Arruela, Maria

Education
University of Washington, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Seattle University, Masters in Teaching

Began teaching in 1998. Started at St. John in 1999 and again in 2018.

Favorite Subject
My passion is teaching Spanish.  This began with my “abuelita.”  My Mexican grandmother was my first Spanish teacher.  She planted a seed in my life that started my journey to learn the language and ultimately teach it.

Why I am a teacher
I teach because I believe that knowledge is a gift that no one can take away from you.  Learning new things each and every day changes the way you see the world, which in turn opens your mind to new ways of thinking and of living your life.

Why I like teaching at St. John
My first full-time job after college was here at St. John in 1999 as the K-8th grade Spanish teacher.  My early years at St. John always felt like home to me.  When it was time to choose a school for my three kids, it was an easy choice.  The St. John community has always felt like family.  Now that all my kids are in school, I am happy to be back where I started.  I am a product of Catholic school education, and my faith journey continues to grow here at St. John.