Federico Alpizar is the new Spanish teacher. He teaches Spanish for the sixth, seventh and eighth grades in the middle school, and Spanish II in the high school.
Q: How do you like SCDS so far?
A: I think it’s a great school. I’m happy to be here, and the students are very smart.
Q: Did you teach Spanish at a school previously?
A: Yes. I taught high-school Spanish level two and level four honors most recently, and before that, middle school on the East Coast.
Q: How is Country Day different from your previous schools?
A: There’s more autonomy for teachers to do what they do best. At public schools, teachers have less of a say; we’re told what to do. That’s the biggest difference. That, and the quality of students in general.
Q: What do you look for in a good student?
A: Not only if they’re smart and can answer questions, but also they need to ask the right questions. That, and ethics, politeness and common courtesy.
Q: Why did you decide to teach?
A: Growing up bilingual has made it part of my life and has opened a lot of doors for me. And I’d like to impart that knowledge to other people.
Q: Why did you choose to come to Sacramento to teach?
A: I like the school, and the teachers and the students seem like a good tight community. They are very supportive, and as a teacher it’s important to have support because what you’re doing not only makes a difference, but it’s worth something. You have knowledge that you bring forth. Not every place that you work you feel that way.
Q: I know you’re from Costa Rica, and have lived in many places around the world. Where do you consider your home?
A: I’m still looking to find a home. I was born in Costa Rica, lived there for a while, then moved to Switzerland.
Q: How long were you in Switzerland, and what were you doing there?
A: I was there for about two years finishing my undergrad.
Q: What are some of the things you miss the most after moving to Sacramento?
A: Humidity (with a laugh), clouds and my daughter. I miss my daughter a lot.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: Soccer, cars and going to the beach.
Q: Are you a fan of auto racing? If so, what types?
A: Yes. I like endurance racing. I like World Rally, Formula 1, IndyCar and Le Mans.
Q: What three words would you say best describe yourself?
A: Fun, quiet, and “athletically smart.”
—By Allison Zhang
