Ilona Marshall grew up bilingually in Mexico City. She also attended a summer program at the University of Madrid, attended the University of Paris, Sorbonne for one year, and graduated from the University of California Riverside, majoring in Spanish with a minor in French and Dance. She speaks Spanish and French fluently and has her Life Teaching Credentials for both Grammar School and High School as well as her Credential to teach at Community College.
Ilona started the Spanish program at Marin Country Day School where she taught Spanish for 26 years and also French early on. She also taught the Spanish for Travelers course at College of Marin, was the tele-teacher for a Grades 4 & 5 Spanish Distance Learning Program called “Hola Oakland” for three years, taught Grades 3-5 part-time at Del Mar School, and Grades 7-8 at Bel Aire School. She retired in June 2021 from San Francisco Day School after 10.5 years, where she launched and taught in their new Spanish program as well.
Ilona loves using song, rhythm, and movement to teach language, as it engages the whole brain. With over forty-six years of teaching so far, she has also has extensive experience in creating curriculum. She is currently looking forward to teaching Spanish and Hispanic Culture at College of Marin for the Adult Education Program.