Teacher Profile: Raphael Arlequin

About Raphael Arlequin

Mr. A grew up in a small town in Puerto Rico, where both of his parents were teachers. His mom was an English Teacher and his Dad a Music Teacher and Band Director. His passion for music and teaching came from them. He grew up playing in bands and traveled in and out of state with the renowned Banda Escolar de Guayanilla of Puerto Rico in the most prestigious and famous parades and festivals like the Rose Parade in California, Disney Parade in Florida, Macy's Parade in New York and Thanksgiving Parade in Philadelphia. Arlequin earned his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. He has over 20 years of music-related experience, over 12 years as a teacher and is also a certified K-12 teacher.

Arlequin has had the opportunity to hold several professional roles including Music Teacher, Band Director, Musician Instructor, and Private Music Instructor. Through these experiences, he's been fortunate enough to educate a diverse group of elementary and middle school students. His goal is to instill a sense of music appreciation, while at the same time teaching students about the technical aspects of music. He provides effective classroom management, creative lesson plans, detailed student evaluations, and highly praised instructional delivery. He also had the opportunity to develop a Band program and perform concerts while achieving for the past 3 years a Highly Effective Teacher rating by Polk County Public Schools.

In addition to his enthusiasm for teaching, he brings his bilingual skills in English and Spanish and a strong work ethic. Through his experience of student-teaching abroad in Puerto Rico and in Florida, he has gained a strong appreciation of diversity, which he hopes to instill in his students.

Arlequin is Married and a proud father of two girls, who are the love of his life.