New school year, new teachers at Arco Iris Spanish Immersion School, our tuition-free K-5th grade, in Beaverton, Oregon. In this blog, we’re introducing Mr. Eli Serrao, one of our new PE teachers (but learn about David Zahn here!). He may be familiar to some of you as he volunteered in his mom’s (Stacy Serrao) 5th grade classroom here!
Who inspired you to become an educator?
After college, I wasn’t totally sure what I wanted to do. I started volunteering in my mom’s 5th grade classroom just to try something different, and I ended up really enjoying it. That experience made me want to explore education more, so I became a substitute teacher. The more time I spent in schools, the more I realized how much I loved working with students and being part of their growth.
What specifically about Arco Iris Spanish Immersion School stood out to you and made you want to teach here?
One of the biggest things that drew me to Arco Iris was the sense of community. My mom used to teach here, and she would always talk about how much she loved the students, the families, and the people she worked with. Hearing that from her stuck with me. When I got the chance to learn more about the school myself, I saw exactly what she meant. I really respect how Arco Iris values diversity, bilingual education, and supporting the whole student, academically, socially, and emotionally. It felt like a place where people truly care, and that made me want to be part of it.
What are you most excited about in this role?
I’m excited to finally have my own class and the chance to build real relationships with students. When I was substitute teaching, I usually only saw students for a day or two at a time, so it was hard to make a lasting impact. Now I’ll be able to build a positive environment where students can feel comfortable, stay active, and develop important life skills like confidence, communication, and teamwork.
How does the Arco Iris mission and vision align with your personal values?
What stood out to me most about Arco Iris’s mission and vision is the focus on creating a supportive and inclusive community. I also really like that the school promotes biliteracy and strong academics, it shows a commitment to giving students the tools they need to succeed in today’s world. Helping students become bilingual and culturally aware at a young age gives them a huge advantage in life. That’s why I was excited about joining the team here, it’s a place that values both people and learning.
Fun facts about Eli Serrao
- I was born and raised in Beaverton and graduated from the University of Oregon.
- I’ve always loved staying active and being outdoors, whether I’m hiking, camping, or just exploring new trails.
- I’m a big sports fan and especially love watching Oregon Ducks football.
- I also enjoy getting together with friends for board game nights and just hanging out.
- I’m really close with my parents and brother, and we spend a lot of time together as a family.
We love getting to know our new teachers and welcoming them to our small community. Looking for a new school? We’d love to welcome you too- we’re still enrolling. Contact us here or call us at (503) 372-6052 for more info!
About Arco Iris
Arco Iris Spanish Immersion is a small tuition-free public charter school providing a rich, immersive Spanish language experience and robust academics in a true multicultural setting. Centrally located off 217, between SW Portland and Tigard, we serve K-5 students in the greater Beaverton area to become bilingual and biliterate leaders of the future. Get to know us on Facebook and Instagram. We’re enrolling for Fall 2025-26. Bilingual Education: A Rainbow of Possibilities