Beyond the Lesson Plan: 23 Years of Patience, Innovation, and Heart with Teacher Mardoqueo

When we think about early childhood literacy, we often focus on the mechanics. The phonics, the books, the test scores. But when you ask a veteran teacher about his decades of classroom experience, you quickly realize that true learning is built on something much deeper: trust, patience, and unwavering dedication.

Mardoqueo Pérez has spent the last 23 years serving the community of Aldea Buena Vista in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. As a third-grade teacher at the Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta (EORM), Teacher Mardoqueo has spent more than two decades blending his twin passions for educational technology and strengths-based character development.

Through his partnership with GLXi’s Open Books, Open Minds program, Teacher Mardoqueo continues to push the boundaries of what a rural classroom can achieve. We recently sat down to talk with this veteran educator about his unique teaching philosophy, his daily realities, and the profound rewards of guiding Guatemala’s next generation of leaders.

Q: We often talk about "lightbulb moments" in reading, but you recently experienced a different kind of breakthrough with a student named Cesia. Can you share that story?

Teacher Mardoqueo: Yes, Cesia recently experienced a very meaningful moment in her learning journey. More than understanding a particular word or concept, she discovered the importance of patience in the teaching and learning process.

One day, she came to me and told me that the previous year she had struggled to understand several lessons. Whenever she asked for help, she was simply told to do more exercises in order to learn. This year, however, she feels that her teacher takes the time to explain the lessons patiently and makes sure she truly understands them. Her words deeply touched me. She told me that she had never understood why people say, "Everything can be solved with a teacher's patience," but now she understands exactly what that means through her own experience. Hearing those words was one of the most rewarding moments of my teaching career.

Q: Infrastructural challenges are a daily reality in rural schools. How did you handle a recent unexpected hurdle during a science lesson?

Teacher Mardoqueo: A few days ago, I had planned a lesson using a video about the Solar System, which I was projecting on a television that I had obtained for the school through a resource management effort several years ago. However, while the students were watching the video, the electricity suddenly went out and did not return for the rest of the school day.

Rather than interrupt the lesson, I quickly adapted my plans. I remembered that I had a book covering the same topic, so we completed a shared reading activity, taking turns reading different sections. Throughout the lesson, the students answered questions, wrote a summary, and finished by drawing the Solar System. Despite the unexpected power outage, the students remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout the activity.

Q: Literacy is critical, but your classroom is also known for being incredibly fun and hands-on. What is the secret to keeping your third-graders so engaged?

Teacher Mardoqueo: My students enjoy having me as their teacher because, in addition to learning, we often do hands-on activities related to our readings. Sometimes we prepare simple snacks together, such as ceviche, tostadas, chéveres, or recipes made with corn curls ("ricitos"). These activities make learning more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.

One day we were reading a text about how to prepare a baguette. During the discussion, one of my students, Carlos David, smiled and said: "We like being in Mr. Mardoqueo's class because we get to learn, play, and eat... especially eat!" His comment made the entire class laugh and became one of those unforgettable classroom moments.

Q: Beyond the structured lesson plans, how do you see your students taking ownership of their own learning?

Teacher Mardoqueo: I see it both in classroom peer support and out on the playground. During a recent lesson using GLXi materials, one student, Josué, was having difficulty understanding a word in the text. His classmate, Juan Diego, noticed his struggle and kindly began explaining the meaning using simple words, speaking calmly and patiently. Watching students naturally help one another with kindness and respect was truly rewarding.

Another example: One of my students often brings the card game UNO to school. Before they started a game one day, I overheard him telling his friends: "Do you see why reading is important? If we don't know how to read, we won't understand the game's instructions." Hearing those words reminded me that my students are applying what they learn in the classroom to their everyday lives.

Q: You are incredibly passionate about integrating technology into rural education. What tools are your students using today?

Teacher Mardoqueo: Technology is one of my greatest passions. Over the years, I have worked hard to obtain resources for my school, including a television, speakers, and bookshelves, all with the goal of creating a richer learning environment. Today, my third-grade students use the EXPLORAX application as well as Ango and Rahel, a digital library containing more than 40 educational applications that operate through a local network. These resources provide students with engaging, innovative, and meaningful learning experiences that align with Guatemala's National Curriculum.

Q: After 23 years of service, what continues to fuel your dedication to teaching?

Teacher Mardoqueo: Every day, my greatest reward is seeing my students happy, motivated, and actively participating in the activities I prepare with dedication, care, and love. It is incredibly fulfilling to watch them grow not only academically but also as individuals. One of my greatest achievements has been helping them develop values such as punctuality, responsibility, respect, and a willingness to serve and help others.

If God grants me many more years, I will continue serving with the same passion because teaching is not simply my profession—it is the calling that has guided my life since I was a child. GLXi continually inspires me to keep learning, innovating, and giving my very best for the education and well-being of my students.

When you Sponsor a GLXi teacher, you are helping us reach the farthest corners of Guatemala with quality teacher training, books, supplies, and research-based curriculum enhancements. We could not do this work without you, and we are grateful for your continued support.