Meet Miss Mackenzie, Arco Iris's new English Language Arts teacher, who believes learning a second language opens doors to people, places, and cultures. In this profile, she shares how a year in Mallorca, Spain led her to teaching, what surprised her during her first weeks on campus, and the classroom moment that made her students cheer.
Miss Mackenzie joined Arco Iris this fall after four years teaching dual language students in Canby, Oregon. Let's get to know our newest teacher!
Where Were You Before Arco Iris?
I worked at Trost Elementary in Canby, Oregon, for the past four years. I taught as a reading specialist and as a 2nd-grade dual language classroom teacher.
What Brought You to Arco Iris, and What Made You Say Yes?
Budget cuts in my district eliminated my position last spring. I came to Arco Iris because I am passionate about dual language education, and I want to keep investing in students who are becoming bilingual.
How Did Spanish Become Part of Your Life?
I started taking Spanish classes in middle school and kept going through high school and college. After I graduated, I spent a year in Mallorca, Spain, teaching English to elementary students at a local school. I built relationships with teachers and students, and I spoke the local language every day. That experience made me want to become a teacher.
I have so much respect for anyone who goes out of their way to learn a second language. It's not easy. The opportunities it creates to connect with more people, travel, and better understand cultures outside of your own are immeasurable.
What Surprised You Most During Your First Weeks on Campus?
I was surprised by how many parents I saw all over the school, volunteering and coordinating with teachers. I admire how invested families are in being part of their child's school community.
What's One Moment When You Saw a Student Light Up?
I taught my students the spelling "Floss Rule," where you put a double consonant at the end of a one-syllable word. Later that week, students came to me excitedly, sharing other words they had found that follow the rule.
What Tradition, Song, Food, or Story Do You Hope to Bring Into Your Classroom?
I would love to incorporate songs into my teaching.
Finish This Sentence: "By the End of This Year, I Hope My Students..."
...feel more confident in themselves as people and as learners.
Three Fun Facts About Miss Mackenzie
- She spent a year in Mallorca, Spain, teaching English to elementary students.
- When she's not teaching, you can find her traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
- Her favorite Spanish phrase is Que será, será (what will be, will be), a reminder not to stress over things she can't control.
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. (Espanol) Bilingual Education: A Rainbow of Possibilities