Advisor’s Note: Cardinal Nation Exit Interviews are an opportunity to hear and learn from our retiring staff before they leave our campus. We thank all of our retiring staff for their service to the students, staff, district, and community over the years and wish them the best of luck in their retirement!

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Juanita Magrans has been a dedicated foreign language teacher at Mentor High School who has made a lasting impact on students through her commitment to language education and cultural understanding. Throughout her career, she has been known for creating an engaging classroom environment that encouraged students to build confidence in communication and appreciate different cultures. As she retires, her years of dedication, patience, and support for students and colleagues leave behind a meaningful legacy within the school community. Cardinal Nation had the opportunity to conduct an exit interview with Mrs. Magrans on her time here at Mentor High School and how she hopes her teaching career will lead the way for others in the educational field. 

Cardinal Nation: What initially inspired you to become a teacher, and do you think your goals were achieved?

Magrans: When I was a child I used to pretend that I was a teacher. I have always had the desire to teach children. The most inspiring part of my journey was raising 4 children of my own and teaching them to be capable, caring and good citizens.

Cardinal Nation: What has been the most rewarding part of your teaching career?

Magrans: The most rewarding part of my teaching career has been witnessing those “light bulb” moments when students truly connect with what they are learning. There is something incredibly meaningful about seeing students gain confidence as they begin to express themselves in a new language and explore a culture different from their own.

I have especially valued the respect and relationships built over time—when students not only engage with the content but also take pride in their growth. Watching them realize that they can communicate, think differently, and see the world through a broader lens has been deeply fulfilling. Building meaningful relationships with students has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career and has made this work truly special to me.

Cardinal Nation: How do you hope your students remember you?

Magrans: I hope they remember how much I cared for their learning. I challenged many students and some were as persistent to learn as I was to teach.

Cardinal Nation: What will you miss the most about teaching? 

Magrans: I will miss the students, their laughter, their silliness, and their resilience.

Cardinal Nation: How do you think education has changed since you started? 

Magrans: This is a difficult question to answer without sounding overly critical, but I think it’s important to be honest while also recognizing the positives. One thing that has not changed is that students are still thoughtful, capable, and full of potential—it continues to be a privilege to work with them.

What has changed significantly is the role of technology and the increasing pressure to keep students constantly engaged. While these shifts have brought some benefits, they have also created challenges. It can be more difficult to determine whether students are truly understanding and able to apply what they’ve learned, especially when so many tools can provide quick answers without deep thinking.

I’ve also noticed that some students have become more reliant on technology for support, which can sometimes give the impression of understanding without fully developing the skills they need to work independently. This means we have to be more thoughtful about how we use technology—making sure students still have chances to think for themselves, work through challenges, and build skills they can use on their own outside of school.

Cardinal Nation: What did you learn about teaching that you think others outside the profession need to understand about it?

Magrans: Teaching is a learning profession for the teacher! We never stop learning. Learning about people, methods to help students, relationships, how to speak to be heard, and there are always many hours outside the classroom that are put towards preparation. It’s not a nine to five job! But it’s one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had.

Cardinal Nation: What advice would you give to new teachers entering the profession?

Magrans: I always encourage new teachers to be patient and kind with themselves—this profession is a journey, and growth comes with time and experience. At the same time, it’s important to hold firm to high expectations for your students. They rise to what we believe they are capable of, and lowering those expectations does them a disservice.

I also believe our role goes far beyond delivering curriculum. We are helping students develop the skills they need to navigate life—how to think critically, how to persevere, and how to continue learning long after they leave our classrooms. When we focus on teaching students how to learn, rather than just what to learn, we better prepare them for the challenges they will face beyond school.

Cardinal Nation: What plans do you have for the future?

Magrans: I plan to go back to woodworking, crafting,  and making small projects. I want to spend more time with my husband as we need to start dating again, and spend more quality time with my youngest daughter. I also want to help my grandkids learn as much as possible. After a few months of transitioning from teaching at the high school I would like to help my homeschooling friends with learning Spanish.

Cardinal Nation: What else would you like readers to know?

Magrans: Mentor Schools has been more than just a place where I’ve worked—I have been blessed. Over the years, I’ve built relationships that I will carry with me long after I leave the classroom. My colleagues have supported me, challenged me, and inspired me in ways that have shaped not only the teacher I’ve become, but the person I am today. My students, in particular, have left a lasting mark on me—their energy, resilience, and growth are what have motivated me every day to be better.

I am especially grateful for the moments, both big and small, that reminded me why I chose this profession: the conversations, the laughter, the breakthroughs, and even the challenges that pushed me to grow. Mentor has given me so much more than professional experience—it has given me a sense of purpose, connection, and pride. I will always be thankful to have been part of this community.

On behalf of Mentor High School, thank you for all that you have done in your career to educate students on the Spanish language and culture and your dedication to the future of the next generation, and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors outside of teaching!