Haylee Ziegler, a native of Northeast Ohio, was raised by her parents, a teacher and an engineer, who imparted the gift of the Spanish language to her at an early age. From her formative years, Haylee harbored a steadfast aspiration to become a Spanish teacher, initiating her learning journey in the field during  2009-2010 in a conventional Spanish teaching classroom.

In 2014, Haylee transitioned to Bowling Green State University, where she matriculated into the esteemed World Language Education Program under the guidance of Dr. Brigid Burke. Here, she delved into the intricacies of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and grasped the paramount significance of integrating culture into the core of educational lessons. Further enriching her experience, Haylee immersed herself in a year-long study abroad program in Spain, solidifying her love for language teaching and learning.

Relocating to Defiance, Ohio, in 2018, Haylee assumed the role of a Spanish 1 & 2 teacher. Here, she honed her Comprehensible Input/Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (CI/TPRS) skills, drawing inspiration from the pedagogical frameworks of notable educators such as Martina Bex, Señorita Spanish, Mis Clases Locas, Musicuentos, and others.

Over the past three years, Haylee has cultivated a distinctive voice and developed discerning perspectives on World Language teaching, sharing her insights and experiences on her Instagram platform (@señoraziegler) and X. While harboring a passion for curriculum development with aspirations of future publications, her true comfort lies in supporting fellow educators in their professional endeavors. Haylee has emerged as a dynamic figure in professional development, assuming roles as a leader and presenter.

In 2020, Haylee embarked on a role as a social media coordinator at Calico Spanish, swiftly progressing to become the lead curriculum writer for elementary Spanish curriculum development. Notably, in 2023, she spearheaded the launch of “Calico Comics,” a pioneering project undertaken with her Calico Spanish team. In parallel, Haylee collaborates with school districts adopting the program, facilitating the integration of elementary Spanish into their schedules.

Having relocated to the Columbus, Ohio area in 2021, Haylee assumed a new role as a high school Spanish teacher in a rural community. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was awarded the title of The 2023 Ohio World Language Beginner Teacher of the Year at the Central States Conference of Teaching of Foreign Languages in 2023. Haylee Ziegler is a regular presenter at local, state, regional, and national conferences. 

In acknowledgment of her journey, Haylee extends heartfelt gratitude to her husband for unwavering support and IT help with her website. She thanks her parents for imparting the gift of language at a tender age and her sister for providing sanity amidst challenges. She also extends gratitude to all of the language teachers who have been a source of inspiration throughout her path. Special mention is reserved for her cherished orange feline companion, Ralphie, whose company is a constant source of comfort during her writing endeavors.