The Lopezes

Falling in love with someone who shares the same passion and career is lucky, and working at the same school? Even better. Getting to see your spouse throughout the day in hallways and school events is not for everyone, but Heather and Mike Lopez would not have it any other way.

The couple has been married for 14 years, a rare pair at TPHS. Mike teaches freshman Biology and Culinary Arts, while Heather teaches AP Research, AP English Language and Cheer P.E.

In their case, the Lopezes barely see each other during school hours. They have two daughters, ages eight and 12, that need to be taken care of, so they alternate schedules, – Mike finishing before lunch and Heather starting late and working until the end of the day. Working around their teaching schedules has become second nature for them.

“We have always taught opposite schedules so we can be with our kids,” Mike said.

They both have been teaching for over 20 years, and even worked at a school together prior to TPHS. They met teaching, coincidentally, or maybe by fate, getting hired at the same time. When they are not working or spending time with their kids, the Lopezes adore traveling. Heather has been to all 50 states, with Mike accompanying her to the last few. Together they have visited nine countries.

“When I think of my favorite things we have done, most are with travel and our kids,” Heather said.

Just like their contrasting subjects of teaching, with Heather in humanities and Mike in STEM, the Lopezes are proof that opposites really do attract.

“I love how he is laid-back and always ready for adventure,” Heather said.

In contrast, Mike describes Heather as the kind of person who gets things done. Without her, he believes, there would be a lot missing in their household.

The Lopezes’ love story started and continues with what they love to do: teaching. If they had never been applying for the same job at the same time, their lives would be completely different.

by Macy Swortwood

A chance encounter on Catalina Island sparked not only the Ralls’ careers in teaching, but also their marriage.

Both Mary Ann, now a biotech and AP Biology teacher, fresh out of her studies at the University of Nebraska, and Michael, now a chemistry teacher, returning from a job in Alaska, were each drawn to Catalina Island as a place to figure out their “next step.” They found that step together as instructors at an educational program for visiting students.

“It was a fun time in life because [we were] surrounded by likeminded people that enjoyed science … and [were] ready for adventure,” Mary Ann said.

That love of adventure defined their relationship. After setting off from Catalina Island, they spent three months traveling Australia, the Cook Islands and New Zealand, forming many of their favorite memories together.

“Mrs. Rall was my dive buddy,” Michael said. “We went on a lot of really good scuba diving adventures.”

When they settled in San Diego, their memories lingered.

“The time we spent on Catalina Island teaching really resonated with us … so we gravitated toward getting our credentials in teaching,” Michael said.

While they initially taught in different districts, un-synched school breaks that no longer allowed for shared adventures spurred Michael’s move to TPHS, where Mary Ann had been teaching for four years.

“We were losing the commonality of what we [did],” he said.

Nestled toward the back of campus, in classrooms facing each other, the Ralls have shared TPHS ever since, welcoming two children along the way.

“I gaze at him from the back door,” Mary Ann joked.

“Yeah right,” Michael quipped.

While they are separated by only a few steps, their days remain fairly separate.

“We have 190 students plus … and we teach technical classes where people have questions,” Michael said, adding that their days are too “busy” to have much crossover.

However, that separation at work, especially as it relates to creating boundaries, has strengthened their relationship.

“When you work with your spouse, it’s important not to talk about work when you go home,” Michael said. “That was a rule we made early on.”

For 21 years, the balance has served them well, as they bring the same love for science and nature that they fostered on Catalina Island to the classrooms of TPHS.

by Anna Opalsky