Ms. Jacqueline Recinos is no stranger to having her life turned upside down, so she always knows how to turn it right side up. As Marist’s new algebra teacher, she brings to work an active lifestyle, a love for teaching, and a story that shows the true extent of her perseverance.
Recinos was not born in the U.S., so she had to adapt to a new way of life after her family immigrated here.
“I came here from El Salvador when I was 11 years old,” says Recinos. “The hardest part was leaving my life. I had my friends, my school, I had everything, and then I had to leave it all behind.”
As a young student adjusting to a foreign environment, she struggled to keep up socially and academically.
“I was trying to get used to the new culture, the system, the new language. But then, after that, everything got better,” she says.
Over time and with support, she came to accept her newfound culture and life.
“I made a new life and new friends, and I’m a teacher now. I got to find new things that I love that I’m now doing,” Recinos says.
Despite the difficulty she faced in middle school, Recinos built an impressive academic career in her high school and college years.
“I took AP Government, AP Spanish, AP Spanish Literature, and AP Psychology in high school. I went to Saint Xavier University and did my bachelor’s in education, math education, and I also have my minor in ESL,” she says.
Math has always been something Recinos has had a passion for.
“Since I was little, out of all the subjects, math was the one I had more fun doing,” she says. “You need to find one piece that’s gonna lead to the next and you have to make them fit. So it’s kind of like doing puzzles in my head.”
Although this is Recinos’ first year teaching at Marist, the community has made a strong impression on her.
“I think the support system is great, for students and for teachers,” she says. “I get to know different students, I get to know their different backgrounds, and I get to connect with them.”
She’s also left a lasting impression on the school and its faculty.
“As a colleague, she is collaborative, approachable, and willing to contribute to team initiatives,” says Mrs. Nadine Wisniowics, the Department Chair of Mathematics. “Her openness to feedback and desire for continuous improvement reflect a growth mindset that enhances the overall culture of our department.”
Recinos has built especially strong relationships with her freshmen students and has felt a deep connection with them.
“We’re both learning as we go. Their first day was my first day, too. When they were getting lost, I was getting lost, too. So I think we are bound in that aspect,” she says.
Outside of the classroom, Recinos is both an engaged member of the community and a physically active individual who never backs away from a challenge.
“I like swimming, and I’m going to run the 10k Hot Chocolate Run. So I’ll be training for that, too,” she says.
At Marist, she has developed a passion for teaching — and she doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.
“You’re going to see me these next few years. I’ll be trying new things, and trying to get better at everything,” says Recinos.
