Welcoming New Teachers

December 4, 2020

This fall, Cretin-Derham Hall has welcomed two new teachers to the faculty.

Renato Lombardi teaches Spanish. He is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina and moved to the United States at the age of 25. He has worked in various educational settings as a Latino Family Liaison, Group Facilitator for Latino health programming, and curriculum designer for public and charter schools. He also taught language through the Community Education Program at the University of Georgia. 

He directed and taught art and cultural programs at El Colegio Charter School, Guadalupe Alternative Programs and through various artist residency programs in the United States. He is a talented multimedia artist and musician who has vast experience leading education workshops, art residencies and creating various installations.  

Lombardi is passionate about teaching language students about culture, in addition to the language itself. 

"You can learn a language, but if you don't dive in to the culture, you're missing a lot," he said. "I can bring an authentic approach."

He loves teaching about cultural celebrations, particularly the Day of the Dead. 

"It's like Halloween, but more holistic and meaningful. It connects you to the cycle of life, and brings value to being alive," he said.

Lombardi, who attended Catholic school himself, connects strongly to the values of CDH, and believes that learning a new language can go a long way towards connecting people from different backgrounds and being of service. Welcome, Renato!

Cece Spencer is teaching Spectrum, Sociology and US History. She taught both middle and high school social studies in Worcester, MA for 4 years. She most recently worked at the Massachusetts Department of Education as a History/Social Science Content Specialist.

She missed the classroom and applied at CDH when she returned to the Twin Cities, where she grew up. "I love the students," she said. "The questions they ask, the ideas they have - they always keep you on your toes!"