During his semester-long sabbatical last year, Mr. Montoya had the opportunity to disconnect, refresh, and gain new perspectives both personally and professionally. Every ten years, Belmont Hill teachers are granted half a year off, which Mr. Montoya used to explore the world and reconnect with family.
“I did a lot of traveling,” Mr. Montoya shared. He focused on further immersing himself in different cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries to directly benefit his teaching. It is essential to stay up to date on evolving culture in order to effectively teach a modern language. “Things change,” he articulated, “and that’s part of teaching a language.”
His adventures included a week in the Dominican Republic with friends, time in Florida, and an extended three-week stay in Spain visiting his mother. Mr. Montoya also led a school trip to Costa Rica with 25 students during March break. “It was very enjoyable,” he noted, reflecting on both his personal travels and the time spent guiding students.
Beyond travel, Mr. Montoya embraced new personal interests, such as learning the sport of Padel, a racket sport played with four walls that feels like a mix of squash and tennis, popular in Spain and Argentina. He played the sport in Spain, the Dominican Republic, and even at a newly opened facility in Hyde Park, Boston.
Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Montoya emphasized the importance of taking a step back from his usual routine. “Rejuvenation would definitely be my number one answer,” he said when asked about the most rewarding part of his time off.
The Panel welcomes back Mr. Montoya and congratulates him on achieving 300 coaching wins with the Varsity Soccer Team, a monumental achievement that represents only part of the profound impact he has had on the Belmont Hill community.
