New Spanish teacher Javier Moreno’s binational identity leaves his heart split between the Colombian national soccer team and the American national team. Away from soccer teams, he blends his Colombian heritage and new American life seamlessly in the classroom and beyond.

Moreno began his teaching career interning as a teaching assistant at the St. Louis Foreign Language School through the Amity Intern Program, which provides opportunities for participants to live in the United States, gain teaching experience, and serve as informal ambassadors for their country.

“I came to St. Louis, which was a random choice and I loved it,” said Moreno.

His interest in English budded in high school and college in Bogatá, where he grew up. He studied education with an emphasis in English at District University. Following his stint at the St. Louis Foreign Language School, he returned to Bogatá for two years as part of the program requirement that, after gaining experience in the U.S., participants serve in their home community.

Two years later, he was back in St. Louis.

“I moved to the US about seven years ago mainly just out of curiosity—curiosity that was probably cultivated in high school and in college by my English teachers,” said Moreno.

Moreno was introduced to Jesuit education when he started teaching Spanish at De Smet.

“A few years ago, I got a job there, which was really the time when I understood what being part of Jesuit education would be like,” said Moreno. “I embraced a lot of what these schools do, and it made a lot of sense to me.”

After two years at De Smet, Moreno spent a year at Arrupe Jesuit High School, a Christo Rey school in Denver.

This year, Moreno is teaching Spanish I and II to freshmen and sophomores.

“He brings experience working in Jesuit schools and a lot of good experience with different methodology that we’re pretty excited about,” said Director of Global Education and Foreign Language Department chair Rob Chura.

“He’s a very good teacher—he’s very understanding and patient with the students,” said freshman Jack Hulett, who has Moreno in the classroom and as a soccer coach. “As a coach, he’s funny, he makes us work hard, and he’s very determined.”

Moreno is also coaching C team soccer on a volunteer basis.

“I love having someone to talk to, I love having someone who knows the game and is passionate about the game, so it’s been a real pleasure working with him so far,” said Assistant Principal for Student Life and freshman soccer head coach Brock Kesterson.