The goal for most teachers is to create meaningful connections with their students and teach them important skills and ideas that will hopefully help them grow as people in this rapidly changing world of ours. Mr. Arellano, or Mr. A to his students, spearheads this mindset in his class with dedication like no other.
He teaches Environmental Science, a class that focuses heavily on recent, pressing events in the world, such as global warming and climate change, and how humans play a role in such matters, whether as the cause, or the solution.
Mr. A feels immense pride in being able to show students, no matter their personal beliefs or viewpoints, these current world events happening at this moment, and the steps they can take to change them, for better or worse. Knowing the options one can take is infinitely better than staying in the dark.
Some of his senior students, such as Jayden Taut, said that his class stood out to them because of his unique teaching style. In his own words, “He’s like the cool teacher.”
Mr. A claims his experience here at Verrado is “different than anywhere I’ve ever taught.” Mr. A comes from a diverse teaching background at several different schools, all of which came with their own challenges. Coming here to educate has given him new obstacles to overcome, but he takes it in stride, and as he states himself, “I always come to work with a smile on my face.”
Mr. A’s frequent references to events from his own background helps his students see how events in the real world interact with them, and how they influence the world as well.
Or in his own words: “Hey, this is how it relates to your world.”
“I think his class has always been super laid back,” says Ava Garibay, a frequent visitor to Mr. A’s RTI sessions. “At the same time though, he teaches in conversation, not like, boring lectures. So it stays relevant.”
A common sentiment shared by all of Mr. A’s students say that his sociable nature and flexible way of teaching helped them to take in the lessons far better than other classes’ more rigid framework.
“It was really easy for his class, cause he really made sure that we understood what he was teaching,” said Carter van Driel during our interview with the other senior students of Mr. A’s.
“The content is cool, Environmental Sciences.” stated Chrisitian Wilson, another frequent visitor to Mr. A’s classroom. “I like learning about nature, and also, he’s funny, and yeah.” agreed Vanch during our interview.
And while many of his students vouch for Mr. A’s ability to teach concisely and engagingly, he says that his class isn’t terribly hard for students in the first place. “It’s a good starting point for students who want to try an AP class for the first time,” he says, and he greatly encourages all students to try it if they’re looking for a new educational experience.
With an upbeat attitude, friendly environment, and a gripping curriculum, there’s nothing to lose from Environmental Sciences.
