This Hispanic Heritage Month, Davis School District is proud to highlight the work and story of Magali Cromar, a fifth grade teacher at Meadowbrook Elementary. Cromar has dedicated her entire eight-year teaching career to the school and community she calls home.
Her journey is rooted in her parents’ example. As immigrants, they made the difficult choice to leave their home country to provide greater opportunities for their children. Their resilience and sacrifice taught Cromar the importance of education.
“My parents have profoundly shaped who I am as a person and educator,” Cromar said. “They instilled in me the belief that education is a path to possibility, and it is my responsibility to pass that belief on to my students.”
Her heritage also shapes her classroom.
“Being Latina and connected to multiple cultures helps me understand the challenges and strengths my students bring with them,” she said.
“These parts of my identity drive me to create an inclusive, supportive classroom where students feel valued, capable and proud of who they are.”
Cromar didn’t initially plan on becoming a teacher.
“When I went back to college I was going to be a nurse,” she said. “During that time, my oldest son was struggling in school, and I saw firsthand how much of a difference the right teacher could make. I wanted to become the kind of teacher my son needed at that time.”
The experience of balancing schoolwork and motherhood was difficult, but Cromar credits her family with keeping her going.
“Every late night of studying after putting my kids to bed was worth it,” she said. “Although there were times when I wanted to give up, my husband and kids cheered me on every time I wanted to quit.”
Today, she uses her story to encourage others. For colleagues, she stresses the importance of authenticity. For students, she offers a message of empowerment.
“To students I would say, the best you can be is yourself,” Cromar said. “Your culture, your story and your voice are what makes you strong. Shine as your authentic self! You belong in every classroom and deserve every opportunity and every dream you set your mind to.”
Cromar stays connected to her culture by celebrating traditions with her family, speaking Spanish with parents at her school and sharing stories with her students. She said storytelling is one of the most powerful ways she helps students honor and celebrate identity.
“Storytelling in my classroom—sharing family stories, cultural experiences and having my students share theirs as well—connects us to each other by finding common ground and gives them confidence in sharing their culture,” Cromar said. “It lets them know it is something to be proud of and shared, not hidden.”
Through her teaching, Cromar hopes her students and community recognize the value of every voice, culture and story.
