On Friday, March 28th, the student body and teachers of the International Diploma Programme gathered to acknowledge the retirement of math professor Denis Gutiérrez Morales, who has been a key figure in the success of the International Diploma Programme at Palmares Bilingual High School. The event included heartfelt words from teachers and students about his work, as well as thoughtful gestures from different generations, teachers, and a collection of photos — making this meaningful day one to remember.

Tribute to Professor Denis Gutiérrez in the International Baccalaureate building, José Alberto Calvo Quesada, at Palmares Bilingual High School.

Denis Gutiérrez began his career as a teacher in 1996 with the Ministry of Public Education. Beginning in the 2006–2007 school year, he led the initiative to implement the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Palmares Bilingual High School. Denis was one of the main pioneers behind this effort and was responsible for bringing the Programme to our institution. He was the first to serve as coordinator and, officially in 2008, began his role as a Diploma Programme teacher, a position he held until his retirement.

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Photo with several teachers from the Diploma Programme.

Denis has also contributed to implementing the Programme in various parts of the world. He has collaborated with countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico. In Costa Rica, he has supported many public and private schools like Puriscal High School, Cariari High School, and the Anglo American School in successfully adopting the Programme thanks to his guidance and expertise.

Picture with both generations of the Diploma Programme.

Denis mentioned that he is still coming to terms with this change in his life: “At times I feel happy, then I heavy hearted. It’s a chapter that’s ending, but life goes on.” Denis also shared his expectations moving forward, indicating that he wants to continue being involved in activities related to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, such as the authorization processes at different institutions and continuing his work as an examiner within the program. Likewise, he will take advantage of this new stage to focus on personal areas he’s wanted to dedicate more time to, such as learning about music, swimming, and focusing a bit more on sports.

Denis has stood out as a teacher thanks to his passion and interest in educating his students and improving education. For him, teaching Mathematics and helping students understand is a challenge he strives to achieve with all those who were his students. He also said: “Being a classroom teacher taught me that the best way to motivate a student is to be motivated yourself.” This means that his experience as a teacher in the Ministry of Public Education and in the Programme has helped him grow and improve both as a teacher and as a person.

His students deeply appreciate the effort and dedication he showed throughout his years of teaching. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme saw many advances in Costa Rica and in various parts of Latin America, and the Liceo Experimental Bilingüe de Palmares will remain grateful for the improvements it enjoys today thanks to the work of a teacher of international caliber, committed to his students and to the institution where he worked for more than 25 years. We hope that in this new stage, he achieves everything he sets out to do, that his passion as a person continues to grow, and that hecontinues to stand out as the admirable person he has proven to be.

Best wishes on this new path of success.

Author: Elimey Obando
Second year student of the International diploma Programme.
Translated by: Ariadna Soni L.
First-year student of the International Diploma Programme