Señora Maria Kesel, a new Spanish teacher who joined the South Windsor School District at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, is a new addition to South Windsor High School’s Spanish department.
Señora Kesel was born in Arequipa, Peru, the second largest city in the country.
“They call it “ciudad blanca” or white city due to a volcanic white rock that’s used in many of our buildings,” Kesel said.
She came to the U.S. when she was 14 years old, right when she was about to start high school. She had to switch high schools three times. Señora Kesel’s first high school was Islip High School in Long Island, New York, for only a semester. After that, she moved to Connecticut, where she attended New Britain High School for three years, and then Middletown High School for her senior year.
“This time was most definitely a cultural shock and challenging in many ways,” Kesel said. “But, in the end, I became the person I am today, thanks to those experiences.”
After high school, Señora Kesel attended Middlesex Community College where she graduated with a degree in social services, and after that, she returned to college in Central Connecticut University, where she worked hard to earn her degree in Spanish.
In her free time, Kesel enjoys exploring the outdoors, whether it’s by going for a camping trip or just experiencing connections with natural beauty. She also appreciates spending time with her family without any interruptions from screens or technology the most.
“Last summer, we went to Burlingame State Park in Rhode Island for a few days of camping,” Kesel said. “It was my favorite. We all decided we need to go back but for longer next time.”
Before joining the South Windsor School District, Señora Kesel worked with 5th and 6th graders at West Woods Upper Elementary School in Farmington, and after that, she worked with middle and high school students in East Granby.
But there’s a reason why she’s been passionately working in the World Language Department for so long: she had an inspiration, a role model who impacted her in a beautiful way, and it showed her how she wanted to impact other kids in her life.
“Mrs. LaRosa, my language teacher at MHS, left a huge impact on me,” Kesel said. “She was the kind of teacher everyone went to. I remember she had a wall full of school photos from the many students that would share their pictures with her.”
Another captivating factor for Señora Kesel is the Spanish culture itself! She has a lot of appreciation for her beautiful heritage.
“It’s rich, beautiful and diverse,” she said. “The music, the many holidays and parties, the food, the many countries that make it up, it’s all so wonderful, colorful and full of energy.”
Señora Kesel also understands how important it is for the new generations of society to keep learning new languages. Knowing how languages are spreading all over the world, she recognizes the fact that people need to develop ways of communication with diverse populations.
“I think it’s where the world is going,” Kesel said. “Just in the US alone Spanish is becoming more mainstream than ever. Not to mention being able to connect with others on a deeper level by speaking their language and being familiar with their culture. I think everyone should experience learning a second language.”
In order to enhance this exciting experience for everyone, Señora Kesel has several ideas and goals for this year. With these goals, she hopes to attract more interest into this field and just give her students something to look forward to in their day!
“I hope to continue teaching in a way that’s engaging, inviting and fun for students,” Kesel said. “My goal is to implement more movement activities, interactive games with a little competition and the opportunity to experience the culture through music and perhaps even some food tasting!”
Kesel is enthusiastic for all of the opportunities and adventures this new journey will bring. She has really enjoyed her experience so far in South Windsor, and she expresses lots of appreciation for her welcome.
“I’ve felt so at home at SWHS,” she said. “We have a wonderful World Language department, a supportive admin and the BEST students. From the very beginning everyone I’ve come across has been absolutely wonderful.”
However, Señora Kesel is not the only one who’s delighted at her new experience: SWHS is just as delighted to accompany her along this journey and greet her as another member of our family. Several teachers around Señora Kesel’s room have expressed their pleasure at having Kesel as their new neighbor.
“She just has a really positive and happy vibe, so it’s great to see her in the morning and all throughout the day if I need a pick-me-up,” a fellow World Language teacher, Senor Ramos said. “We also teach at the same class level, and it’s cool to see her perspective when we collaborate, and it makes me a better teacher.”
“She’s lovely, very friendly and also very outgoing,” Italian teacher, Mrs. Zaccardelli teacher said. “ She’s so sweet and kind. I really enjoy having her be part of our apartment.”
Many students have also expressed their admiration for their new Spanish teacher.
“She’s really nice, and she’s also taught us a lot so far,” freshman Olivia Dziadul said. “She’s also adapting really well to our class and we play a lot of fun games.”
“She always gives us a warm smile when we enter the room,” freshman Mia Delany said. “She makes us feel so welcome and really helps lighten our moods with her kindness and engaging class. Señora’s not only a great teacher, but she’s a really nice person, as well!”
Everybody is very excited to warmly welcome a new member into the Bobcat family.
“I‘m looking forward to many years at SWHS,” Señora Kesel said. “¡Vamos Bobcats!”
