Teaching

GLENDORA HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. Paul Lopez, Principal

2017 Letter of Rec – Lopez

Mr. Lopez was my direct supervisor; however, I did not really get to know Mr. Lopez until he became my evaluator/observer during my second year.  He is mindful of his thoughts, direct in his statements, and prefers what can be observed over what can be implied.  He is a man of few words, but is inspirational is his messages to the teachers during meetings.  He offers encouragement and support.  We have a very professional relationship.

Mr. Lee Spengler, Assistant Principal, Master of Scheduling 

2017 Letter of Rec – Spengler

Mr. Spengler was my official evaluator/observer during my first year.  We quickly developed a solid professional working relationship.  I often went to Mr. Spengler when I had questions about the internal workings of Glendora, or needed guidance for a potentially sticky situation.  He was my “go to” Assistant Principal because he was never too busy to be my soundboard regarding new ideas about lessons, contents, or classroom management.  He always listened and offered sound advice.  I imagine he was a tremendous teacher before going into administration, certainly a teacher that would be both kind and inspiring.

 Ms. Rana El Yousef, Science Department Chair, AP Chemistry 

2017 Letter of Rec -REY

Ms. El Yousef and I had many professional conversations during department meetings, NGSS professional development, and other science allocated days.  We also had quite a few personal conversations as we shared a few similar passions outside of school – we both enjoyed the television show “The Walking Dead.”  She and I were also two of kind dressing up for Halloween.  She was always professional, kind, and had a way with her students. She observed me one time (at my request) during a Health class.  Although Health is taught very differently than my other science classes, she was able to provide me with constructive criticism that I immediately put into effect in my classes, for the better.

 Mr. Steve Crisci, 22- year veteran instructor for AP Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience; Former Science Dept. Chair (6 years); and Current Executive Director of Union 

2017 Letter of Rec – Crisci

Mr. Crisci is an amazing science mentor, especially because he had pretty much taught almost everything for the last 22 years.  The first year we collaborated regularly during our preparation periods to redesign the Geoscience curriculum to meet NGSS criteria and state standards.  We both learned a lot and exchanged many labs, ideas, and lesson plans.  He was always commenting on my seemingly endless energy.  But, he was always so supportive and just “got me.”  He knew I was driven and just stood back and let me go.  My love of learning was inspiring and my passion infectious.  He was even generous enough to help me when I added a third prep, Biology.  He kindly took time during summer to review my lesson plans, labs, and learning objectives with a keen eye and provided valuable feedback.  He retires next year and the educational field will be losing a fantastic asset.

Ms. Cristina Renderos, Instructional Aide-SPED/ASD 

2017 Letter of Rec – Renderos

Ms. Renderos has been in my CP Geoscience Period 1 class since the beginning of the academic year because she works with a student with autism who is truly the poster child for growth mindset.  He has decided, with certainty, he will go to a four year college.  So, he pursues his education with commitment and dedication.  He is truly inspiring.

I was unaware of how much Ms. Renderos noticed about my teaching methods, organization, and pedagogical style until I actually read her letter of recommendation.  She and I have a respectful, professional working relationship that rarely allows for personal conversations.  There is far too much to do and too little time to do it.  She has exhibited an enormous amount of patience in my classroom, and has always been the utmost professional with her assigned student and with the others, as well.  It has been an apparently equally rewarding relationship.

BEAUMONT HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. Mario Martinez, Veteran Biology and Earth Science Instructor

2015 Letter of Rec – MARTINEZ

Mr. Martinez was a generous and kind Biology and Earth Science teacher, with whom I shared many collaborations, lesson plans, and ideas.

 

Mr. Michael Rainville, BSTA Supervisor

2015 – Letter of Rec – RAINVILLE

Mr. Rainville had the auspicious opportunity of being my BTSA provider.  He typically taught middle school science, but was kind enough to take on being my mentor at the high school.  We often had difficulties meeting because of our different schedules, but we made it work.  He guidance was insightful and helpful.