Maria del Rocio Diaz
Director, McKinney Campus
Maria (“Rocio”) was born in Bogota, Colombia, and holds a degree in graphic design from Centro de Diseño Taller Cinco. After moving to the U.S., she discovered Spanish Schoolhouse and began her SSH career as a teacher in 2005. Rocio has led the McKinney school as the director since 2012.
Rocio has always had a special connection with children and says that working in the Spanish Schoolhouse environment has been the perfect experience. She believes the most effective method of teaching is to encourage children’s natural interest in exploration and discovery of new things, creating a lifelong love of learning. Because of the changing world we live in, Rocio feels that knowing the Spanish language and understanding the Hispanic culture is a gift that can help to develop even more skills throughout a person’s life. Her goal is to create a comfortable and warm environment where students can play, learn and be happy.
Q & A with Rocio
What is your personal teaching philosophy?
I believe that our first role as educators is to create an environment where children feel safe and cared for. Then we fill it with learning experiences that awaken their curiosity, imagination, and creativity. In that setting, we are able to guide and encourage them to learn at their highest potential.
What are your goals as the leader of the school?
My primary goal is to provide the best possible learning experience for our students through our excellent curriculum and our energetic and caring staff. I also really value the cultural sharing and warm, encouraging environment of our school. I strive every day to make sure these standards are upheld.
What is your favorite event of the school year and why?
My favorite events are the twice-yearly shows because we have the chance to show the parents the progress their children are making, as well as share our culture with them. The students grow in confidence as they learn both the Spanish songs and dances. It is a celebration of all of their accomplishments!