At All Saints, we believe the best educators bring both expertise and heart to their teaching—and that every teacher’s story is a powerful part of what makes our school community thrive. This week, we’re proud to feature World Language teacher Eli Quintero, whose journey from Cuba to the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) classroom is a testament to the lasting impact of great teachers.

“Teaching has always felt like a calling,” Eli shares. “One nurtured by mentors who inspired me long before I understood their lasting impact.”

Growing up in Cuba, Eli was fortunate to be surrounded by educators who did more than deliver lessons—they sparked a lifelong love of learning. Her second-grade teacher, Aidee, introduced her to reading with such patience and warmth that books became magical companions. That early love of stories continues to shape how Eli approaches her classroom today: “I aim to bring that same sense of wonder to language learning, using stories and texts to open doors to new perspectives and cultural understanding.”

In high school, another mentor deepened her passion for language and expression. A teacher of language and literature encouraged Eli to go beyond the syllabus—reading widely, writing freely, and engaging deeply with the world around her. “Her classroom was a place of curiosity, creativity, and self-expression,” Eli recalls. “Values I now weave into my own teaching.”

It was in college, though, that Eli fully understood what it meant to be an educator. “Mr. Delio Carreras, my history professor, captivated lecture halls with his passion. He connected the past to our present and reminded us that education is a tool for dreaming about a better world.”

Today, Eli brings that same vision to her Spanish classes at All Saints. As part of the IB PYP program, she designs units that emphasize cultural appreciation, human rights, and empathy. “I want my students to not only learn a language,” she says, “but to connect with the world around them—and to leave each lesson inspired to grow, reflect, and lead with empathy.”

Stay tuned for more teacher stories in our “Why I Teach” blog series.

Curious to see this kind of learning in action? We’d love to show you! Join us for a tour and discover how an All Saints education can inspire your child.

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