When it comes to teaching, different curricula are established amongst educators. No two teachers have the same style of teaching: some are more student-centered and offer greater independence, while others take a more structured approach. 

Junior Villegas: The Hands-On Educator

Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 teacher Junior Villegas allows students to write their answers on the whiteboard, giving them the freedom to express their thoughts, helping create a more active class discussion that ensures everyone participates. This also helps the students learn from their mistakes, as after all the students write on the board, Villegas goes back and provides feedback. 

Along with his hands-on type of teaching, Villegas also keeps the classroom’s environment positive with his humor and his outgoing attitude. 

 “I like to have the students involved and for them to participate daily,” Villegas said, “Going up to the board, answering questions and checking for understanding is essential, so I can make sure they are learning and processing information.”

Lisa Tellers: The Adventurous Guide

Lisa Tellers, Advanced Placement World History, Advanced Placement Art History and College Prep World History teacher encourages her students to make the most of their time by traveling and experiencing other cultures, and shares stories from her adventures around the world. 

Tellers believes there is more to school than sitting in a chair and learning all day. She teaches history through hands-on experiences, emphasizing that the best way to understand a culture is not just to read about it, but to taste the food, listen to the music and travel there. Her classroom is even filled with souvenirs gifted from former students. 

“I found out there are actually a lot of kids who have never been outside of the country,” Tellers said.  “When you watch shows, they always make history class look super boring.” 

Tellers even hangs up lemons in her classroom for students to reminisce on past vacations. 

“I want to make the environment feel like you’re going somewhere,” Tellers said. “The lemons are from my travels to Italy: Sorrento and Capri.”

While Tellers encourages her students to soak up new experiences, she also reminds them to keep in mind the cost associated with traveling.

“I always recommend saving money,” Tellers said. “Take a year, get a job and save. There are programs out there, like exchange programs, that allow students to travel.”

By learning about different cultures, students gain a broader understanding of the world and how to communicate more effectively. 

“We need to make connections,” Tellers said. “I want my students to feel comfortable talking and making mistakes.” 

There is a whole world outside the bubble many students live in. She encourages students to step outside of their comfort zones. 

“Even if it’s just trying boba or Japanese food, there are so many cool experiences out there,” Tellers said. 

Cameron Martin: The Candy Giver

Do you ever know the answer to the question in class but just don’t feel like answering? Many students can agree on that. Cameron Martin, English 10 Honors, English 11, and Creative Writing teacher, makes sure his students never feel that way. 

By offering candy as a reward, Martin finds a strategy that ensures his students will participate in class. If no one raises their hands, he reminds students they will receive candy once it is break time or after class. Almost immediately, hands begin to shoot up, creating an interactive atmosphere. 

“My goal is first and foremost to make my classroom a place where students want to be,” Martin said.

Martin understands the fears that some students may experience blocks such as social anxiety, when it comes to speaking up in class. 

“Since I don’t think we should be grading ‘participation,’ it sometimes gets tough to inspire students to volunteer in class, particularly during tough conversations or even just reading off the board,” Martin said. “I like to use candy or snacks as incentives to elicit participation from students who may traditionally be inclined to check out.”

Martin admits this strategy does not work for everyone, but believes it is worth “the $40 of Costco bulk candy.”