Maestra Isabel has spent two years at Arco Iris doing what she was born to do: help children discover the world. Let’s get to know more about our first-grade teacher!
What’s Your “Why”? What Draws You to Teaching?
My motivation for becoming a teacher is to help children learn and discover the world. I enjoy seeing how they grow, how they understand new things, and how proud they feel of their achievements. I was inspired by my own teachers, who were patient, creative, and made me feel that learning was fun and valuable. I am also inspired by my family and by the desire to contribute something positive to society. What motivates me to return every year is the love from my students, their smiles, their questions, and their progress. Each group is different, which makes teaching a new experience every year, full of challenges and rewards.
Can you describe a moment when an Arco Iris student completely surprised you or made you stop and think?
There have been moments when my students have truly surprised me. I remember a student from Arco Iris who, at the beginning of the year, had difficulty expressing themselves and participating in class. However, over time, they began to show a lot of curiosity and a strong desire to learn. One day, during a reading activity, that student made a very deep connection with the story and explained an idea in their own words that even helped their classmates better understand the topic. I was surprised because they showed understanding and sensitivity that I had not noticed before. That moment made me pause and think about how important it is to give students time to grow at their own pace and how each child has a unique potential that can bloom at any moment.
What's something about Arco Iris you couldn't have anticipated until you actually started working here?
Something about Arco Iris that I could not have predicted before starting to work here is the great diversity of needs, talents, and learning styles that students have. Although I knew that every child is unique, I did not expect such a wide variety of learning paces and the importance of constantly adapting instruction. I was also very surprised by the strong sense of community among teachers, families, and students. There is constant support that makes teamwork essential for the children’s success. Another unexpected aspect has been how much I learn from the students themselves every day. They teach me new ways of seeing the world, being patient, and valuing small progress. Overall, Arco Iris is a place that has taught me to be more flexible, creative, and understanding than I imagined at the beginning.
Why is teaching a bilingual education important for you?
It is important for me to provide bilingual education because it allows students to develop skills in two languages, which opens more opportunities for them in their academic, social, and professional future. Learning in two languages also helps children improve their thinking,
communication, and understanding of the world. In addition, bilingual education promotes respect and appreciation of different cultures, helping to form more open-minded, empathetic students who are prepared for a diverse society. For me, teaching in two languages is a way to give them more tools for their success and growth, and it also helps me grow in every aspect as a teacher and as a person.
Three Fun Facts About Isabel
- There isn’t a day that she doesn’t listen to music.
- Her eyes are honey-colored and have a blue circle around the iris.
- If she gets wet in the rain, she’s afraid she will get sick.
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 Instagram @arcoiris_spanishimmersion and on the web at www.arcoirisschool.org. We’re enrolling for Fall 2026-27.