Name: Alex Pina
School: Wilson Elementary School
District: Wilson School District
Principal’s Name: Maki Wojcicki
Grade(s) you teach: 8th
How many students in your class(es) this academic year: 24
How long have you been a teacher?
I have been in education for 5 years, but this is my 4th year as a Math Teacher.
What made you get into the teaching profession?
I obtained my bachelor’s degree in business management and worked in corporate America for a couple of years before not feeling fulfilled with a paycheck. I felt as if I was making a paycheck but not necessarily feeling the fulfillment in my job- it started to feel like a job more than a career. I decided to make the transition into the educational field and got encouraged by other teachers such as Mr. Sanchez to go into the classroom. Once in the classroom I have felt real fulfillment with the students as I am teaching at the same Elementary, I attended, and teaching students who are going through similar life situations as I did since I also grew up in the same neighborhoods as my students. I am not a millionaire to provide financial support to the neighborhood that supported me, but teaching my students provides the mathematical support to that same neighborhood.
Who was your most inspirational teacher & why?
One of the most inspirational teachers I have had the pleasure of working with is Ms. Maria Bracamontes from Gateway Early College High School! I was her student for 4 years in High School, and I built a strong teacher-student relationship with her because we shared very similar backgrounds- being a first-generational Hispanic from a low-income household. Ms. Bracamontes really gave me a first-person point of view of what to expect throughout my post-secondary education! She made me realize that no matter who we are, what we’ve done (or not done), what we look like, or what our current circumstances are- si se puede! And that right there is a gem I hold highly in my book of quotes.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges teachers in Arizona face right now?
In my opinion, there are several challenges for all Arizona teachers, but there is one glaring issue for Arizona’s entire educational spectrum. The biggest issue in my eyes is the initial interest of people wanting to go into the profession. We have steadily seen a decrease in educators throughout the years. I think a lot of people see it as a (potentially) low paying career, but there is a ton of fulfillment behind it all! Seeing these kids develop and mature is amazing! If I had to select one of the issues for teacher would be the financial side of things to not only get new teachers in, but retain those that love the job, but have to pay their bills.
How do these issues affect your day to day?
We see this issue all across the valley as teachers are leaving the profession and others not looking at becoming educators. At the end of the day if there are not enough teachers to fill in classrooms then it will cause the biggest stakeholders of all which are the students!
What does the $250 tax deduction for school supplies for teachers mean to you?
The $250 tax deduction for school supplies is a great way of helping teachers out with funds spent for their classrooms. However, often, teachers spend more than $250 annually on their classroom supplies. The current amount, while appreciated, does not fully reflect the actual expenses that most educators incur to create a productive and engaging learning environment for their students.
How are the expectations of becoming a teacher different from reality?
I think that our educational courses teach us everything we need to know about a specific subject (Math, ELA, Reading, etc) but it does not prepare you adequately for the actual teaching environment. The best experience possible is to be in the classroom! When I first entered a classroom, I did not know what to expect, but with due time I became a seasoned veteran and feel confident. It is different to learn and to implement in a classroom.
Why do you think teachers burn out so quickly?
Teacher’s experience burn out by not allowing themselves to take a break. Yes, a lot is asked of us as educators, but we all have to be mindful and take a break when needed. It can be any kind of coping mechanism, but just taking a moment to oneself can really change someone’s risk at burning out throughout the school year.
Do you typically feel appreciated or recognized as a teacher?
True to heart I am introverted, so I do not necessarily always share that I am an educator. I typically get the “how do you deal with kids” which is a sufficient compliment for me! But in all honesty, I do feel recognized by my students, their parents, our community, and the staff that’s in my school district. A lot of the huge corporations (for services) also provide teachers with discounts so that is also an awesome way to recognize all educators.
What “fills your cup” when you’re running on empty?
I really stay true to myself, so I like listening to music to keep myself up (I have different playlists for different emotions). I also enjoy coaching sports because I like the competitiveness I have within me.
What are some of the most thoughtful & effective ways parents & the community can show gratitude & appreciation?
I do not need any specific signs of gratitude, but it feels amazing having parents use the generic “thank you.” Thank you can go a long way and it is also a great way to get a teacher motivated when they need it! I coach, so the best thing the community can do is show up to school events to see how their students are performing.
What is your wish for your students, Arizona’s children?
My wish to all Arizona children (which includes my students) is that they recognize that they can do whatever they wish to do, and I just hope that they are focused on their future and help bolster it. It starts with that intrinsic motivation and I hope all Arizona children hold that intrinsic motivation.
What additional support or supplies do you need in your classroom & who do people contact if they want to help out?
We have several coaches available when needed. Ranging from first-year to MTSS and other Behavior coaches. We rotate an IA as well, so I feel like there is sufficient support. Supplies are always welcomed for us (teachers) ranging from markers, paper, rulers, copy paper and things of that nature!
What is/are your FAVORITE/PREFERRED…
- College/University/Alma Mater? I graduated from Grand Canyon University with my Master’s degree and from Northern Arizona University with my Bachelor’s degree.
- Color? Dark green, black, and maroon.
- Food/restaurant? Pizza
- Music/group/artist? Oldies from the 80s, and early 2000s music.
- Sport/athletics team? I enjoy soccer, though I don’t have a favorite team.
- Snack & Beverage? Iced coffee or energy drinks.
- Pastime/hobby? Reading, particularly books on personal development.
- Do you have children/pets? I have a cat and two dogs.
