Bella Vista Elementary is proud to celebrate Mrs. Alma Marzan, our October SVUSD Teacher Feature of the Month! “Mrs. Marzan has quickly become a beloved member of the Bella Vista community” states Principal Brenda Bland. “Since joining the school, she has brought a breath of fresh air, inspiring students and staff alike with her dedication, warmth, and passion for education.” Mrs. Marzan joined the Bella Vista family this year as a K-6 Exceptional Student Services Resource Teacher.
Born and raised in Bautista, Philippines, Mrs. Marzan felt a calling to teach from a young age. After earning her degree in education, she spent 18 years teaching elementary students in her home country. In 2016, she completed her master’s degree, further solidifying her commitment to the field. Her passion for special education (ESS) is deeply personal—her eldest son, Aljun Jasper, is mute and deaf, which led her to focus on supporting students with special needs. Mrs. Marzan's family, including her husband and three children—Aljun Jasper, Trelito III, and Althea Mary—remain for now in the Philippines, with plans to join her here in Arizona in the future.
Although she retired from the Philippine school system, Mrs. Marzan’s desire to share her love for teaching never waned. Now, she brings that same dedication to her students at Bella Vista, working in small groups where her calm demeanor fosters a nurturing and effective learning environment.
Beyond academics, Mrs. Marzan enjoys sharing her Filipino culture with the Bella Vista family, preparing traditional dishes like lumpia for school events. Her generosity and kindness have made her a cherished figure, not only among students but also among her fellow teachers, who describe her as a source of warmth and positivity.
Her transition to life in Sierra Vista has been made smoother by the incredible support of the local community. “The love and kindness shown by Sierra Vista has been amazing,” Mrs. Marzan shares. “We were welcomed with open arms, and the donations and support from staff and community members have been humbling.”
In her spare time, while her family is still abroad, Mrs. Marzan enjoys playing chess and board games, reading, and FaceTiming with her loved ones back home. Her dedication to her students is matched by her commitment to her own family’s future—she is saving for her children’s college education in the Philippines.
In every aspect of her work and life, Mrs. Marzan exemplifies the core values of SVUSD: We Care, We Empower, and We Achieve Excellence Together. With her heartfelt teaching and commitment to student success, Mrs. Marzan continues to shine at Bella Vista, making a lasting impact on both her students and her colleagues.