People of Nobel Algarve: Pedro Lopes

Pedro Lopes is a second-cycle Portuguese teacher who also teaches French occasionally, who has been teaching at the school since 1996 (29 years). He was a basketball coach for many years, achieving regional and national success. Pedro offers support to students, teachers, and parents to achieve their best. He enjoys what he does and knows that his work is of great value to the school community.

 

Where did you grow up, and what was it like there?

I grew up in a city called Portimão, in the Algarve, although my parents are from the north of Portugal. I had a very normal and active childhood, filled with sports activities, many trips with my parents and family - simple, yet full of joy.

 

What’s a tradition your family had while growing up that you still cherish?

Since my family is originally from the north of Portugal, almost every school holiday was dedicated to family, which meant special times – filled with fun and traditions.

 

What’s your all-time favourite book, movie, or TV show?

My favourite book, which is a Greek poem, is The Odyssey by Homer, and my favourite movie would be Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott. As for a TV show, it would have to be Friends.

 

What’s a favourite memory from your childhood?

Thinking about this is great because it reminds me I have so many to choose from. One would be my early years playing basketball. A particularly memorable one was despite playing a very tough game we went on to win a major championship. I felt immense joy, and everyone compared me to an NBA player at the time, Larry Bird!

 

How did you become interested in working in education? 

From a young age, I enjoyed helping my classmates and explaining things to them. I realised that by explaining to others, I understood things better and from a new perspective. However, I didn’t think it would shape my future! It was a brilliant teacher who inspired me and gave me the idea that teaching could become a passion.

 

Tell us about your greatest achievement 

It’s not easy to answer, but perhaps it’s growing as a person while helping others. My role as Student Coordinator has challenged me with various situations, helping me grow both personally and professionally. It has made me feel valued, which is very important to me.

 

What is your steepest learning curve?

I have learnt-and continue to learn-every day from colleagues, students, and parents. Learning how to approach everything differently yet with the same goal in mind is key to success.

 

How do you remain curious?

During my teacher training, a professor told me that “a good teacher is not made by a degree but by their essence.” I have always been curious, but I have also been fortunate to have mentors in my life who have pushed me a little further.

 

What motivates you to keep going during challenging times?

This school is like a second family to me! I care about my students and colleagues. Breaking one branch is easy, but breaking several together is much harder. This unity is what I see in my team, coupled with my own inner values instilled during my upbringing - “never give up and always do your best!”

 

Who is someone in your life who has had a significant influence on who you are today?

Without wanting to give an obvious answer, I would have to choose my mother, who raised, loved, and supported me endlessly. She is my hero, my role model, and the cornerstone of our family.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

We are all human, and perfection lies in accepting this fact. If you do your best, you cannot blame yourself for not achieving more. And if someone beside you is better, be grateful to have them by your side.

 

Nobel Algarve is a great place because…

For me, it is not just a school-it is so much more! It is a family, a place where we strive to be better, where students are more than just students-they genuinely matter. It is a place where one can truly embody what the word “teacher” means to me.

 

What would you like the community of Nobel to know about you?

I have never given much thought to this, honestly… and I am not quite sure how to answer because of my nature. But I would say I am someone who genuinely cares, even if it does not always come across. I am rather extroverted with colleagues and students, but I in my core, I am quite shy.

 

What’s something you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

I would like to understand who we can utilise artificial intelligence into our teaching, I think the students may need to teach me! At the same time, to focus on my own health and ensure my own well-being.