Maria García began her maternity leave in December, causing a need for her temporary replacement. She teaches Spanish 3, Spanish 4 and AP Spanish Language and Culture.
David Sánchez has taken over for her.
Sánchez has been working at Baruch for a year already, but solely as a school aide.
“I was always doing the attendance and locking the bathrooms, you know everyone’s favorite thing to witness,” he said.
Sánchez was prepared to continue this life as a school aid, however, he knew the school needed him elsewhere. Before García’s maternity leave, he began co-teaching her Spanish classes with her.
Before he was led to Baruch, Sánchez worked as a school aide at a high school in Brooklyn, but didn’t fully connect with the school community in the way he had hoped. Oftentimes, many students lacked the same respect for staff that the Baruch community has become accustomed to. Feeling lost in that role, Sánchez found an application for Baruch College Campus High School online and became a Baruchian.
Despite only being at the school for a year, students say Sánchez has already made a profound impact on them.
“He’s chill and lets us work at our own pace while still keeping us on task,” said senior Ella Orbach, who takes AP Spanish.
Possibly due to his young age, Sánchez has been praised for his ability to relate to students. Orbach said “we can just talk as if he’s another kid.”
Garcia is set to come back to Baruch in June, meaning that despite all the fun he has had at Baruch, Sánchez will be forced to move on. He is not unprepared for this, however, as his preferred subject to teach isn’t actually Spanish. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in biology at Hunter College, working towards his future goal of becoming a Living Environment teacher.
Though he will be leaving soon, Sánchez said he greatly appreciates the community in numerous ways. He has always felt welcome and supported as one of the younger members of Baruch staff. He would love to continue teaching at Baruch if an opening appeared, but if not this school, Sánchez hopes to find another school community that is just as accepting.
