By: Ashlynn Martinez
As the second semester begins, students and teachers get a fresh start. With minimal changes to their schedules, students have reconnected with their teachers and classmates as they dive back into their studies. However, the AP Statistics and Math 1 classrooms were welcomed back with a significant shift. The arrival of a new teacher, Mr. Santana. Mr. Santana is a first-year teacher whose kind and funny personality is already making great impressions.
Mr. Santana brings a fresh perspective to the AP Statistics classroom. As a first-year teacher who was student-taught at Harbor High School and Shoreline Middle School for his degrees at UC Santa Cruz, he always knew that teaching was his calling. His academic experiences at UC Santa Cruz shaped the way that he teaches, which centers on making math a relatable and encouraging tool students use in their everyday lives.
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With taking over in the middle of the school year, there are several difficulties and challenges. However, Mr. Santana is doing great so far and has established his way of teaching, building on Mrs. Liu’s (previous stats teacher) foundation. When asked about his plans for the remainder of the school year, he stated, “I want to provide my students with a meaningful way of learning math through some collaborative activities”. He also said, “As a first-year teacher, I am focused on going through the growing pains of this profession and learning from both my successes and failures”.
While he is still solidifying his placement in the classroom, Mr. Santana has found a strong support system among his colleagues here at El D. “El Diamante has an amazing staff that has provided me with a support system strong enough to make me feel comfortable and confident in my teaching”. He credits his fellow teachers for helping him adjust to the demands of teaching, as well as providing a welcoming environment.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Santana is a funny and kind character, and he doesn’t just enjoy teaching. He explains that “[I] love to cook and hope that I will be able to open up my own family-style Mexican restaurant when I am done teaching” and “I absolutely adore and love my dog, Zeke”.
Mr. Santana is making a great impression and impact on his student’s academic journey. He hopes to continue the growth of their Math 1 or AP Stats knowledge. El Diamante is very lucky to have him as a new member of the Miner Family.