After a short but valuable five years of irreplaceable teaching, Ms. Diana Garaitonandia says “¡Adios!” to her classroom in North Penn’s B-pod and “¡Hola” to the halls of Pennfield Middle School as her journey to an Assistant principal begins. Teaching multiple Spanish classes throughout the day (including AP Spanish) and advising the cultural SALSA Club, Garaitonandia’s passion has always been grounded in the educational field. But her hunger for something fresh and challenging has inspired her to foray into the alternate universe of administration.

Hired at Pennfield with the job title of “teacher on special assignment,” Garaitonandia’s official start date to her new occupation begins the morning of December 2nd. Although the transition from Spanish teaching into the administrative field is not all that commonplace, her  impressive credentials make the transition one that is sure to go with ease. Garaitonandia is currently studying for her Doctorate Degree in Administration in Education at Immaculata University, expecting to complete her studies by this upcoming January. She also interned a similar job two years ago as the dean of students, where she acquired the skills needed in becoming an administrator.

Pertaining to her responsibilities as a teacher on special assignment, Garaitonandia explains “[I will be] taking care of all the disciplinary actions and supervising students. I’ll be having more responsibility with the staff now which I didn’t have as much before. I’m just going to learn the job and hopefully this will put me in the position [where] in the future I can [become] an actual assistant principle.”

Her strive for change and spontaneity has coursed through her veins since the beginning of her teaching career. From tying shoes in her elementary classroom for five years, to shadowing an assistant principal, to teaching the Spanish language to teenagers, and now transitioning into her administrative exploration; Garaitonandia’s need for change has always been prominent.

“I feel like it’s that next step, it’s time for something new. I’ll still be working with students but the connection will be different. I’ll be getting to know students that might need more attention than others and I’ll still know the student body overall. I will miss my high school students, but who knows where this will take me” explains Garaitonandia.

Although she is excited for her new adventure at Pennfield Middle School, leaving her students and job at North Penn High School will be difficult, considering her passion has always been held in the teaching world.

“I’m thrilled. It’s really bitter sweet because I’m extremely excited about this new position. I already know Pennfield’s staff and students and they’re like a family to me, but at the same rate, my students are like my children so here I am tearing up. So leaving them is difficult.”

The impact of her skill set will never be forgotten as the hunt for a new AP Spanish teacher chugs on. Her departure from North Penn leaves the SALSA Club in limbo, but its future still remains bright with other foreign language teachers able to take on the challenge.