Zaloa Goiri Virto, a native of Spain, now teaches chemistry in her first year at Oak Park High School.

A graduate of the University of Basque Country, in Northern Spain, Goiri taught at Santa Clarita Valley International Charter School for four years before coming to Oak Park.

“It was a big commute for me.  And at the same time, I wasn’t 100 percent happy there, so I just decided to make a change,” Goiri said.

A supportive and safe environment was something Goiri said she had been looking for in a workplace.

“My first impression is people are very supportive here,” Goiri said.  “The teachers, the rest of my peers are … just support everywhere, no matter what kind of problem you have, you have someone always helping you.”

Goiri said she was also impressed by the students.

“And then my first impression with the students, it was the same. I think the kids are nice, in general terms. The classes are very nice,” Goiri said.

Goiri said that being happy with her work was very important to her.

“I think that in life when you are not 100 percent happy with what you’re doing as your job, you need to look for something better or something that is a fit for you,” Goiri said.

Goiri doesn’t spend all her time at school, though. She said she also has many interests outside the classroom.

“I like doing outdoor activities, especially like running and hiking — a lot.  And then, any cultural activity, I love it.  Going to the movies, or reading, or going to the theatre or concerts,” Goiri said.

But Goiri said she is always up for trying something new.

“I’m okay to always do something new though, no matter what that is. I will probably enjoy it.”