At the beginning of the school year, BVH introduced a new biology teacher, Luisa Castro. Her arrival has made an impact on not only the school but mainly the science department. As she steps into her new role, Castro is sharing lots of contributions to the staff and her students. Castro is eager to inspire her students about science while also connecting with them inside and outside the classroom.
“I Graduated a few years ago, and I take great pride in Bonita […] I know the teachers I had are still very dedicated to their craft and I wanted to be a part of that team that centers students at the forefront, and I knew that BVH was going to be the school that was going to best fit me as a passionate young science educator,” Castro said.
Castro was a student at BVH, she returned because she felt the school would provide her with the support she needs. Castro’s journey as a student inspires her to support her own students in their learning. She shares her thoughts and her passion for being a teacher.
“I came from a line of educators, my grandma, my aunt, other aunts, my grandpa. They are all educators in Mexico. So I kind of knew that [I would end up being a teacher] […] When I was a student at BVH, I had a teacher that helped me gain confidence in my content knowledge,” Castro said.
Understanding the importance of how much support and inspiration they receive from their family and colleagues, as these relationships are often what help them start their journey. She hopes to help show students that they are capable of what they can do and hopes to be the teacher she once had for her students. All of the support she got helped her become who she is today including her colleagues. APES/IB ESS Teacher Jennifer Ekstein also contributes her perspective and thoughts about Castro.
“Younger newer teachers bring new energy and new insights since they have been taught with the latest research and are relatable and are current. Students can feel this energy and respond positively. New teachers are the future and we need to invest in them,” Ekstein said.
Ekstein believes that younger teachers can improve the school environment and will help make the BVH population bigger. Some students enjoy the enjoyment and energy that younger teachers have, Castro’s colleagues enjoy her being a part of BVH as well, including Biology teacher Keith Dewalt.
“She has a positive attitude, she’s a young teacher, she’s very enthusiastic. When we got older, some of us were just trying to pass time. She’s very cool, she likes the kids, she likes what she’s doing,” Dewalt said. “From my impression, [the students] like her, she gets along with the kids pretty well. She’s a good teacher. I do think she will really help improve and benefit the school,”
Castro’s enthusiasm, along with her youthful spirit, brings a positive vibe and serves as an inspiration to both students and staff. Her energetic character reflects her confidence in her ability to engage with her students.
“I’m most excited to connect with my students. I feel a lot of gratitude to be able to connect to students and offer my creativity and passion as a pipeline to seeing students succeed. I’m excited to keep connecting with kids, it’s been a great time so far. I’m also personally excited to be challenged,” Castro said.
BVH has selected a teacher who is very passionate about her job and has lots of appreciation towards those who have supported her. According to Ekstein, this emphasizes the importance of teachers connecting with students and not only caring about how they do in her class.
“Take care of yourself and give yourself the power to say ‘no’. Also take a deep breath, understand it will be a huge learning curve and that’s okay,” Ekstein said. “Please appreciate your teachers. For some this is their second career,”
Following Ekstein’s advice to take care of ourselves and value our teachers, she encourages us to reflect on our learning journeys. Similarly, Castro emphasizes the importance of viewing students beyond their grades.
“I see them more than just, can you pass a test? Can you turn in this assignment? I see you as a human first, as an individual first. Again like a young developing person that needs to be heard first emotionally for them to be successful academically,” Castro said.
