Pacifica Stories

Dr. Mary Ortiz, Director of Faculty

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away. The newness of another academic year has just slightly worn off. For me, it has been a gift to join Pacifica, a school that shares the values that inspire me to give my best every day. With almost forty years in education, I wouldn’t want it any other way. 

As Director of Faculty this year, I have the privilege of supporting and developing Pacifica teachers. I set out from the start to listen and observe, to ask questions, and to be quick to appreciate the good–in short, first to be a student, then a teacher. 

In this task of guiding the teachers, I have the best colleague: Hilary Miller, the English Department Chair. From our first conversation about education and literature, punctuated with stories of school, faith, favorite authors, and books, I found in her a strong, seasoned educator and a kindred spirit. 

Together with Hilary and our Department Chairs, I have focused on integrating our newest faculty members into the Pacifica academic and professional culture over the past weeks. Through conversations and multiple classroom visits, we have strengthened and guided their work. We have guided faculty through curriculum questions and practical needs, and now we will begin leading professional development opportunities for more seasoned faculty members. This collaboration among the teachers is a mark of a vibrant school culture. The teachers love their subjects above all else. They seek to hone their craft and, in this striving, model a virtuous life. 

I have noticed a deep charity and honesty in my colleagues, a true concern and care for each other, whether it be someone asking after health issues, offering some tips on classroom management, or sharing a meal. This living faith at the core of the professional work here is the source of the joy and good humor that is palpable in the school. The students may or may not articulate it, but it is undoubtedly the source of their own joy and confidence. 

Education is always a labor of love. For students, there must be the labor of building habits, growing in patience, and learning perseverance in the face of failure or simply discouragement. For teachers, there must be love in order for the labor to be meaningful and, in the end, experienced as light. As Simone Weil writes, “Intelligence can only be led by desire. For there to be desire, there must be pleasure and joy in the work. The intelligence only grows and bears fruit in joy. The joy of learning is as indispensable in study as breathing is in running” (Reflections on the Right View of School Studies with a View to Love God.)

Thank you to Dr. Ortiz for joining our staff. Her heart for students, faculty, parents and our community is clear. She embodies our mission, is committed to our core values, and lives a life that models what it means to think and live well. It is a joy to partner with her in supporting excellence in teaching and learning at Pacifica. - Jim Knight