Rev. Stephen Dudek, pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Wyoming and canonical administrator of San Juan Diego Academy, is pleased to announce the hiring of Mrs. Kristina Martinez-Precious as school principal. She began her new role on Aug. 12.
Mrs. Martinez-Precious’ background includes 27 years in education, having been a teacher, administrator and principal in school districts including Grand Rapids and Muskegon. She has started and managed several Spanish/English two-way immersion schools and programs. She has also served as an assistant professor in bilingual education and English as a second language at Aquinas College for the past 22 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree with triple majors in German, French, and Spanish from Hope College and a master’s degree in education with bilingual endorsement from Aquinas College.
“Mrs. Martinez-Precious is a proven educational leader,” said Father Dudek. “Her spirituality and intercultural competence are a real blessing to our families.”
“I am delighted to lead San Juan Diego Academy because I believe that teaching and learning must include more than the development of intellectual ability,” said Mrs. Martinez-Precious. “An inspiring education includes moral guidance, social development and community service toward a higher purpose in a life of devotion and Catholic faith. Cultivating this moral compass in children guides them to make sense of the different paths along their journey, and helps them to see God in the world and in each other.”
San Juan Diego Academy serves more than 200 students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Learn more at SanJuanDiegoAcademy.com.
Mrs. Martinez-Precious was recently a guest on La Mejor, a Spanish-langauge internet radio station. See her interview at this link.