Teacher bestie profile: Ms. Mendoza and Ms. Franco

All photos from Ms. Franco and Ms. Mendoza

When asked who the most inseparable duo is, both staff and students will always name these two teachers. Those who’ve taken, or heard of, the Spanish teachers here at ERHS know the adorable duo: Ms. Mendoza and Ms. Franco. When Mendoza first started working at ERHS, she felt like she didn’t have the support a new teacher should’ve had, so when Ms. Franco began her job at ERHS, Ms. Mendoza welcomed her with open arms. The two grew a great bond as Mendoza always lent a helping hand to Franco while she began settling into the new job— Mendoza adds, “we also supported each other personally as BFF’s do.” 

Franco has always viewed Mendoza as “very approachable,” and willing to always go above and beyond when helping out. She feels that she can always ask Ms. Mendoza questions and she'll respond with understanding and support. They’re like each other’s opposite halves: Ms. Mendoza calls herself a “social bug” while Ms. Franco states how she’s more reserved. However, after 20 years they say the ice has broken and they’re both equally as social with each other. They recall how in mornings at the main office Franco would say, “I’ll see you upstairs,” because Mendoza would always be “waving hello and goodbye to everyone like she’s in a parade.” 

“We just clicked” - Ms. Mendoza

You’ve probably often seen them during lunch or walking together; however, their friendship doesn’t just stay on campus. Their bond transcends their classrooms as they both are always involved in each other's families as well; they say that they both share the same values and traditions which enhance their friendship even more. Events like both of their children’s birthday parties— their most memorable being one of their daughter’s quinceanera— and even bonding at special student’s big days are always favorite memories amongst the two. Graduated students have always invited the two to their graduation dinners or even their weddings; Ms. Franco and Ms. Mendoza have such an impact on students that they always want the two teachers to be a part of their lives. 

A hilarious anecdote about an off campus adventure was on their trip to Lake Tahoe. Ms. Mendoza recalled that on their walks through the dark forest she would ask things like, “what if a bear comes out,” and “this reminds me of a zombie movie…”  Ms. Franco would immediately reply with a plethora of no’s, as many would.

Along with events out of school, they also seem to accompany each other to all the ERHS related shenanigans. Mendoza recalls going to the DP retreat last year with Ms. Franco, and subsequently, Ms. Franco mentions the countless times they’ve arrived together at PD Tuesday meetings and conferences. It seems that the only difference between the two is their opinions on the many assemblies. While Mendoza loves learning– even after a long day– Ms. Franco would much rather relax. This could be seen as another example of how opposites attract. The best duos even themselves out, and here is no exception. 

Although they both adore teaching, something they’ve been thinking about recently is opening a business; specifically, a small coffee shop! They’d want to sell something easy to make; obviously various types of coffee, but also, Ms. Mendoza mentioned selling some breakfast burritos. Ms. Franco added that they could even do a Salvadorian twist to the food items as well. It’s not set in stone yet, but let’s just say, the name of this soon-to-be coffee shop is definitely in the works, so be on the lookout!