It’s one thing to teach students a subject, but it’s another thing to show students a way to love the subject. That’s what Janalene Phillips does best. As a Spanish teacher, she does more than teach the language, but shows students some of the culture. 

Phillips is originally from Fajardo, Puerto Rico. After spending her whole life there, she moved to America in 1996. Her sister lived in America while she was in Puerto Rico. When her sister’s daughter was born, she moved in with her sister and her brother-in-law to help with the baby.

She came here to Bishop Kenny in 2005. She felt right at home at Kenny when looking for a job, and she knew it was the right fit for her first teaching job.

“I think what I love most about Kenny is that it feels more like a family than a home,” Phillips said.

Phillips loves teaching and helping kids learn the language, but she also thrives in good relationships with all of her students. Any student that has her loves her, and her favorite thing about teaching is, in fact, her students. She is able to connect with students effectively and be a great teacher, while at the same time giving everybody an understanding and love for her culture.