Before her teaching job took her across Central America and to parts of the United States, Edma Margarita Serrano worked as a tour guide at the governor’s house in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

While that job was not her dream position, Serrano noticed how much she enjoyed giving tours to students on field trips. She loved being around kids. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in social science and a masters in education from the University of Puerto Rico, Serrano changed paths and took a job teaching high school history.

Eight schools later, Serrano is teaching Spanish I and Spanish II at St. John’s.

“Teaching is my calling. It’s what I like to do and what I enjoy,” Serrano said.

At age 24, Serrano left Puerto Rico and moved to the Dominican Republic, where she taught history and Spanish for four years. She then moved to Rochester, New York, to teach Spanish and Latin for two years before moving to Miami, Florida, where she taught Latin in the summer and Spanish year round.

“I cannot pick a favorite place where I taught. Going to all those places brought different experiences and made me the teacher I am today,” Serrano said.

Serrano moved to Houston ten years ago. During her time at Carl Wunsche High School, The Woodlands Preparatory, and Tomball Junior High, she has taught all levels of Spanish, from Spanish I to Spanish IV.  

“I love teaching Spanish because I get to share a lot of culture and geography along with teaching the language,” Serrano said.

Students notice Serrano’s strong passion for teaching. She creates an easy-going and welcoming environment for anyone in her classroom.

“I love the vibrant and positive energy Ms. Serrano brings to the classroom by telling us engaging stories about all of her experiences,” freshman Mary Kempner said.