By: Jeanine Kim ’20
English teacher Damaris Saenz has joined the faculty this year. She has taught English to middle and high school students for over 10 years. She has also worked at the graduate school at La Sierra University. In addition to teaching at schools in the United States, Saenz has worked in other countries as an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher. She traveled through jungles and forests to teach middle school and high school students in small towns and villages.
At the middle school, Saenz teaches English I to ninth graders and will take over Erin Creznic’s eighth grade English classes when she is on maternity leave.
“My goals are to get to know my students better, learn more about the background ad culture of the school, and to make English fun, accessible and interesting,” Saenz said.
In addition to working as an English teacher, Saenz said she enjoys other activities such as reading and outdoor activities. Saenz goes hiking, camping and kayaking whenever she can.
“When time permits, my husband and I like Salsa dancing. One of our favorite sites is Floridita, a Cuban restaurant in Hollywood,” Saenz said.
So far, Saenz seems to be accomplishing her goals. Her students are enjoying the class, with many people praising her teaching methods.
“Ms. Saenz is such a great teacher. She explains everything really well, and she helps students look for the deeper meaning in literature,” Ethan Shipman ’20 said.