#WomensHistoryMonth Spotlight Pick: Sr. Isabel Lopez de Dicastillo

Article by: Samantha Mejia, Marketing & Public Relations Specialist

Meet Sr. Isabel Lopez de Dicastillo, part of the Sisters of Immaculate Conception. Sr. Isabel spent all her life teaching and loved every moment of it – even witnessing 3 generations of students enter her classroom. She spent six years teaching in Madrid, Spain and spent the rest of her service teaching in Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Clovis and St. Joachim's Catholic School, Madera.  

Sr. Isabel taught 1st - 2nd graders and always saw the goodness in the children. Her teaching was guided through her unconditional love for the students and God. She believes that you can help a child in many ways with love and positivity. She had met many children who thought of themselves negatively and believed that they could not be a good student. However, she helped transform these students and gave them confidence.  

“It’s as simple as saying, ‘Oh, you are doing so good. I like your writing. I like the way you are,’” Sr. Isabel explained. 

Her teaching left a remarkable impact on her students that she receives letters of gratitude and certifications of their educational accomplishments.  

Sr. Isabel says that she is fortunate that the children loved her, but it was because it is reciprocated.  

She also has a love for art and brings that passion to the classroom. At the beginning of each month, the classroom would be newly decorated. She explained how the students would get excited because the classroom was so colorful and bright. Sr. Isabel created a comfortable environment for her students which they can see and feel.  

“Everything that you do... if you do with love and care, that child will grow,” Sr. Isabel states. 

Sr. Isabel looks back on her journey and could not believe that she managed 35 students while going to California State University, Fresno to get her teaching credentials (her education did not count once leaving Spain) and taking painting classes.  

She was always happy with teaching and believes that it makes a difference. Sr. Isabel is currently helping at St Joachim's Catholic School, Madera for Holy Communion and Reconciliation classes after retiring.