Spanish Language and Culture, guiding students toward language proficiency and cultural appreciation.
A respected leader in world language education, Amarilys serves as the Spanish Co-Lead Consultant for the College Board, leading professional development institutes nationwide. She has presented at major conferences, including ACTFL, APAC, AATSP, and FCIS, and has worked as both a reader and table leader for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam with ETS/Raise.
Amarilys is also dedicated to fostering leadership through language learning. She sponsors the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica at her school and serves as the national President of the organization under AATSP, served as President of the Florida State Spanish Conference, and has been instrumental in implementing the Global Seal of Biliteracy in multiple schools.
Outside the classroom, Amarilys enjoys traveling, exploring Disney parks, and spending time with her family whenever time allows it. She believes deeply in the transformative power of language education and the idea that great teachers are lifelong learners, continuously adapting, innovating, and inspiring others to do the same.
Throughout her career, Amarilys has taught a diverse range of courses, including English for Speakers of Other Languages, Spanish for Native Speakers, Spanish as a Second Language, and Spanish for military personnel. She has also contributed her expertise to educational publishers, including Barron’s and the Defense Language Institute. At Miami Country Day School, she currently teaches AP Spanish Language and Culture, guiding students toward language proficiency and cultural appreciation.
A respected leader in world language education, Amarilys serves as the Spanish Co-Lead Consultant for the College Board, leading professional development institutes nationwide. She has presented at major conferences, including ACTFL, APAC, AATSP, and FCIS, and has worked as both a reader and table leader for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam with ETS/Raise.
Amarilys is also dedicated to fostering leadership through language learning. She sponsors the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica at her school and serves as the national President of the organization under AATSP, served as President of the Florida State Spanish Conference, and has been instrumental in implementing the Global Seal of Biliteracy in multiple schools.
Outside the classroom, Amarilys enjoys traveling, exploring Disney parks, and spending time with her family whenever time allows it. She believes deeply in the transformative power of language education and the idea that great teachers are lifelong learners, continuously adapting, innovating, and inspiring others to do the same.
Course Description
AP Spanish Language and Culture APSI: Deepening Practice and Enhancing InstructionJoin us for an engaging and immersive AP Spanish Language and Culture Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) designed to empower educators with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to elevate their teaching practice. Throughout this workshop, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the revised course framework, the AP Exam structure, and the innovative resources available to strengthen instruction and student outcomes.
This institute will guide you in developing effective approaches for course planning, instruction, and assessment, with a strong emphasis on personalized feedback that supports every student’s learning journey. You’ll also learn how to complete the digital activation process at the start of the school year, ensuring immediate access to AP resources and simplifying student registration for AP Exams by the new fall deadlines.
By participating, you will gain practical, ready-to-use strategies in key areas such as:
Daily Course Outline
The mentioned topics will be covered during our time together. Do know that there is room for
flexibility, especially when it comes to pacing, so we can adjust to ensure your goals, needs and
expectations are met. My main goal is to have an extremely effective and engaging summer institute
by using relevant, practical, and creative instructional strategies. I look forward to sharing and to
learning from you as the lifelong learner that I am!
AP Spanish Language and Culture APSI: Deepening Practice and Enhancing InstructionJoin us for an engaging and immersive AP Spanish Language and Culture Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) designed to empower educators with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to elevate their teaching practice. Throughout this workshop, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the revised course framework, the AP Exam structure, and the innovative resources available to strengthen instruction and student outcomes.
This institute will guide you in developing effective approaches for course planning, instruction, and assessment, with a strong emphasis on personalized feedback that supports every student’s learning journey. You’ll also learn how to complete the digital activation process at the start of the school year, ensuring immediate access to AP resources and simplifying student registration for AP Exams by the new fall deadlines.
By participating, you will gain practical, ready-to-use strategies in key areas such as:
- Understanding the NEW revised AP Spanish Language and Culture course framework
- Designing effective course plans and delivering engaging instruction
- Implementing teaching strategies aligned with AP standards
- Assessing student progress and identifying opportunities for growth
- Collaborating and connecting with the broader AP educator community
- Understanding the NEW Exam format
Daily Course Outline
The mentioned topics will be covered during our time together. Do know that there is room for
flexibility, especially when it comes to pacing, so we can adjust to ensure your goals, needs and
expectations are met. My main goal is to have an extremely effective and engaging summer institute
by using relevant, practical, and creative instructional strategies. I look forward to sharing and to
learning from you as the lifelong learner that I am!