2026-2027 Beatriz Jiménez Ignatian
Educator of the Year Named
8/24/2026
Teresa Martinez | Director of Communications
Kathleen Mackle has been chosen by her colleagues as the fifth recipient of the prestigious Beatriz Jiménez Ignatian Educator of the Year Award. This esteemed award, named in honor of Mrs. Beatriz Jiménez, a revered figure in our community, is a testament to Kathleen’s nearly two decades of dedicated service as a faculty member.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, this year's recipient earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science degree in Education from Indiana University Bloomington. Her career in Miami began at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart as a 2nd grade teacher. In 2009, Deacon O’Malley invited her to join the Belen Jesuit faculty.
Currently in her 18th year at Belen, she plays a vital role in the Theology Department, which she has chaired for the past 11 years. Her passion is teaching 6th grade, where she has taught generations of students the Salve Regina and constantly encourages her boys to "Pray like a Champion" under the patronage of the Blessed Mother.
The award was announced during the Mass of the Holy Spirit on August 24 and presented to her by Fr. Willie García-Tuñón, S.J. ’87 and Mr. José Roca ’84. The Mass is the first of the academic year and is a tradition among Jesuit academic institutions dating back to 1548. It is a time when the community gathers to thank God for the gifts of creation and salvation and to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the coming year.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been awarded the Beatriz Jiménez Ignatian Educator of the Year Award,” said Mrs. Mackle. “I am grateful to have been acknowledged by my colleagues, but even more thankful to have the opportunity to work alongside them every day. Teaching at Belen Jesuit is a blessing. Journeying with my students as they strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ is a true gift and I am deeply grateful that He has chosen me to do this as my life’s work.”
Outside of the classroom, her contributions have had a profound impact on our school community and include:
- Co-chairing the Theology Curriculum Committee to design and implement a renewed, school-wide Theology curriculum
- Mentoring new teachers
- Sharing her faith with seniors at the Spiritual Exercises and 19th Annotation with colleagues
- Training student lectors for school masses
- Promoting student wellness by raising awareness of suicide, hazing, and childhood cancer
As dedicated an educator as she is, her proudest accomplishment has been raising her three sons into exceptional men, and her greatest joy in life is being "Mimi" to her grandchildren.
“This year’s recipient exemplifies the Magis and daily strives to do all things for the Greater Glory of God,” said José E. Roca ’84, principal. “She is a woman of deep faith, committed to Jesuit education and a source of inspiration to us all. Congratulations, Mrs. Mackle.”
The Beatriz Jiménez Ignatian Educator of the Year Award is selected annually and presented to a faculty or staff member who exemplifies the profile of an Ignatian Educator. Mrs. Jiménez served our community for 34 years as a teacher, chairperson and administrator. She was a role model for all of us and demonstrated how a faith-filled person gives the Magis for the Greater Glory of God. The award recipient serves as a guide with and for students on their formative journeys at Belen Jesuit. The Ignatian Educator engages in ongoing personal, professional and religious development to sustain a vibrant community committed to the mission of Jesuit education.
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