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Truthfully when I reflect back on my education I am faced with an overwhelming amount of love, support, and more from all of the educators I had and I feel so lucky to have had the experience I had. So, for this post I decided to post a different teacher that created community that honored every person and who they were. I specifically remember in his class how much we learned about different celebrations from different cultures around the world, and how we then got given a holiday to study, create a report, make a food item, and bring it all to school to have a huge celebration. I remember this being so impactful for my understanding of different cultures and celebrations, and the food was so so good. Furthermore, I also remember that he was the only teacher that didn't make me additional worksheets when I finished early (I was that student), instead he gave me the opportunity to make my own choice, which was usually reading or even helping to grade papers (which I can't imagine allowing a student to do that now!), but this was impactful to me since it allowed me to grow independence and be responsible with my own choices. All in all I selected Mr.Schneider since he always went above and beyond and cirriculum book or standard, and instead was focused on our social/emotional needs and with that he created a very strong, uplifting classroom community.

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Honestly when I think of a teacher that inspired me I am fortunate enough to be able to think of quite a few. But one that is like glowing and has stars in my head saying "pick me, pick me" to talk about is Mr. Johnson. He was our new History and English teacher when I was a sophomore in high school. His class was so welcoming and you could see his passion for the subjects when he teached, which would then also have an affect on us. I had him as a teacher for two years, we grew close naturally since I would participate and ask him questions. He had an open door policy for all students, which I started taking advantage of in the early mornings before school started, and he kinda became my therapist and helped me when I was at my lowest. Anyways long story short he came to my graduation party and I still am in contact with him today. Which I appreciate and admire. He is a teacher who really cares about his students, not just in the classroom and when you graduate, but even after you graduate, he cares and checks in to make sure I am doing okay. Which is kinda a small thing to do but huge since he does not have to do that anymore.

Michaela Betbeder

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The teacher who most inspired me was my 8th grade English teacher, Ms. Martin. During that time, my family was going through a lot, and my parents were splitting up, which made that year really hard for me emotionally. School felt overwhelming at times, but Ms. Martin was always someone I felt safe going to.

I spent many of my lunches in her classroom asking for advice and support. Even though English wasn’t my favorite subject, I always enjoyed her class because of the positive and supportive environment she created. She would write me motivational quotes to help me get through the day, and that is something I will never forget.

Ms. Martin showed me that being a teacher is more than just academics. ❤️

- Bethany Vega

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I was in Ramona Elementary School in Oxnard when I met her. Mrs. Hunt my second-grade teacher was the person who inspired me. The classroom was always so warm and welcoming and she was always positive. I was always focused and on top of work in her class. There was lots of activities and field trips which I enjoyed a lot. According to my parents I would come home every day with something new to say about her. I want my teaching style to be like hers! Although I won't be able to fully be like her, I want to try my best to inspire the future generations!

Joshua Padilla

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I could write about Mr. Martin my 4th grade teacher again, but I won't. Instead, I am going to write about someone who has newly inspired me. I worried about who I would be placed with for my student teaching, which I was right to do so after hearing some of the stories my fellow classmates have had to deal with. But I lucked out. I got a CT that inspires me to push on and shows me ways to do so in way that I have only imagined. He shows that the type of teacher I want to be, can be done and done well.

Eric Armand

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Mrs. Reschke was my 5th grade teacher. I was going through a rough time where my parents were divorcing. She was such a great teacher whom thought I was beautiful inside and out even though I never felt that way growing up due to bullying and not loving myself. I performed and made it past the school's talent show auditions that year and she took me and another student to karaoke at a restraunt in the area. I felt so special and felt like she was the adult I neeeded while going through a tough time at home. I will never forget how nice of a teacher she was.

Lauren Alvarado

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Mr. Neely, my 3rd grade teacher and a military veteran, along with Mr. Greasely, my 5th grade teacher and a British man, were both big inspirations to me in terms of wanting to become a teacher.

