Maria Xoy

Grade/Focus: I am the 3rd grade Dual Language teacher here at Cleveland Elementary. 

How long have you been at Cleveland Elementary? This will be my 2nd year at Cleveland!

What do you love most about teaching? I have to say there are two things that I absolutely love about teaching. One, the facial expression of a student having a “Aha!” lightbulb moment. The confidence that radiates after understanding a concept is priceless. Two would be the hilarious things they say DAILY. Sometimes on my drive home I catch myself laughing as I remember the things they come up with. 

What is your favorite thing about Cleveland Elementary? I have to say that what I most admire, and that is my favorite is the sense of community in this school. I have a long list of teachers and staff that I can come to with a question, or simply a hug when I need it. 

If you weren’t a teacher, what other profession would you enjoy? I have a Communications and Media degree and there are times I think of possibly returning to radio or visual editing but I think the satisfaction of teaching is unmatched!

Do you have any pets? I have a pup named Lobo, he is 3 years old and he is my baby boy who enjoys hiking with me. 

What is your most favorite place you have visited? Why? Machu Picchu is definitely one of my favorite places to visit. It was a very humbling experience hiking the Inca trail for days and taking it all in. You feel so small yet so accomplished.

If you could have 1 superpower, what would it be? I would definitely have the power of healing. I think it would be great to restore health to the ones who fight different battles daily.

How many laps did you run in the last Red Bird Hustle? How many do you think you will run in the next one? I have to say this year was not my best… I ran only 10 laps! But rest assured I will be running more next year! 

Written Fall 2022