Spanish teacher Maria Fiuza has been teaching at Kinnelon High School for 11 years. This year, she has finally been recognized for her dedication and passion for teaching.

Fiuza demonstrates not only teaching skills but also an amazing ability to connect with and support the students around her. Sophomore Emilia Villegas shares, “Sra. Fiuza really cares about your learning and not just getting the curriculum over; she cares that you understand it.” 

Fiuza’s understanding and commitment to her students are evident in her actions and the way she runs her classroom. She not only teaches the material, but also makes sure that every student is getting what they need for success. 

Freshman Olivia Kimberlin says, “I definitely think that she’s very supportive and so easy to get along with…she always wants to help you and make sure you’re doing well with everything.” 

Many adults would share that they feel tired, overworked, and get bored with doing the same job every day, but not Fiuza. She is extremely passionate and looks forward to each new day of work. Fuiza says, “I’m very fulfilled in doing my job, and I come to work very, very happy, and for me, my job is not, oh, it’s a job. For me, it really fulfills me. And it makes me be who I am as a teacher.”

Fiuza’s job means more than just a job to her. It is not only about teaching the material, but also about making sure each student who is struggling gets support.

Villegas said, “You feel like you can achieve anything with her support.”

A lot of hard work is put forth in the classroom by the students due to the engaging activities Fiuza creates. When students go from being able to connect things in the classroom to being able to speak Spanish in full sentences, it is a highlighted moment for her and gives her a sense of pride. 

Fiuza shares, “My favorite thing is when my students are using the target language in the classroom. And to see how well they have evolved from the beginning of the school year to the end of the school year…it warms my heart.”

Many experiences have made Fiuza the teacher she is today. One being her Spanish literature teacher in college, Dr. Levine. She played a huge role in Fiuza becoming the teacher she is today. 

Fiuza said, “She was caring, strict, tough, but very understanding with her students.”

Fiuza also shares that many other things growing up have helped to set her on the path of teaching. When she first arrived in the United States, her English was not perfect, but she did not let that set her back. She had amazing support from her teachers and lots of encouragement. 

Fiuza said, “Their words of encouragement were what inspired me to help students and become a teacher.”

Fiuza works hard to put forward the same amount of effort, encouragement, and support. 

Kimberlin said, “She takes the time to actually teach us and compare it to the language in the real world.”