They both were unique and did things differently than I was used to. Mr. Neely was a “no-nonsense” type of guy, yet was incredibly kind and supportive. He rewarded hard work and encouraged play. Mr. Greasely was the first teacher who’d played music during class time, which created such a safe and productive environment. He also gave us freedom of movement around the classroom, which had the same effect.

Both of these teachers inspired me, but Mr. Neely more so. I’m sad that I never got to share with Mr. Neely what an impact he had on me as I discovered that he’d recently passed away.

Jacob Cornell

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The teacher who inspired me was  Mrs. Torres. Growing up with Spanish being my first language, I struggled a lot in school, which led me to resent not only my culture but also my first language.  I could not see myself or connect with my teacher.  Until the second-grade teacher, Mrs.Torres, expressed that no matter your background or who you are, you’re able to accomplish a lot more than you think. Mrs. Torres was a DACA recipient at 25, working as a full-time teacher and attending night classes to earn her master's degree.  From that day on, Mrs. Torres made me realize how much impact teachers have on our lives, and no matter what circumstances someone faces, you can do anything you set your mind to.  I was finally able to connect with one of my teachers and realize that I wanted to be one who can leave a lasting impact as she did for me. She helped me realize that we should be proud of where we come from.

-Josefina Medel

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One of the teachers that I have been very lucky to have was my high school English teacher, Mr. Li. I had him during my sophomore year and I loved every single thing that we learned in that class. There was never a day that I wanted to miss, unlike other classes. He inspired me because he was passionate not only about the subject itself, but also for ensuring that we would succeed. He was never afraid to show real and raw emotion when teaching certain subjects and we were always encouraged to do the same as well. His passion inspired me to want to be a teacher that woke up excited everyday to teach and to always provide the best for my students. Our projects and assignments were always very hands-on which made learning more memorable for me. I still have a couple of them and they bring back fond memories. Those also inspired me to want to create projects that my future students would be engaged in and free to express themselves creatively.

- Taiya D.S. Pinto

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Miss Mackey was the type of teacher you could tell loved what she was doing- a true passion and love. She had an energy about herself that carried enormously through that class. While I was only in fourth grade- I understood she was going to be someone who changed my life. She held herself at such a high level- never treating any student like they were less- or taking away the spark that every student comes in with. Miss Mackey inspired me to teach with passion and understanding. If I can be half as amazing as she was- I think that’s in of itself is such an achievement and honor. She’s reminded me every single day that she was here to inspire and hold us up.

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One teacher who really inspired me was Mr.Post, as he introduced me to my love of reading in fourth grade. It began with Harry Potter, and he would then recommend books to me as the year went by. I hope to be a teacher who inspires students to pursue their interests and supports them as the year goes by. In high school, I had the opportunity to be in Mr. Banducci's class twice throughout my four years, and I was so glad that I had that chance. A way I wish to take on things Mr.Banducci did for me was create a classroom environment where students weren't afraid to ask questions and talk with one another. He encouraged it so that we had more conversations and viewed others opionions he is someone I aspire to be like as well, for my students, so that they always feel welcomed and safe within my classroom.

Kenya Valdez

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One of the teachers that inspired me throughout my education was my tenth grade English teacher, Mrs. Roberts. In high school I joined the yearbook class that she was the teacher for and during my time in that class I was able to work with new people and try new things. In school I was not a part of school programs that would push me out of my comfort zone, but her class had many assignments and opportunities that would push her students to do new things. She had very high expectations of her students and the work that they did, but she also made sure to provide the support that we needed to do our best. She taught us to create a structured learning space and be organized to help us during stressful deadlines and overwhelming assignments. Mrs. Roberts inspired me by being a teacher that made sure to create a learning environment where students could feel heard and supported in the classroom. She ensured that her students understood that they were capable of the work that was given to us and that we could work together to successfully accomplish new or difficult things.

