Salena Iglesias: 'I know this is my purpose, to be here'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salena Iglesias

4th Grade Teacher

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School of the Arts

For Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School of the Arts 4th grade teacher Salena Iglesias being connected to the family, students and community is what inspired her to pursue a career in teaching.

 

“Knowing the whole student (not just academically) and understanding what makes them tick is so inspiring and I wanted to go toward that direction,” she says.

Salena is no stranger to the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. She attended Del Rey Woods Elementary School and most recently worked in the district’s Expanded Learning Opportunities program.

 

“I loved that job. Anytime I could help them (students) understand anything with their homework or project it just made me feel so excited. I felt a glow inside,” she says.

 

It was through MPUSD’s Alder Residency program that Salena came to teach. She passed up the first cohort because she was nervous, but after talking to teachers in the program she was encouraged. She was part of the 2021-2022 cohort.

 

“It was a really great way to see the dedication of teachers and see what they did for students,” says Salena.

During her residency year, Salena taught 5th grade at Ord Terrace Elementary.

 

“I adored them. They are wonderful kids. I got to know so many and see little victories and wins throughout the school year. Every time I experienced that I wanted more. It made me very excited to have my own classroom,” she says. 

When asked what the biggest part of her teaching journey is, she says, “I feel like I do so much more learning than teaching. I am constantly taking in new information and experiences and I want to pass that onto my students.”

Salena takes pride in passing on the inspiration of learning to her students by getting to know them, seeing what they are interested in, and incorporating that into the daily teaching and learning. For example, “When we are able to integrate art into their learning it makes them so excited. They are so excited to share knowledge with another student and it allows them to take a more hands-on role in their learning.”

 

Her hope for her students at the end of the year is that they feel empowered and confident in themselves to try new things and continue with a growth mindset to take risks even if they feel scared.

 

“I hope that they carry that with them because that will take you very far in life,” she says.

Salena always ends her day with a sense of contentment knowing this is where she is supposed to be.

 

“I know this is my purpose to be here. I love to teach. I love to connect with the students. I love to see when they are reaching new goals. I am just a small part of that and it makes me feel excited,” she says.

Outside of the classroom, Salena is very involved in her church through music, events, youth programs and the food pantry to help fill the needs of the community. She is instrumental in guiding the youth to help the community and gain a sense of purpose as an active member of the community.