GGSE" What past experiences made you want to become an educator?
Angel Navarro: I have always liked to teach. In fact, my desire was to teach philosophy. I had no plans of becoming an elementary school educator. However, after working for two years in an elementary school, I became interested in becoming an educator. The interaction and working with students, staff, and parents were decisive in my decision to become an educator. My experiences are not as many as others, but they were significant to me in deciding to become an elementary school educator.
GGSE: What led you to choose the Teacher Education Program at UCSB?
Navarro:After I had decided that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, now the question was where to go. What programs are there to help me become an efficient educator? Even though I started a program before TEP, I was looking for a different preparation. I wanted a program that would allow me to practice from the beginning immersed in a classroom since I had little or no experience. That is when I heard about the TEP at UCSB. I researched and asked TEP alumni about the program. After this inquiry, I was completely sure that I wanted to attend the UCSB TEP.
GGSE: What excites you most about your future as an educator?
Navarro: What excites me the most is the possibility of helping my community and being an example for future generations to pursue their academic goals despite barriers and impediments that can stop them from succeeding. I am also excited that there is a need for more DLI educators, and I am eager to teach in both English and Spanish to future generations. I am looking forward to being in my own classroom and helping my students to succeed academically and socially.
GGSE: What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time?
Navarro:I love spending time with my family. We enjoy watching movies and playing board games (UNO, Connect 4, Monopoly, etc.). I love history and Greek philosophy. I love watching English (PL) and Spanish football (La Liga).
