For two years, Maestra Charo Garcia has brought her love of language, culture, and connection to Arco Iris's 5th-grade classroom. Meet the teacher who believes that learning a language means sharing a piece of who you are.
What’s Your “Why”? What Draws You to Teaching?
When I was little, I often went to school with my mom, who was a kindergarten teacher. I loved watching her teach and connect with her students. My favorite game was playing “school,” using her blackboard and making my younger brother my first student. Even then, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. I’m so grateful to my mom for inspiring me and showing me what teaching truly looks like.
Can you describe a moment when an Arco Iris student completely surprised you or made you stop and think?
One moment that really stayed with me was when my students showed such a genuine interest in learning about my hometown. I was especially surprised and touched by their excitement to learn a traditional dance from Madrid, the chotis, especially to the song “Madrid, Madrid, Madrid.” It meant even more to me seeing their curiosity and enthusiasm while I am far from my home country. I loved watching their effort and realizing that teaching a language goes far beyond words — it’s also about sharing culture, traditions, and a piece of who we are. Every time I hear “chotis”, I will think of my students.
What's something about Arco Iris you couldn't have anticipated until you actually started working here?
One thing I truly couldn’t have anticipated until I started working at Arco Iris is the incredible sense of community. It’s something you feel from day one — among the students, families, and staff. There is a genuine warmth, support, and connection that makes this place feel like more than just a school — it feels like a family. I absolutely love being part of it.
Why is teaching a bilingual education important for you?
In Spain, I work as a teacher in a bilingual program where I teach English as a foreign language, and I’ve always been passionate about language teaching. I find it incredibly rewarding to help students communicate and connect beyond their own language. Now, having the opportunity to apply my experience in bilingual education through Spanish feels especially meaningful to me. It’s exciting to share my language and culture while continuing to support students in becoming confident, global communicators.
Three Fun Facts About Maestra Charo:
- With so many amazing places to see in the world, I don’t like repeating destinations—I’d much rather explore somewhere new every time. I guess that makes me a bit of a nomadic soul!
- I taught myself how to knit and crochet, and now I love creating things with my own hands.
- I also love secondhand clothing, especially vintage pieces—I enjoy finding items with a story behind them rather than buying something brand new.
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.