Victoria Pichardo

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I feel lucky to have had amazing educators over the years that fueled my love for education. The teacher I think about the most and who is my favorite teacher is Mrs. Ocegueda. Mrs. Ocegueda was my first grade teacher. Not only did she teach me how to read and write, she taught me what empathy is and how to be a kind human being. She would always allow time for us to share with her how we were doing outside of the classroom. Mrs. Ocegueda has stayed in touch with me over the years and has been an incredible mentor over the years. She made learning fun and made to sure to keep Spanish speaking families involved in the classroom even though the elementary school at the time was English only. I look up to her to this day and wish I can one day be just like her and be my future students' "Mrs. Ocegueda".

Cassie Hernandez

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My favorite teacher was my 6th and 8th grade history teacher. He cared about the learning and progress of all students. He made class accessible for all. He was entertaining and funny, but also seriously cared and had a passion for teaching. He is one of my biggest inspirations, and I think it’s cool that I still see him from time to time whether at church or dogsitting for him sometimes. He is now a principal in Simi Valley. I liked all of my elementary school teachers, as well. They all were supportive and approachable. Looking back knowing how much they shaped who I am today, inspires me to be the best teacher I can. My family have been big supporters which I’ve used as inspiration, too. Especially, my dad since he’s in education and used to teach. Lastly, all the professors I’ve had in this program have been so helpful and the classmates I’ve gone through the program with so far are a big reason I know I’m in the right career path.

Connor

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My 6th-8th grade AVID teacher Mr. Lopez introduced me to all the opportunities the world had to offer. He was the first to introduce me to college. He was always trying to make the hard work fun, and but also knew when to be serious. He was a very special teacher! He helped me follow the path that lead me where I am today. He prepared not only me, but many of my classmates to go out there try new thibgs, learn new things, and explore many things. He prepared us for a lot of college related, real-world problems, and it truly helped many of us get to where we are today. He constantly believed in my potential even when I doubted myself. He showed me the importance of higher education and always gave the best advice. He was very encouraging, supportive, and genuinely cared for his students. He showed me how powerful a teachers impact could be and I want to impact my students lives like he impacted mine. Because of him, I am on this path to becoming a teacher so I can support, motivate, and inspire my future students the same way I was inspired!

Mia Ayala

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In the past, I’ve always talked about my Spanish teacher as the person who inspired me to become an educator, and that is still very true. However, I’ve been lucky enough to now work with a mentor teacher who has added even more fuel to that passion. Over the past few months, Maestra Morales has been an incredible role model for me. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply she cares for her students and how she consistently goes the extra mile to make teaching and learning engaging and meaningful. I’ve also seen the powerful impact of her teaching students who once struggled to read are now reading independently because of her dedication. I hope that one day I can be just as quick, knowledgeable, and passionate as she is.

Laura Cuevas

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I will always remember my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Selier for making learning fun. I vividly remember her turning her classroom into the bottom of the ocean to teach a science lesson. Now that I am in education, I realize how passionate she was. I realize how much effort it took for her to turn her class into an ocean that day. I can only imagine the amount of effort and extra work she put in so that she could make her students excited to come into her classroom. She always taught us with so much excitement and joy. She is one of the teachers who inspired me to pursue teaching. I want my future students to be excited to come into my classroom and experience meaningful lessons.

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When I get this question, immediately my mind goes to one specific teacher. Mrs. Van Oosbree was my 1st and 2nd grade teacher, and she is the one who inspired me to be a teacher. She was compassionate, kind, enthusiastic, and caring. From that young age, I was able to see what great impact teachers have on all their students. I was very shy during that time, and she helped me start learning that it is fun to be yourself. I remember waking up early, excited to go to school to be in her class. I hope to make those same memories and emotions for my future students one day.

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Mr. Hill

Mr. Hill was my 4th grade teacher who realized that I couldn't read and took time out of his break time, almost every day, to teach me to read that year. At the end of the year, Mr. Hill presented me with a book, a real chapter book, as a gift that inspired me to become an avid reader. The book was Hurry Home, Candy. I loved the book. I went into teaching because of Mr. Hill. Like him, I wanted to inspire students to become the best they can be. Above is a recent photo of my old school
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