For many students here at Cathedral, Ms. El-Hayek is much more than just a teacher. She is a mentor, a motivator, and a role model. Known for her engaging lessons and supportive nature, Ms. El-Hayek has made an impact on students in and outside of the classroom.

Ms. El-Hayek grew up here in San Diego and has stayed local for high school and college. For a while, she had hoped to enter the medical field, but after COVID-19 prevented her from interning at a hospital, she discovered her passion for teaching and switched career paths, choosing to support and inspire students through education.

A little piece of Ms. El-Hayek has always known she wanted to be a teacher, but she pushed back a bit as she got older. Ms. El-Hayek says, “I’ve always liked working with students, and I decided I should just send it and try teaching. And I loved the school environment, so it was good for me.”

After completing this journey, she initially wanted to teach elementary school, but ultimately realized it was not the right fit for her. She eventually found her place at Cathedral, where Ms. El-Hayek has been teaching Algebra 1 and Geometry for 2 years now.

As a teacher, Ms. El-Hayek is known for being kind, patient, and supportive. She explains concepts clearly and helps students really understand her lessons. By creating a positive and welcoming learning environment, she helps students feel confident in their abilities and encourages them to stay engaged and motivated. Tori Bustos, a freshman taking Ms. El-Hayek’s Algebra 1 class, says, “The environment in our class really helps me focus and get my work done.”

Ms. El-Hayek doesn’t just teach students math; she teaches them that you can do anything if you try. She says, “I really hope that they realize that if they try, they can achieve anything. Like, as long as they put some effort in some way, they can figure anything out themselves.”

Her positive attitude and way of teaching really helped students progress in and out of the classroom. Kate Blankenship, a student in her Algebra 1 class, says, “ The way Ms. El-Hayek teaches really just helps me do well and progress in this class.”

In the end, Ms. El-Hayek teaches more than lessons, she helps shape confidence, purpose, and growth leaving a lasting impact on her students. Her dedication and connection with students continue to inspire confidence in her class. It is clear that Ms. El-Hayek’s influence extends far beyond the class and her lessons, shaping students not only academically but also personally.