Many faculty members hold multiple positions at Mater Dei. Several teachers act as athletic coaches as well as traditional educators. These individuals are not only dedicated teachers and mentors in the classroom, they also support the students in their athletic careers. While either role can be a full-time job on its own, these educators are passionate about an array of subjects and willing to undertake extra responsibilities, while contributing to the positive and supportive Monarch community.

Many of these teacher-coaches were once student-athletes. Their experience in their areas of expertise allows them to connect with their students on a personal level. With passions in a multitude of subjects, these educators are more than ready to coach and teach at the same time. Kelly Petro, the Honors Biology Teacher and JV Lacrosse Coach, describes his initial involvement in athletics and academics. 

“I’ve been both a teacher and a coach for [two school] years,” Petro said. “When I was a student, I was always a student-athlete as well. It [has] kind of always been my schedule [and] routine. I was coaching lacrosse all throughout college, [and] I got a job teaching. I always wanted to keep doing it.”

Since these teachers and coaches are often responsible for athletic and academic programs, they have to carefully manage their priorities and plans. Whether they have to finish lesson planning or watch game footage, they enjoy the variation and unique aspects of their day. These educators have a well-planned daily schedule for the tasks they must complete.

“I try [to] take some time [to] review film [and] make sure I [create] lesson plans,” Petro said. “It’s been nice because [these jobs] are both at the same place. If we have practice before school, I’ll just go to practice from 7:30 a.m. and come straight to teaching. If it’s after school, [however], I finish teaching and go straight [to the field].”

While some teachers and coaches are teaching in the field in which they studied for their college degree, some have taken on new courses to teach. Regardless of their past experiences, their motivation is the same: providing support to students both in the classroom and in the field. Rick Martinez, the Track and Field Head Coach and College Prep Biology Teacher, describes his start as a Mater Dei teacher and coach. 

“I was in law school when I initially got hired as a coach. I love coaching so much [that] I wanted to get more involved with the students, so I decided to start teaching,” Martinez said. “Since then, it’s been 30 straight years of teaching science and also being [the] head cross country and track coach.”

As a track and field coach and biology teacher, Martinez, like many other well-rounded teachers and coaches, often has to live the so-called “double life.” Not only do these educators have to balance a variety of responsibilities, but they must manage a large group of individuals in a competitive environment. Through it all, these dedicated educators act as mentors and counselors to their student-athletes. 

“It’s very busy early on and late [over the course of my day],” Martinez said. “I get to school early and try to get my classroom set up right away. Then if I have some spare time, I’ll start to [prepare] for practice [later]. But as school ends, I’m very busy on the track with athletes and coaches. [I am] figuring out race plans and [track] meet entries.”

For many educators, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is the opportunity to build lasting connections with students. As the students continue their journey in high school and beyond, the teachers can appreciate the special moments they have experienced together as they see them walk across the graduation stage. Anna-Lisa George, the Honors English 1 Teacher and Academic Decathlon Head Coach, recalls some of her favorite moments in her two areas of expertise. 

“We have fun, quirky kids,” George said. “Everybody’s such an individual. They say the most clever, funny things. I get to grow up with them [and] get to know their families. The very first year, [when] we won regionals and went to state [was my most favorite memory]. We were even in the newspapers. I have had so many memories in practice.”

Although these educators teach a variety of subjects to student-athletes, they often have one lesson they hope to instill in all their students. Their lectures and classes are important to their students’ future careers, but these teachers believe that character and integrity have greater meaning and importance. 

“To think critically and independently, to strive for excellence, and be the best they can be [is one of the most important lessons I teach],” George said. “Overall, [do] not just settle for good enough. In everything I teach [and] in academic decathlon, there are so many life skills. Students learn how to interview for jobs. They usually are successful in every job they’ve gotten.”

From their two professional roles, these teachers have the opportunity to see a more complete picture of each student-athlete and better understand their passions and future aspirations. Being a teacher and coach may carry extra responsibilities, but the fulfillment gained is well worth it. 

“[Lacrosse] is more about fine-tuning and finding a way for them to shine, whereas biology is about finding a way to make the entire concept digestible for students,” Petro said. “[I make sure my student-athletes are successful from] just encouragement. Everyone’s amazing. [I love] how unique it is day to day. Every day is different.”

Coaches and teachers have become an integral aspect of Mater Dei. Not only do they dedicate themselves to supporting each student-athlete, but they recognize the special aspects of each student and program. Ultimately, without these educators, Mater Dei would not be the distinctive and successful high school it is today.