Santa Fe Standard

Bryan Cruz, a bilingual first-grade teacher at Ramirez Thomas Elementary, shared his unique journey and experiences within the Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS). Cruz's path into education took a different turn compared to most, as he shifted from pursuing an engineering degree to embracing a career in teaching, influenced by his family's background in education.

Reflecting on his decision, Cruz expressed gratitude towards his family, stating, "My family is full of educators, and they’ve supported me since day one." This familial influence led him to SFPS, where he found his niche at Ramirez Thomas Elementary, teaching English Language Learner (ELL) students in both English and Spanish.

Cruz emphasized the significance of his role, highlighting that teaching a bilingual class goes beyond knowledge transfer. He stated, "Teaching a first-grade bilingual class is not just about imparting knowledge, it is about fostering curiosity, diversity and nurturing a love of learning in two languages spoken." He added, "I believe my job as a bilingual educator is to keep that heritage with the students."

Recognizing the importance of language preservation, Cruz shared touching moments where parents expressed gratitude for maintaining their children's home language and culture. He recounted, "Parents and grandparents come to me and thank me for teaching them in their home language because they felt like they were losing that with their child. It’s very emotional to see them build their language again."

In addition to his passion for teaching, Cruz praised the collaborative environment fostered by SFPS, citing it as one of the aspects he values most about working in the district. He appreciated the support from school leadership, mentioning his former and current principals as sources of inspiration and guidance.

As Cruz reflected on his journey, he acknowledged the growth and sense of belonging he found in SFPS and Santa Fe, stating, "While his journey was unique, Cruz found the place he belongs at SFPS and in Santa Fe." This sentiment encapsulates his dedication to his students and the community he serves.

The commitment and passion exhibited by educators like Bryan Cruz exemplify the unique teaching experiences nurtured within SFPS, where language, culture, and collaboration converge to create enriching educational environments.