If you’ve ever taken a class at Maestro Mío, there’s a good chance you’ve met Pedro Sánchez-Ávila — one of our longest-serving and most beloved teachers. With more than ten years at Maestro Mío (and almost twenty in total as a Spanish teacher), Pedro brings a mix of experience, humor, and genuine curiosity to every lesson.
Over the years, Pedro has taught students from all over the world — including many groups of Irish Transition Year students, who come to Málaga to experience Spanish language and culture in a fun, immersive way.
Who is Pedro?
Pedro has taught Spanish all over, including in cities like Vienna. “I’ve been in this world for almost twenty years,” he says. “Teaching has become such an important part of who I am.”
Outside the classroom, Pedro is full of interests and stories. He loves reading, writing, tennis, music, and history — but above all, traveling. “What I enjoy most is discovering other cultures,” he says. “I’ve visited lots of countries across Europe and even New York City, but Paris is my favorite.” When he’s not on the move, you might find him relaxing with good food, a bit of yoga or meditation, or just catching up on sleep — his “simple joys,” as he calls them.
Becoming a Teacher (By Accident!)
Pedro laughs when asked how he became a teacher. “Honestly, it happened by chance,” he admits. “But the moment I stepped into a classroom for the first time, I fell in love with it.” That one moment changed everything, and since then, he hasn’t looked back.
What His Classes Are Like
When Pedro describes his teaching style, four words come to mind: adaptable, creative, empathetic, and intuitive. “Every group is different,” he explains. “I try to adapt to what my students need and make sure they enjoy learning.”
He loves using technology and especially music in class. Songs, he believes, make language learning fun and memorable. He also focuses on taking grammar “outside the classroom,” turning it into real-life situations that students can actually use.
And what about students who are shy or nervous about speaking Spanish? “The most important thing is to give them space,” he says. “I never rush anyone. I invite them to join in when they feel ready. Bit by bit, they find their voice.” Humor helps too: “If people laugh, they relax. That’s when the magic happens.”
Learning Through Culture
For Pedro, teaching Spanish isn’t just about words or grammar — it’s about understanding the world behind them. “Culture, history, literature… all of that helps students understand why we say things the way we do,” he explains. “It gives meaning to the language.”
In his classes, you might end up listening to a Spanish song, reading a short story, or discussing an artist or a historical moment — anything that brings the language to life.
Life in Málaga
Although he’s worked in other cities, Pedro has a special love for Málaga. “I adore the people, the food, the weather, and the cosmopolitan vibe,” he says. His favorite places? “I love walking along Calle Alcazabilla — there’s always life there — and getting lost in the little streets with no destination and no sense of time.” Museums are another favorite escape, especially on quiet afternoons.
The Best Part of the Job
When asked about his proudest moment as a teacher, Pedro smiles. “Honestly, it happens every day,” he says. “When students thank you for the class or you see them improving, when they start communicating and understanding more — those are the moments that make everything worth it.”
For Pedro Sánchez-Ávila, teaching Spanish is more than a job — it’s a way of connecting with people and cultures, of sharing laughter and curiosity. “Every student teaches me something new,” he says. And that’s probably the secret behind his classes: they’re not just about learning Spanish, but about discovering the joy of understanding each other.
