Luis Mancilla

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher for multiple reasons. But the most valuable one was to make school easier for students. Creating new approaches and ways to solve problems. Sometimes the proper way of solving a problem is hard and introducing different ways to students can help clear the foggy visions in their head.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moment teaching happened in 2020. I had finished my bachelor, became a sub and a guest teacher for my old elementary school, in Redwood City, CA. I taught ELA, ESL, social studies. Created my own English lessons that targeted my students interests. Made learning exciting. As a ESL myself what made me very happy was seeing my 6th grade ESL students make a huge jump in their test scores. They jumped from 1st grade English level to 5th in their I-Ready test scores.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The money would go directly to my savings with intentions of purchasing a house for me/partner and my parents. This would help them feel easier to retire since benefits won’t be in their favor. If it wasn’t for their dream for a better life and working their butts off to give me my education, I wouldn’t be in my position I am now.