World Languages

Dr. Martin Canizales Cobos

Spanish II P and Spanish III and IV

"I am an immigrant Spanish teacher, and physician. I have been teaching for six years and building my curriculum based on The California Standards for World Languages. I am a social and environmental justice advocate. I believe that education is the way to promote change.

I like to provide my students my experience, education, and knowledge, but a permanent disposition for learning. I want to consolidate my leadership skills to be an example for my students. Additionally, I want to contribute to making them the new leaders who can provide a better future for our communities.

Language is a powerful tool, and learning a new language on communication, culture, and connections provides students a global perspective to be citizens of the world. "

Ghislaine Géry

"I emigrated from France to the United States in 1979. I have been in education my entire adult life. I
Joined HUSD in 2016 where I began teaching French at Mt Eden High School.
Teaching young adults gives me great joy and satisfaction. I love to share, not only the language with my
students, I also enjoy teaching French culture, such as French cooking, creating puppet shows and
singing songs to bring the language to life. We have fun learning. All of the French students at Mt Eden
will finish the 2, 3, or 4-year program able to read French like a native.
This ability to use French easily is essential for communication to any Francophile around the world.
Twenty-nine countries around the world use French as an official language. Twenty-two of the 29
countries are in Africa. In addition, there are 88 different states and countries around the world with
significant French-speaking populations.
The world language department at Mt Eden provides a strong support and I am proud, as the French
teacher, to be a part of the department."

Karen Horvath

Spanish for Spanish Speakers I and II and AP Spanish

Paul Maciel

Spanish 1P 3P and Spanish Speakers I

"My name is Mr. Maciel and I teach Spanish as a foreign language at Mt. Eden High School. I have been teaching for about eighteen years. I have a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley and in Spanish Philology from California State Hayward. I also received my California State Teaching Credential from Cal State Hayward.

Nevertheless, if you have any questions or need to speak with me, please send me a request via email to pmaciel@husd.k12.ca.us . Please allow for at least a 72hr response time. 

Me llamo Sr. Maciel y enseño Español en el colegio secundario de Mt. Eden. Llevo dieciocho años como maestro. Tengo un bachillerato en Sociología de la Universidad de California , Berkeley y un bachillerato de Filología hispánica de la Universidad Estatal de Hayward. También, recibí mi Certificado de Docencia del estado de California en la Universidad Estatal de Hayward.

Sin embargo, en cuanto usted tenga alguna pregunta o necesite hablar conmigo, tenga la bondad de mandarme un correo electrónico a pmaciel@husd.k12.ca.us ."

Benita Pérez

Spanish I P

“'Si Se Puede' Cesar Chavez
It Is Possible
Benita Perez is a leader. The oldest and only female in her family. Also the first to go to college at UC
Riverside. She got her B.A in Sociology and is currently in a credential program with a Masters in Equity.
She is still in the never-ending pursuit of knowledge. She loves learning, loves teenagers and continues
to remind herself that she was one, herself. She loves reading and languages. Currently, she teaches
Spanish 1."

Randy Seifert

Japanese Instructor

"A Pillar of Japanese Language Education at Mt. Eden High School

For 27 years, Randy Seifert has been a dedicated and influential figure at Mt. Eden High School, shaping the lives of countless students through his passion for Japanese language and culture. He established the school's first Japanese program in 1998, stepping in as the conclusion of the German program, and has since cultivated a thriving learning environment.

Mr. Seifert's journey to becoming a Japanese educator is as unique as it is inspiring. Growing up in Michigan, he enjoyed a childhood filled with outdoor activities, including horseback riding, swimming, hunting, canoeing, and fishing. His path took an unexpected turn when he joined the U.S. Navy for six years, a period that included a pivotal assignment in Japan. It was there that he first encountered the Japanese language and culture, igniting a lifelong fascination. Despite having no prior language learning experience, he immersed himself in the language, practicing his burgeoning vocabulary and phrases with locals, embracing the inevitable mistakes and the friendly laughter that followed. This experience instilled in him the importance of perseverance and the joy of cultural exchange. During his time in the Navy, he also discovered his love for teaching, often instructing new sailors on the latest technical equipment, a role he relished.

After his naval service, Mr. Seifert pursued his academic interests at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, earning a Bachelor's degree in Asian Studies and History. He furthered his immersion in Japanese culture by teaching English in Northern Japan for several years. He then returned to the University of Michigan to earn his Master's in Education. Later, he pursued a second Master's degree in Japanese and obtained his California Clear Credential in Japanese and Social Science from San Francisco State University, solidifying his expertise and commitment to education.

Joining the Mt. Eden staff in 1998, Mr. Seifert has been a consistent source of knowledge and inspiration. His dedication to his students extends beyond the classroom, as he fosters a deep appreciation for Japanese culture through engaging lessons and extracurricular activities, such as, the Mt. Eden - Sado Exchange Program and student trips to Japan every other year.

Outside of school, Mr. Seifert is a voracious reader, exploring diverse subjects ranging from technical manuals to philosophy and literature. He enjoys gardening, practicing Aikido, home remodeling, and spending quality time with his wife, Tracy Phillips, a fellow teacher at Mt. Eden, and their dog, Daphne."