Spanish teacher Ms. Laura Spelman brings a wealth of experience from places all around the world to Jesuit High School Sacramento.

“I started teaching around 1995 in Chile, and I taught English for Chilean students,” Ms. Spelman said. “I had students who were as old as 90 and as young as four. I really loved teaching, so I started teaching Spanish in New York City around 1997. And then we [her family] moved to California and I taught many different other subjects when my kids were little.”

Ms. Spelman is very excited to join the faculty at Jesuit, and she appreciates the style of education presented here.

“I really enjoy single-sex education,” Ms. Spelman said. “I had been teaching co-ed education prior and it just seems like the students are more focused, dedicated, and free to participate […] it’s really nice as a language teacher to have that sort of classroom environment.”

Fellow Spanish teacher Ms. Sarah Kelso enjoys the positive energy that Ms. Spelman brings to the world language department.

“Ms. Spelman is very caring and takes time to work with her students outside of class time,” Ms. Kelso said. “She has a calming presence and a great outlook on life – I really enjoy her company.”

One of Ms. Spelman’s students, Rocco Luchetti ’26, has seen how her positivity and encouragement influences the entire Jesuit campus.

“She’s always just smiling, which gives me good energy, good attitude,” Rocco said. “I carry that into other classes and it makes me brighten up other people’s days.”

Another of Ms. Spelman’s students, Jacob Pellow ’26, enjoys Ms. Spelman’s teaching style and the learning environment she inspires. 

 “She’s very one-on-one with you, and wants the classroom to be as engaging as possible,” Jacob said. “She makes sure that you’re on task, and you don’t goof around too much. She teaches you how to be a good role model, and what to do and what not to do in the classroom.”

Ms. Spelman appreciates the welcoming atmosphere at Jesuit and is excited to continue her teaching career in this community. 

“I’ve had a blast; the boys are diligent, respectful, creative, funny,” Ms. Spelman said. “It’s been great. I’m super happy to be here and honored to have the job!”