Alcuin's Spanish program is led by Rita Cassiano who began teaching Spanish enrichment classes at Alcuin five years ago. Previous to that Ms. Cassiano was the head teacher in the Toddler classroom and was assisted by the wonderful Patty Weik. Rita has completed her Montessori Toddler and Primary training, in addition to a Bachelors Degree in Behavior Sciences from National Louis University. 

Ms. Rita gained her mastery of Spanish in the most natural way; she lived in Madrid, Spain for several years and learned the language through immersion in the Spanish culture. After arriving in Chicago, Rita worked as an assistant in a Spanish-speaking Kindergarten in Public School District 59. 

Through the years she has attended workshops and programs to assist her in developing a Spanish program that compliments the Montessori philosophy and provides the appropriate amount of consistency necessary for the students to be successful in learning the language. She is trained in the method of TPR (Total Physical Response) and uses this method to enhance the children's acquisition of Spanish through songs, dance, performances, and physical activity.