The heart behind the classroom

Walk into one of María Camila Ramírez Quimbayo's Spanish classes at Kansas State University, and you won't find learners quietly conjugating verbs from a textbook.

You're more likely to find them deep in conversation about the social issues facing Hispanic communities, challenging their own assumptions and building the kind of confidence that lasts long after the semester ends.

Ramírez Quimbayo, a graduate student teacher in K-State's Department of Modern Languages, has developed and enacted a vision of language education that is as much about human connection as it is about grammar and vocabulary.

Student-centered learning drives success in Spanish classes

Her approach is built on five pillars that she holds closely: transformative learning, contextualized instruction, scaffolding, collaboration and social engagement.

"I strive to make my teaching engaging, interactive, student-centered and inclusive," she said. "I think that what might make my approach stand out is creating a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive, where students are encouraged to push their limits while feeling guided and confident."

That scaffolded, learner-centered model takes real investment. Rather than moving learners through a curriculum on a fixed track, Ramírez Quimbayo meets them where they are to build supportive structures that stretch students without leaving them behind.

"Camila is unique among the department's graduate students for the range of courses that she has been entrusted to teach during her time at K-State," said Jeffrey Zamostny, head of the modern languages department. "Camila has taught all four courses in the basic Spanish language sequence and received summer funding to develop and implement a fully online, asynchronous version of Spanish II."

Grad student brings benefits to Spanish learners beyond the classroom

Beyond her classroom, Ramírez Quimbayo has brought her experience and enthusiasm to the university and broader Manhattan communities. She leads Cafe Ole, a weekly Spanish conversation hour for all learners and reads children's books as part of the ¡Cuenta Cuentos!/Tell Tales! bilingual story time at the Manhattan Public Library.

Zamostny said Ramírez Quimbayo brings tremendous energy, enthusiasm and expertise to the activities, serving as "an excellent role model of departmental citizenship."

"Ultimately, I hope my students leave my classroom with curiosity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the Spanish language and the cultures that speak it," Ramírez Quimbayo said. "I want them to feel empowered to continue learning, to think critically and to apply what they've learned in ways that make a difference in their own lives and communities."

Innovative teaching leads to university and regional recognitions

This dedication to learners and the innovative teaching methods she uses has earned Ramírez Quimbayo several recognitions.

She was selected as one of the 2025 Graduate Student Council Award for Graduate Student Teaching Excellence at K-State, which recognizes graduate students who have excelled in classroom teaching and made important contributions to the learning mission of the university.

Her devotion to her teaching has also been recognized at the regional level. She was awarded the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools' Excellence in Teaching Award at the 2026 conference in March.

"It means a lot to me to be able to represent K-State and the modern languages department, highlighting the work we're doing here," Ramírez Quimbayo said. "It's an honor to know that the approaches and dedication I bring to teaching are recognized beyond our campus."