Carlos Guillen Ramírez, a teacher at Omaha South High School, said he hopes to be remembered as someone who supported others in need with a selfless spirit.

Guillen has been teaching for about 25 years, beginning his career in 2000. He taught in Mexico for 16 years, where he instructed English 1-2 and 3-4. In August 2016, he began working at South High, where he now teaches AP Spanish Language and Culture as well as Spanish 5-6—marking nine years at the school.

Guillen said the purpose of Spanish 5-6 is to prepare students to advance to higher-level Spanish courses, including AP classes.

Before coming to South, Guillen reflected on how his teaching journey began.

He started his career in Las Margaritas, Chiapas, Mexico, where he was invited to teach English three days a week at a high school.

In 2015, Guillen learned about a teaching opportunity created through a partnership between the U.S. government and Mexico’s secretary of education. He applied and, for Nebraska’s program, interviewed at South High—in English.

“When they asked me what questions I had for them, I told them I was ready to join South,” he said.

Guillen said his educational background didn’t start in teaching. He first earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomic engineering before realizing his passion for education. Later, he earned a degree in teaching English.

“By then, I knew education was something I was interested in, and I realized I needed to prepare myself more,” he said.

Guillen went on to earn a master’s degree in education, a master’s in Spanish as a second language, and two doctorates—one in education and another in special education.

Coming to the United States had always been part of Guillen’s plan.

“When I was young, my dream was always to come to the United States,” he said.

He explained that his desire began in his teenage years through his love of basketball.

“I always had that intention—to come here—and when I had the opportunity, I took advantage of it,” he said.

Guillen said his passion for teaching was inspired by his father, who was also a teacher. He wanted to help others without expecting anything in return.

Outside the classroom, Guillen said he likes to disconnect from work and avoid bringing school matters home.

If he makes a mistake, he prefers to address it directly. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his daughter, who is in college. He also likes walking his dog, planting flowers with his wife, and exercising to take care of his health.

Guillen said he enjoys going to the gym and watching movies—both for fun and to improve his English. He watches films entirely in English with English subtitles to follow along with what’s being said.

When describing himself, Guillen said he’s an optimistic person.

He believes that life’s challenges teach people to understand their purpose and direction. Along with optimism, Guillen values loyalty, honesty, and transparency.

“I am loyal to people who are loyal to me,” he said.

As a Spanish teacher, Guillen shared his thoughts on South High’s dual-language program. He said he finds it meaningful because it preserves language through education and supports students who come with Spanish as either a second or heritage language.

Guillen said the program helps students embrace bilingualism and communicate confidently in two languages.

“I think it’s important that students value knowing how to speak two languages. Not everyone can,” he said.

Guillen also shared what he hopes students take away from his class.

He wants them to develop a positive attitude toward life and not be afraid of challenges that are part of their growth.

“If your attitude is positive, even on a cloudy day, everything will be fine,” he said. “That would be my philosophy—my way of seeing life.”