Idaho Knights of Columbus

03/18/2026

Why did I become a teacher?
Many of you know me from nearly 30 years working in IT. Some even remember how I began as a 'Cable Jocky", pulling Cat 5 cable, terminating and installing networks back in the "Last Century!". I helped design and install the first video conferencing technology in classrooms from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Missouri. I worked my way up from an engineer, Network Administrator, to project manager and, finally, Sr. Project Manager.
I took a brief time away to teach for 5 years (that was 15 years ago!) and obtain my Texas and Oklahoma teaching certificates. I loved teaching but, honestly, there was not enough pay to feed a family in those days.
When I was just over 60, I was laid off, there was not much interest in a man nearing 65 and, most importantly, making 6 figures. With little to no prospects, and spending my retirement savings, I reconsidered teaching. I was able to renew my teaching certificate from nearly 15 years ago from Oklahoma and transfer to Idaho. I was incredibly blessed to have a variety of offers and accepted a position to teach Middle School Science in a school of predominantly Hispanic students in Nampa School District in Nampa Idaho. The principal who hired me offered me the position saying "You will enjoy working here more than any other place!" She was absolutely right, I cannot praise my school enough for the team I work with, the Administration who support me, the parents, and, of course, the kids I teach!
I don’t just lecture; I view the classroom as a space where I have the opportunity to learn alongside my students. I believe that when we have fun teaching and learning together, the educational experience becomes more meaningful for everyone involved.
My most rewarding experiences occur when I see a student "light up" upon realizing their own intelligence. I strive to create an environment where students move past self-doubt and begin to recognize their true potential.
Teaching in a school with predominantly Hispanic students, I make it a priority to:
- Encourage my students to be proud of who they are.
- Instill a deep sense of pride in their heritage.
- Teach them the critical skill of backing up their beliefs and opinions with evidence and confidence.
I have a new team now. Please support me by voting, and coming back to vote each day until I have the opportunity to welcome Bill Nye The Science Guy to my school's Gym and present me as "America's Favorite Teacher"!
Is Jose Arroyo America's Favorite Teacher?
https://americasfavteacher.org/2026/jose-arroyo

Is Jose Arroyo America's Favorite Teacher?

I have fun teaching and learning and hope my students do too. I love the opportunity to learn with my students!

03/17/2026

Voting is open for America's Favorite Teacher: please consider voting for me.

I've been a Knight for over 45 years and have been proud to serve as District Deputy, Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, State Pro-Life director, and many more. After nearly 30 years in technology, culminating in my role as Sr. Project Manager, I made a life culminating move into teaching last year. I currently teach Middle School science in Nampa and it is a ministry I love.
I ask you to vote for me as America's Favorite Teacher and keep coming back over the next 9 days to vote again.

Vivat Jesus!
José Arroyo
Council 899
Faithful Navigator
Assembly 181

https://americasfavteacher.org/2026/jose-arroyo

06/18/2024

This fellow is a lost catholic has been for years. I am a Knight in Churchtown Ohio.
He was a good friend on my long honeymoon adventures living a yr n a half in Hawaii were I met your fellow Idahoan. I’ve tried to lead him back to the church. If y’all could share this in Idaho he may get more response and cause him to finally see the light before cancer takes him. He’s a good person if we get him back before the end we may save his soul from purgatory.

https://gofund.me/d13c86fa

05/11/2024

4th Degree Exemplification of the Hispanic Caballeros de Colon

02/13/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/UtzV8HVdfxs1AGV2/?mibextid=I6gGtw

(Photo courtesy of Sharon Christine Ellison)

01/28/2024

Do you remember where you were at 9:39 AM On January 28, 1986? I remember clearly, Karen Pinson was pregnant with Jose Arroyo and Matthew Arroyo, I heard the breaking news as I was on my way to the pharmacy to pick up something for her. These images were on the news constantly for weeks afterwards.

The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after takeoff, killing all seven crew members including teacher, Krista McAuliff. The spacecraft disintegrated 46,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 11:39 a.m. EST.

https://youtu.be/l2w3rkRM36E?si=FTXqpGBLa17M4xr2

01/26/2024

Every day that passes by convinces me all the more how ugly the world is, how much misery there is and unfortunately good people are suffering while we who have been given many graces by God have paid Him back so poorly. It’s a terrible admission which torments my brain.

Every now and then I ask myself: shall I go on trying to follow the right path? Will I have the good fortune to persevere to the end? In this tremendous clash of doubts, the Faith given to me in Baptism suggests to me with a sure voice: “By yourself you can do nothing, but if you have God as the center of your every action then, yes, you will reach the goal.”

And I would like to be able to do precisely that and to take as a maxim the saying of Saint Augustine: “Lord, our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

Unfortunately earthly friendships produce sorrow in our hearts because of the departure of those we love, but I would like for us to pledge a pact which knows no earthly boundaries nor temporal limits: union in prayer.

Bl. Pier Giorgio to his good friend Isidoro Bonini in January of 1925

11/18/2023

Coats for Kids is Today at the Boise Farmer's Market!
Coats are FREE!
Skip Girard

11/11/2023

Thirty 3rd Degree Knights advanced to the 4th Degree! Congratulations Sir Knights!

10/27/2023

The Litany of the Lost

For those of us who have lost (please add your own particular loss), – ST ANTHONY, PRAY FOR US.

Lord, have mercy. – LORD, HAVE MERCY.

Christ, have mercy. – CHRIST, HAVE MERCY.

Lord, have mercy. – LORD, HAVE MERCY.

For those of us who have lost our health,

– ST ANTHONY, PRAY FOR US. (Repeat after each line.)

For those of us who have lost our peace of mind,

For those of us who have lost our housing,

For those of us who have lost our financial security,

For those of us who have lost a loved one,

For those of us who have lost our dreams,

For those of us who have lost our talents,

For those of us who have lost our initial zeal,

For those of us who have lost our sobriety,

For those of us who have lost their faith,

For those of us who have lost our self-respect,

For those of us who have lost our perspective,

For those of us who have lost our innocence,

For those of us who have lost our independence,

For those of us who have lost peace within our families,

For those of us who have lost civil peace,

For those of us who have lost our trust in others,

For those of us who have lost our virtue,

For those of us who have lost our home,

For those of us who have lost our job,

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, – HAVE MERCY ON US.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, – HAVE MERCY ON US.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, – HAVE MERCY ON US.

Let us pray:

All loving God, You have given us in St Anthony the patron of the lost, as an intercessor of those who are in need of Your mercy. Listen to his voice as he calls out to You on our behalf, and grant those things which will help us grow in Your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.