CUSD 50 Staff Spotlight: Natacha Pinilla Rebolledo, 3rd Grade Spanish Dual Language Teacher at Crosby
"I grew up in Concepción, a city in the south of Chile. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Universidad de las Américas in Santiago, and my Master’s degree in Teaching Technologies from Universidad de Concepción."
"My journey into education did not follow a traditional path. For many years, I was a mother and worked in a completely different field. Through those experiences, I learned the true value of patience, empathy, resilience, and love. When my youngest daughter turned five, I made the decision to return to university, guided by a dream that had quietly grown within me. Today, I am in my seventh year of teaching and my second year in Harvard. I returned to this profession with the mind set that teaching is far more than delivering content; it is about guiding, understanding, and transforming lives. I am inspired by the desire to contribute from lived experience, to integrate technology as a bridge to meaningful learning, and to foster growth through empathy, care, and emotion."
"I love the human connection that comes with being an educator. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing that moment when something clicks — when a student understands a concept, gains confidence, asks a deeper question, or realizes they are capable of more than they thought. Every day is dynamic and different; there is always something new to learn, a fresh perspective to consider, and almost always something to laugh about."
"What I love about Harvard is the genuine sense of community. From the very beginning, I felt how friendly and welcoming everyone is — it truly feels like a place where people care about one another.
My students are incredible; they constantly surprise me with their growth, their humor, and their resilience. Every day they remind me why I love teaching. I’m also so grateful for my partner and the entire Spanish team — they are amazing. I feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow professionally. Having access to strong resources and a collaborative environment makes such a difference. It’s a place where I feel connected, supported, and proud to be part of."
"I believe spreading positivity starts with simple, genuine kindness. A warm greeting, a sincere thank you, or truly listening when someone speaks can make a bigger difference than we realize. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect, but about showing up with care and intention, especially on hard days. And just as importantly, taking care of yourself ensures that your positivity is genuine, steady, and lasting."