This Hispanic Heritage Month, Davis School District is proud to recognize Eloina Goff, Spanish teacher at Centennial Junior High School. For Goff, teaching is more than grammar and vocabulary — it’s about helping students discover the joy of learning.
“Watching my students grow in confidence, whether it’s speaking in Spanish for the first time, performing in class, or understanding a cultural tradition is incredibly rewarding,” Goff said. “I am their biggest cheerleader and love each one of them.”
Goff’s journey has been shaped by her parents’ example of resilience and sacrifice. She moved from Mexico to the United States at age 15, learning English while adjusting to a new culture.
“My parents worked hard all their lives and sacrificed so much to give me a better life,” she said. “Their example of resilience, determination and unconditional love shaped who I am today.”
That experience continues to influence the way she approaches her classroom.
“Being from Mexico gives me a unique perspective,” Goff said. “I know what it’s like to feel out of place in a new environment, and I want my students to feel seen and supported.”
For Goff, language is a bridge.
“I hope my work gives students confidence, not just in Spanish, but in themselves,” she said. “I want them to see language as a bridge to understanding others, to embrace diversity, and to feel prepared to step into a global world.”
Her advice to students reflects her own story:
“Be proud of where you come from and never underestimate what you can achieve,” she said. “Your challenges can become your strengths.”
