Teacher Feature | Introducing Alex W.
At Pacific Preparatory, we are so lucky to work with the most thoughtful and inspiring instructors, all who bring lessons to life with engaging connections to student interests and their community. This month, we are excited to celebrate Alex!
Meet Alex (he/him)! Alex holds a B.A. in Communication with a minor in American Studies from UC Davis, and an M.A. in Special Education from San Francisco State University. He also holds a Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and an Autism Spectrum Disorder Authorization. Alex has been a dedicated educator for over 21 years, teaching students with mild to moderate learning differences at The Phillips Academy, a nonpublic school in Alameda. In addition to his teaching role, he serves as a school administrator and athletic director. He has taught multiple subjects at both the elementary and middle school levels and is passionate about supporting students academically and socially. Outside of the classroom, Alex enjoys coaching basketball and softball, spending time with his two young daughters, reading, hiking, and playing golf.
When did you start teaching and why?
I started teaching in 2004, as an instructional assistant at the school formerly known as Children's Learning Center (and now The Phillips Academy, Alameda.) One reason I decided to give teaching a try was because I had always been comfortable around younger kids - I grew up the oldest of 3 children (boys), and also the oldest of my family's next generation, with all of my cousins younger than me. I had done some babysitting in high school and also worked as a camp counselor for a couple of summers, and in a ski school one year during the winter. I thought it only made sense to try out the education field, and see how it went. Now, 21 years later, here I am, still teaching!
What are your favorite subjects to teach?
My favorite subjects to teach currently are English/Language Arts, and Social Studies. When I was younger, I loved math and science more. It's interesting how one's tastes can change over time. Right now I have a great appreciation as to how literature and history can be open to different interpretations and viewpoints. In years past, I always loved how in math or science there was either a correct answer, or an incorrect one. A hypothesis could be proven (or disproven) and supported with evidence, or it could not. As I gain more and more experience, I do love the way that a great book or story can stimulate the mind and make me think deeply, about a variety of questions, ones that don't always have a clear-cut answer!
My top 3 book recommendations, for more emerging readers, are:
Holes, by Louis Sachar
The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown
What brought you to teaching with Pacific Preparatory?
I began teaching/tutoring with Pacific Preparatory when it was still called Tutor Corps, and then needed to step away following a few wonderful years tutoring, due to family obligations (my two daughters are now 8 and 6, and when they were younger I simply did not have enough hours in the week to do it all!) Returning has been a true blessing, as this is an organization that is so closely aligned with many of my own personal beliefs about education and teaching, which include: all students can learn, different students thrive in different ways, it is the responsibility of the teacher to meet the student where they are, to engage them, to accommodate, to prioritize the building of a foundation of support, trust, and care, which then allows students to feel the necessary safety that permits them to take risks with their learning.
Alex, we and your students are so lucky to have you!