Working in a new environment alongside new people can be a very stressful experience. So the question becomes, ‘does Quartz Hill facilitate an easy and stress-free transition to a new workplace for faculty?’ According to Mrs. Zavala, the transition has been absolutely smooth in regards to the students, administration, and staff. In her brief time at Quartz Hill, Mrs. Zavala has already become the advisor to Spanish Club, undertaken the position as a school tutor, and performed various other extra roles related to teaching. It is not often that new teachers become so involved so quickly. Yet, in the course of time that Mrs. Zavala has taught at our school, she has become more entangled with the internal affairs of Quartz Hill than many other teachers do with their respective schools.

When asked about her thoughts on Quartz Hill, Mrs. Zavala responded, “I love it here; the students, faculty, and administration are all very nice and welcoming…” This is a sure sign that Quartz Hill builds a positive and open environment for new teachers. She argues that while the school she worked at previously was not bad, the differences in demographics and culture built by this school are very interesting.

Not only is Quartz Hill welcoming, but it also somehow manages to subvert everyone to the task of being involved. While this statement is only joking, there is a culture of involvement and obligation built in Quartz Hill shown by the amount of energy Mrs. Zavala has already put into this school. Being an advisor to Spanish Club is a bittersweet feeling according to Mrs. Zavala. While it is extremely fulfilling to work with such involved people, it can be stressful at times, and, above all, busy. Part of the sweetness is the feeling of joy that Mrs. Zavala experiences when she sees the growth of Spanish Club members, such as through the Spanish Club Dance Team. Since all of these joys come at the cost of work and energy, which is not a small price, they become all the more gratifying. This was also Mrs. Zavala’s first time advising the Cinco de Mayo Assembly, which she stated was a success due to a lack of technical errors and a fantastic turnout from both students and parents at the Parent Night.

Coupled with the energy it takes to advise Spanish Club and her other responsibilities, Mrs. Zavala finds life at Quartz Hill to be extremely busy. This does not dissuade or demotivate her, but it does go to show the nature of Mrs. Zavala: a hard working individual ready to help and empower her students to learn Spanish. This case is just one out of the many examples of the great teachers at Quartz Hill who go above and beyond their normal duties for the benefit of the students.

Image by Angie Olvera