This school year, several new teachers joined ILS with new experiences and different backgrounds. Their backgrounds range from music and marketing to engineering and finance, giving each teacher a different journey to ILS. They all hope to connect with students and become part of the ILS community.
Mr. Jorge Galguera came to ILS because he wanted to teach at a school that combines academic with Catholic values. Before coming to ILS, he created a Personal Finance class at his previous school. This class taught students about topics such as debt, buying a car, and paying for college.
“From Back-to-School Night to the Study Hall period, it’s clear ILS puts real weight behind faith, service, and knowing students as people, not just name on a roster,” he said.
Mr. Harold Rivas grew up around both music and education. His mother taught him academics and the Catholic faith and his father was his first music teacher. Once he was nine-years-old, he started teaching other kids how to play instruments.
“It’s not enough to be a great musician. You need to be an exemplary person all around if you want the world to respect, admire, and welcome you for who you are and what you offer to society,” Mr. Rivas said.
Jessi Pereira worked as a structural engineer before deciding to become a teacher at age 40. After teaching math, he decided to return to his passion for science and its connection to everyday life, which led him to ILS as a science teacher.
Ms. Amanda Gonzalez came to ILS with a background in marketing and social media. She earned her Master’s in Business Administration this past May and wanted a job where she could immerse herself in marketing while also working with students.
”I have always wanted to work with kids while also having the opportunity to work in marketing, and ILS was the perfect fit,” Ms. Gonzalez said.
Even though each teacher took a different path to ILS, they all want to make a positive impact on students. Their different backgrounds allow them to bring new experiences and ideas into the school community.
