My Story

My name is Maria Montemayor, and I teach Spanish at a private Catholic school in Tomball, TX. I began my teaching journey five years ago after a life-altering event and discovered my passion for combining creativity, organization, and planning in education. My passion for educational leadership is rooted in a desire to teach, coach, and improve the systems that support student and teacher success. While working at a Title 1 school during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw firsthand how essential technology had become in maintaining instructional continuity and meeting diverse student needs. That experience sparked a deeper interest in how technology—particularly AI—can be leveraged not just in times of crisis, but as a lasting tool for innovation and improvement in education.

 

I advocate for empowering educators to explore and embrace the full potential of educational technology—especially artificial intelligence—to transform their teaching practices. Tools like Magic School AI offer powerful solutions that can help teachers save time on planning, generate creative and personalized lesson ideas, differentiate instruction more easily, and stay organized amidst their many responsibilities. By learning what technology has to offer, educators can not only enhance their efficiency, but also focus more on what matters most: building meaningful connections with students and delivering impactful instruction. My goal is to help teachers see AI not as a replacement, but as a supportive partner in the classroom that can elevate the teaching and learning experience.

 

As a Catholic educator, I am committed to recognizing that each person is created in the image of God. Guided by Jesus as the ultimate teacher, my mission is to provide an education characterized by  holistic and relational learning, and active community involvement. Catholic education aims to develop students' intellectual, spiritual, ministerial, and integrative capacities, forming them into good citizens who enrich society with the Gospel. It is my duty to share Catholic beliefs with my students and demonstrate these beliefs through personal example, ensuring they can incorporate these values throughout their lives and live as part of the Catholic community.

 

Inspired by Pope John Paul II’s message that "Catholic education is above all a question of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others," I strive to integrate Catholic values and beliefs throughout the curriculum, supporting the spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional aspects of each child. My goal is to help my students feel valued and loved, recognizing they are children of God. Teaching them to love one another through the example of Jesus is a fundamental part of my approach, as we are all children of God.

 

Being a Catholic educator is both a responsibility and an honor, allowing me to share God’s word with young people and help them grow as children of God. I commit myself to the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and the service of humanity, striving for excellence in teaching, research, and service. My aim is to lead in the discovery, dissemination, and integration of the values, knowledge, and skills required to transform society in the spirit of the Gospels, equipping graduates with the wisdom to lead lives of meaning and purpose.

 

I believe that Catholic education should integrate faith, culture, and life in every aspect of the school community. Having my children grow up in the Catholic school system, I was impressed by how Gospel values were present in every subject and how the school community united during times of triumph and hardship. As a teacher, I strive to model Gospel values, particularly faith, community, and the dignity of the human person, ensuring all students feel welcome and respected. By honoring these values, I aim to foster an environment where students and teachers can witness together, pray together, and help each other reach their full Christian potential.