El hombre, el mito, la leyenda; Senor Lopez

Sydney Lee & Sophie Sukendro

Five teachers, one school year. With MC Fasheh out on maternity leave for the 2023-24 school year, Spanish four honors had a permanent substitute, then three more. Assistant Principal of Instruction Kim Lyons was deeply involved in supporting the students of Spanish four honors, assisting with grading essays for the entire school year. Fasheh’s spot was difficult to fill, even temporarily. After two substitutes came and went, OCSA Spanish teachers graciously stepped in, taking a block each for the remainder of the first semester. Cecilia Cummaudo, who taught one block of Spanish four honors, described the experience as challenging, but enjoyable, as it gave her the opportunity to “collaborate with other teachers” and “see some of the students [she] had for Spanish three.” 

The constant changes, however, made it difficult for students to find stability in the classroom (especially in a class described by many as more challenging than AP Spanish). Sailee Charlu (CW ‘27) mentioned, “It was very chaotic in the first semester because we had four teachers. …The progress that we made was hindered because we would have to keep changing our teachers.”

Spring semester, Juan Lopez was finally introduced as the long-term substitute. Lopez immediately had a positive effect on the classroom environment. His classroom doors were always open to those in need of clarification, support, a compassionate listener or even a Pop-Tart. While the guidance of the OCSA Spanish teachers and other substitutes during the first semester was greatly appreciated, it was never permanent. His arrival was the stability that students needed. 

Brayden Bittel (IA ‘26) stated that Lopez “made [students] feel very comfortable learning, speaking, and making mistakes in Spanish.” Bittel further added that Lopez “created a community in the classroom.” Annika Petras (IA ‘25) shared similar sentiments: “I think that he just brought a sense of fun and excitement to the class while still ensuring that we have the resources to succeed.” Lopez supported his students academically and emotionally, a quality that most students wish for in their teachers. Petras also recounted connecting with Lopez as they “bonded over being Lana Del Rey fans.”

Lopez’s impact wasn’t exclusive to students. Spanish three and AP Spanish teacher Katelyn Wu, whose classroom was just across the hall, described Lopez as “a very positive presence.” Wu “really enjoyed having him as [her] neighbor.”

While his time at OCSA was short-lived, Lopez’s role in the Spanish four honors class was transformative. After a chaotic first semester, the stability and sense of community he brought to the classroom were exactly what students needed.