Teaching

I teach a variety of Spanish and linguistics courses, from intro-level language courses, to advanced courses on Spanish phonology, sociolinguistics, and historical linguistics, to graduate seminars on language contact. My primary goal is to equip students with both the practical linguistic resources they need to succeed in an increasingly global society and a critical approach to language which sees it as a dynamic social tool. In addition to teaching language in its normative forms, I expose students to linguistic variation and the ways in which it is socioculturally understood and shaped. My courses challenge students to confront their own preconceived notions of the link between linguistic form and social meaning, both in the context of the Hispanosphere and generally. 

Teaching Experience


Assistant Professor, Mississippi State University


*Mixed level course (i.e. graduate and undergraduate)

**Graduate seminar

†Study abroad course taught in Alcalá de Henares, Spain



Instructor of Record, The Ohio State University


Teaching Assistant, The Ohio State University


Instructor of Record, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill


Teaching Assistant, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill


ESL Teacher (grades 6-8), Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick County, Virginia


Student course evaluation comments


"I have never had the opportunity to take a linguistics class during my time as a Spanish major and Professor Pinta [sic] opened my eyes to a whole new world that I am so excited to explore more deeply. He has an intense passion for the coursework and is a fantastic teacher, I was engaged the entirety of classes and looked forward to each one." - Student in Introduction to Spanish Linguistics (Spanish 4430), Fall 2021


"There's not enough good things to say about Justin. He’s a phenomenal instructor and knows exactly how to communicate the material to students in an effective way that we also find interesting. He is always prepared for class, always knows the material front to back, and is genuinely interested in helping us learn. I felt very comfortable approaching him for assistance outside of class and he was always more than willing to help. 10/10 would recommend! Thank you Justin!!" - Student in Spanish Phonetics (Spanish 3404), Fall 2018


"I wasn't sure whether or not I would have the passion to pursue a Spanish minor on top of my engineering coursework. Soon after starting Spanish 3401 with Justin Pinta, I was sure it was something I wanted to do. Justin taught the content clearly and showed an undeniable passion that translated into my genuine interest in what he was teaching us. He did a wonderful job." - Student in Advanced Spanish Grammar (Spanish 3401), Spring 2018


"Every class, the instructor came in prepared and delivered organized and knowledgeable lectures. What sets him apart from any other instructor that I have had is the level of enthusiasm he has for not only the subject but also for teaching. Not once did I doubt that he knew what he was talking about, nor did I question whether he cared for his students. He is incredibly personable and is phenomenal at what he does. I would say this has been by far my favorite class that I have taken at OSU, and I am incredibly honored and thankful to have been able to be taught by this instructor." - Student in Spanish Phonetics (Spanish 3404), Fall 2018


"Although I am a heritage Spanish speaker, I am unable to write and conjugate various parts of sentences correctly. Unlike my first year instructor, Justin was able to tend to these specific needs and helped me learn a great deal that I will be able to utilize throughout my life. When something was answered or said wrong, instead of him just saying incorrect and looking for a correct answer, he looked to find where my classmates answers and my own answers came from and helped us actually understand the material. He was a fantastic instructor and I wish I could have him for Spanish three as well." - Student in Spanish II (Spanish 1102), Fall 2015


"This is the first Spanish class I've taken at OSU that I've enjoyed. I loved this course, mostly because of the way the information was presented and the discussions facilitated by the teacher. Sad to see it end! Justin is an incredible instructor." - Student in Advanced Spanish Grammar (Spanish 3401), Spring 2017


"Justin was great! As a student, I could tell he was genuinely interested in teaching and he had the students’ best interests in mind. He was understanding and flexible, I really enjoyed the class and appreciate Justin!" - Student in Spanish Phonetics (Spanish 3404), Fall 2020


"Justin was amazing. Even though he mainly spoke in Spanish, I could easily understand what he was communicating to us, and if I ever didn't know, I felt comfortable asking. He cares a lot about teaching Spanish, and...he made the class such an enjoyable experience that the lectures could've been the most dull thing in the world and I still would've shown up for his class every single day. I learned more about [S]panish in one semester here than I learned in my multiple years of high school [S]panish, and I attribute most of that to the dedication of this instructor." - Student in Intensive Spanish for Review (Spanish 1155), Fall 2016


"Professor Pinta [sic] introduced me to a different perspective of the Spanish language. I think the way the content was organized and what the content consisted of was always interesting. Professor Pinta [sic] always kept us informed every week and was available to help students. From the conversations I’ve had with him, he cares about his students career path and experience with the class. Overall, I had a great experience in this class and having it online was a relief." - Student in Spanish Phonetics (Spanish 3404), Spring 2021