Elementary Education Professor Spotlight: Juan Freire

Kamora Johnson

McKay Student Ambassador

Physical Education

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Meet Juan Freire, one of the faculty members preparing future elementary educators in the McKay School of Education. Originally from Spain, Professor Freire brings years of classroom experience, a passion for serving all students, and a deep commitment to Christ-centered teaching. We talked with him to learn more about his journey into education, what inspires him, and the advice he has for future teachers.

Tell us a little about yourself and what you teach.

"My name is Juan Freire. I was born and raised in Spain. After serving my mission in Barcelona, Spain, I received my bachelor’s degree in Teacher Education and my master’s degree in Social Pedagogy from universities in Spain. I worked as an elementary education teacher in Spain for four years and taught as a Spanish dual language immersion teacher for three years in Salt Lake City."

Professor Freire mainly teaches EL ED 200: Introduction to Elementary Education and TML 450: Family School & Community Partnerships, one of the courses in the TEAML (TESOL K–12) minor, "which everybody should pursue!"

Was there a specific moment when you knew you wanted to become an educator?

"I decided I wanted to become an educator when I started my student teaching. I really enjoyed spending time in the classroom with all the smart, funny, and silly kiddos." Although he initially pursued elementary education as a pathway to graduate school, his plans evolved. "The reason I pursued Elementary Education is because I needed a bachelor’s to do a master’s in School Counseling. Although in the end I switched to Social Pedagogy, which in Spain is like Social Work but with an education focus."

Who has been one of the biggest influences on your teaching philosophy?

"Perhaps the biggest influence in my teaching philosophy is Paulo Freire. We share names but we’re not related." He appreciates Paulo Freire's emphasis on serving others. "I like his focus on 'forgotten' or marginalized communities, helping them understand how different institutions influence their vulnerable situation, and what they can do about it."

What makes teaching young children so rewarding?

For Professor Freire, the answer is simple. "I think teaching young children is so rewarding because they are like the Savior, which is why He commanded us that we should be like them. Yes, sometimes they can have their things here and there, but in general they’re amazing at loving and forgiving. They’re the best!" And if there's one thing he wishes more people understood about the profession? "It's a real job!"

What has been one of the most rewarding moments of your teaching career?

One memory stands out. "I really enjoyed spending time with children and families. A couple of years ago I had a reunion with my 2nd grade students and their parents and it was very satisfying to meet with them again."

How do you help future teachers live the mission and aims of BYU in their own classrooms?

Professor Freire encourages his students to rely on both professional preparation and spiritual guidance. "I like emphasizing the importance of praying to become a better educator, that we have the right to receive revelation to understand how to meet the needs of our students, and that each child deserves to be loved as children of God no matter how they do academically or how they behave."

What qualities make an exceptional elementary teacher?

"I would say that the qualities that make an exceptional elementary teacher are a strong understanding of theories, content, classroom management, instructional methodologies, and equity issues, and of course, practicing Christlike attributes."

If every future teacher could leave your class remembering just one thing, what would you want it to be?

Professor Freire hopes his students will carry one message into every classroom they enter:

"Teach and be committed in a Christlike manner to ALL students, which includes immigrant students, undocumented students, students learning English, students with special education needs, low-income students, students who misbehave, students whose parents are unresponsive, etc."

What advice would you give students who are preparing to become teachers?

"Take the TEAML minor. It'll help you be better prepared to teach multilingual learners, but also all students in general."

Learn more about the TEAML Minor here!

What encouragement would you give someone who's wondering if teaching is the right path for them?

"Spend time in a classroom and interact with children."

Sometimes, the best way to know if teaching is right for you is to experience it firsthand. As Professor Freire's journey shows, meaningful experiences with students can shape not only your career but also your perspective on what it means to love, serve, and teach like the Savior.

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