"The relationships I build with students are one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Getting to know them, what they love, what they're excited about - just talking with my fourth-graders is such a joy."
A passion for engaging students in the material, and integrating a love of learning into students' lives, is a guiding philosophy in Maysa Larson's practice. "Throughout the day I like to find ways for the students to take mindful breaks to help them with going through the day. At the end of the day, I like to try to send my students home with a smile."
Maysa is a Hillsboro alumna. "I started my teaching career in Hillsboro in 2022. I have stayed here because this place, this community, and this school are still my home." Growing up, she cherished the sense of community she found in school, and was most often found helping others. "If you ask Mrs. Bisarek, she'll tell you she knew I was going to be a teacher before I did."
These days, Ms. Larson can't imagine doing anything else, and her classroom has become an extension of the community she loved as a child. "My day starts with a morning meeting with my students to build a better community in the classroom. When we go throughout the day with the different lessons, I try to find ways to make it more engaging and fun for them to learn."
Ms. Larson's history in the district and passion for education didn't mean she would be able to completely avoid the normal first-year jitters. "My first year as an educator, I was very nervous. I was worried I wouldn't know what to do in a particular situation, and afraid to make mistakes. But, when I started in the elementary, everyone was so welcoming, and it was amazing to work with people who had helped me grow as a student myself." This first year, so full of anxieties and newness, also strengthened Ms. Larson's conviction. "My first class is one that I will never forget. They were so patient with me and so sweet. Going through that first year, I knew that I had made the right choice because of the strength of relationships that I built with my students, and the joy I had watching them grow."
Maysa’s passion and professionalism are apparent to her students and colleagues, and she’s hopeful her enthusiasm for her classroom means her students go home excited to talk about their day. "If I could let families know something about me, it would be that I'm very ambitious as a teacher, that I take real pride in teaching and helping students learn. That so much has been made possible by the support that I've gotten in this district, first as a student, and later as a teacher. I love teaching, and I look forward to the future."