I moved to Nogales, Arizona after participating in a cultural program, offered by Indiana University, in which I learned and studied about the Mexican-American culture. Since then, I became a middle school educator who has taught in the Nogales Unified School District for the past eleven years. Currently, I teach 7th and 8th grade mathematics and a NASA Math class at Wade Carpenter Middle Academy. The NASA Math class allows students to make relevant connections to mathematics, science and technology as they relate to space exploration. This program allows students to participate in activities that focus on mathematics, engineering, and science skills.
Students prepare project and compete in statewide competitions.
These programs have greatly influenced my goals as an educator. These learning opportunities have inspired me to share my knowledge, information and resources regarding NASA and space exploration not only with my students but also with my community. In an effort to do so, I have become a Co-Team leader of the Challenger Center s Window on the Universe Program. This is a sustainable community-wide science program that will promote and excite the community about science and space exploration. As an educator, one of my goals is to excite individuals about learning.