Dedicated, passionate, and kindhearted are just a few words that describe Carlmont’s Spanish and science teacher, Rosa Argaluza.
Argaluza was born in Lima, Peru, and recalls a wonderful childhood full of memories with family and friends.
She said, “My father’s house was right on the beach and it was always the center of our family. All my cousins and friends were always at my house. It was a lovely way to grow up.”
Along with a love for family, Argaluza grew up surrounded by education and science.
“While other little girls would play with dolls, I would examine flowers from the garden through my microscope,” said Argaluza.
After graduating from high school as the class valedictorian, Argaluza went to the Unversidad de San Martin de Porres in Peru. She received her teaching credentials in biology, and graduated at the top of her class.
“I was so shy giving my valedictorian speech in high school, but in college I was so used to it. I now love public speaking,” said Argaluza.
After college, Argaluza was persuaded by friends and family to pursue her love for biology to write a book. To this day, Argaluza’s two books are the only of their kind in Peru.
She said, “I wrote two books explaining how to successfully teach biology at the middle school level. Even now, I see my books in use in the middle schools back in Peru. They are the only biology books for younger schools written in Spanish.”
Argaluza has lived in California for 12 years and loves teaching at Carlmont. When remembering her transition from Peru to California she said, “It was so easy for me to adapt to American culture because I already spoke English.”
One of Argaluza’s students, junior Catherine Schultz said, “She is just an all around sweet and funny teacher, and I enjoy her class very much.”
Although Argaluza began teaching as a biology teacher, she said, “It was so funny when they (the school district) asked me to teach spanish instead of biology. While it sounds silly, teaching my native language in english has been one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do.”
Another one of Argaluza’s students, junior Henry Rothenberg said, “Sra. Argaluza is a very nice and understanding teacher who does her best to help her students succeed in Spanish.”
