On top of a global pandemic, teachers have remained resilient through teaching faceless rectangles, unresponsive students, on top of many technical issues. With the start of the 2021 school year, an opportunity has opened for them to return to their natural environment: a school campus. But there’s a catch - many have had to readapt to teaching in a real classroom due to their lengthy hiatus from it.
For teachers starting at a new school, there exists one more concerning factor: their natural environment is also an unfamiliar one. Not only in terms of new surroundings, but new systems, procedures, and faces.
Luckily for teachers entering Eagle Rock High School, new isn’t a bad thing, but an opportunity for amazing experiences and connections.
Let’s welcome six new teachers to this 2021-2022 school year!
Mr. Carrano - Individuals and Societies/History
Years of teaching experience: 18 Education background: Liberal arts(Pasadena City College) Liberal Studies, Teaching Credential B.A. CSULA, Educational Leadership MA, Administrative Pre Credential, CSUDH
As a Jeep enthusiast, Mr. Carrano regularly enjoys outside adventures. He loves Hawaii and recently visited the Oahu and Maui islands. Historical sites are another one of his go-tos when considering a hiatus destination.
When it comes to career, Mr. Carrano initially pursued an elementary teaching credential. After subbing for multiple school districts, he encountered one that only ran high schools. It took one social studies class for him to know that teaching high school history was where he belonged. Combined with his love of international travel and acknowledgment of the importance of the past, he was further convinced of his decision.
As the year progresses, Mr. Carrano looks forward to watching his current students thrive in their various academic and extracurricular activities. He especially loves watching the ERHS football games and the growth of the horticulture garden.
Ms. Rincon - Spanish
Years of teaching experience: 18
Education background: Associates degree (A.A.) in social and behavioral sciences from Citrus College, B.A., bilingual credential, and 30 units of graduate-level courses (Masters) from CSULA
Ironically, Ms. Rincon discovered her love for teaching a language as a psychology major. During college, they required her to take a minor in a foreign language, upon which she chose her first language: Spanish. With a love for literature and admiration for her professor’s teaching methods, she decided to pursue the field.
As a nature enthusiast, Ms. Rincon tries to surround herself with the outdoors as often as possible. She even has a membership for Descanso gardens and enjoys visiting to appreciate its beauty.
With the start of this new school year, Ms. Rincon is looking forward to getting to know her students. She values building rapport with them. Along with students, she hopes to get closer to her fellow teacher colleagues. School events and activities are also something she’s looking forward to.
Ms. Trujillo - Horticulture
Years of teaching experience: 1st year!
Education background: Bachelor’s at UCLA in International Development Studies
Implied with the subject she teaches, Ms. Trujillo is nature’s number one fan. She enjoys the simple things from freshly picked herbs to lemons just picked from their tree.
One morning, a small tomato plant was spotted in her yard. Ms. Trujillo and her kids decided to have a taste; it was love at first bite. This would be the catalyst that would guide Ms. Trujillo into the world of edible gardening. After seeing the positive change gardening had on her kids, an interest in working with school gardens instantaneously formed.
Ms. Trujillo looks forward to seeing the transformation of the horticulture garden. As she puts it, she is “excited about seeing the garden transform to a beautiful, thriving ecosystem of flora, fauna, and fun.” As physically demanding as horticulture might be, Ms. Trujillo is excited to see her students enjoy the literal fruits of their labor.
Ms. Marquez - College and Career Counselor
Years of teaching experience: 6
Education background: Bachelor's in History & Sociology; Masters in Social Studies Education and Masters in Counseling
Ms. Marquez strives to expand her knowledge of cultures through traveling. She loves to visit UNESCO world heritage sites with her family: simply places with good energy, pulsating with a lively aura entice her. To Ms. Marquez, “different” is a good thing and an amazing opportunity to be educated on the varying, rich customs of the world.
Back when she was an educator, her students would get frequent visits from their college counselors. With their guidance, Ms. Marquez was able to see the amazing impact these counselors had on students. With this, she knew this was truly the field she belonged in as it was enjoyable and compatible with her personality. She’s been making daily long-term impacts on students’ college journeys ever since.
As the year continues, Ms. Marquez hopes to see the amazing universities/colleges each of her seniors get accepted in and commit to. She’s also looking forward to seeing all the seniors graduate and earn their diplomas.
Ms. Mitchell - Individuals and Societies/History
Years of teaching experience: 4
Education background: Graduated from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo with a BS in Graphic Communication and a Masters in Education from Azusa Pacific University.
Every year, Ms. Mitchell tries to take her and her kids on an epic road trip during summer break. She loves national parks, and once took a 28-day road trip around the country just to explore them. As a memento of every national park visit, a sizable collection of park posters can be seen ornately arranged in her classroom.
Ms. Mitchell’s love for history was always apparent. Ever since her 8th and 11th-grade teachers inspired her to explore the world from a global perspective, she’s been an avid learner of the various narratives that make up society. Reading books, visiting historical sites, and being educated on the different cultures help feed her passion.
In terms of future events, Ms. Mitchell is looking forward to seeing football games, homecoming, and the graduation of her current senior students. But generally speaking, the return to normalcy itself is motivating and exciting.
Ms. Dominguez - Art
Years of teaching experience: 14
Education background: Bachelor's in Art Education from CSUN, Master's degree from Education National University
Ms. Dominguez is fond of the outdoors. She regularly enjoys taking trips outside whether it be to walk her dog or go camping. Stargazing by the fire is her favorite outdoor activity.
Her passion for teaching sparked in third grade. Her teacher would go into various topics including recreating famous paintings, learning about different artists, and playing with different art mediums, all with passion. This inspired her to teach others how to love art just as her teacher did.
With the progression of this school year, Mrs. Dominguez is looking forward to the simple perks of teaching. Learning her students’ names and decorating her classroom are some of them. She is also thrilled to see Eagle Rock’s winter showcase.
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