Meet Jessica Arteaga, M.S.Ed.

Bilingual Educator | Author | School Leader | Aspire Registered Trainer

I’m a bilingual educator and children’s book author with over a decade of experience supporting schools, educators, and families. Today, I bring that experience into SEL-focused author visits that help students build confidence, emotional awareness, and a strong sense of belonging. I partner with elementary schools, educators, and families to support students in developing emotional awareness, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

Raised between two languages and two cultures, and proud of my Ecuadorian heritage, I write the books I wish had existed when I was growing up—stories where children who look like me, speak like me, and live like me can see themselves reflected on the page. That same conviction shapes every workshop I design and every school community I serve.

My work sits at the intersection of literacy, identity, and belonging. Through bilingual books, author visits, and research-based educator workshops, I support schools in creating spaces where every child feels known and every family feels welcomed. My approach is grounded in culturally responsive practices and social-emotional learning, helping students grow in both language and self-understanding.

Throughout my career, I have supported students, educators, and families through classroom teaching, school-based leadership, and bilingual family engagement. As a former family liaison, I designed and facilitated workshops that strengthened home–school connections and provided families with practical, accessible strategies to support their children’s learning at home.

I hold a Master of Science in Education from Queens College, along with New York State certifications in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, and School Building Leadership.

Learn more about school visits and programs →

Credentials:
M.S.Ed., Queens College • NYS Certified Educator • School Building Leader (SBL) • Aspire Registered Trainer (Career Ladder Level 9)

Recognition & Community Impact

Jessica Arteaga was recently honored with a Small Business Woman of the Year award in recognition of her leadership, educational entrepreneurship, and commitment to uplifting children, families, and communities through literacy, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive education.

She also participates in initiatives supporting education, family engagement, and Latino representation within schools and community spaces.

Ways I Support Schools & Families

Bilingual author visits

SEL-focused student experiences

Family and educator workshops

Parent coaching

Culturally responsive literacy resources

Schools & Communities Served

Serving schools, districts, libraries, and community organizations across Long Island, New York City, and beyond.

Virtual visits available nationwide.

Creating meaningful experiences where children feel seen, emotionally connected, and proud of who they are.

What People Are Saying

"The story was so perfect and was a good conversation starter about how everyone celebrates differently. Thank you so much for creating the resources and media that we so desperately need."

— Parent and Community Member 

“Thank you for writing about our Latin countries with gentle words, love, and beauty!"

— Kindergarten Educator 

"Thank you so much for coming to our school — the kids adore you! We can't wait to have you back."

— Daycare Director, La Tutti Daycare

Have you attended a La Maestra Coach event, workshop, or author visit? We’d love to hear your feedback.

Every adventure comes with big feelings — and all of them belong.