With ten years of experience under her belt, Garza teaches Intro to Computing, Graphic Design, and Principles of Audio/Video in both dual-credit and high school courses. She has been working at Jimmy Carter since 2014, when she first started teaching at La Joya, and has come to love her experience as a teacher here. “I find it […]
Posted inProfiles, Community, Culture, Staff Profile, Education
Thania Robles: The Adventures of Teaching
Thania Robles is a dedicated teacher at JCECHS. She completed her education at Lamar University and UTRGV, and Robles is known for her commitment to her students.
Before stepping into the classroom as an educator, Robles pursued her academic goals with vigor.
“I got my bachelor’s at Lamar University and later on got my masters at UTRGV,” Robles said.
Robles was driven to education by wanting to effect change in her community.
“I saw a need for better educators and education in the RGV, and I wanted to be a part of it,” she said.
Her passion for teaching stems from a lifelong ambition to advance educational standards and positively impact her community.
“Yes, because I wanted to help grow the field of education and help my community,” Robles said.
Despite the rewards, Robles acknowledges the profession’s challenges, particularly in engaging students.
“The apathy from students and to get them to care for their education,” she said, highlighting the motivational hurdles she faces.
Reflecting on her career, Robles has occasionally pondered other professional avenues but remains satisfied with her decision to pursue teaching.
“Sometimes I would think maybe I would be better in a different field, but no, I don’t regret coming into teaching,” she said.
Posted inEducation
Embracing Destiny: From Unplanned Paths to Passion
Embracing Destiny: From Unplanned Paths to Passion
Destiny often leads us down unexpected paths, shaping our lives in ways we never imagined. For Ms. Bagsalud, teaching was not a career she had dreamed of pursuing. Instead, it was destiny that guided her into the profession she now passionately embraces.
“Becoming a teacher was not my dream. However, destiny has its own designs that turn the wheels of life. I decided that being a strong force to help mold the young generation to make this world a better place motivated me to become an educator.”
Ms. Bangsalud serves as an inclusion teacher for grades 9-12, primarily focusing on core area classes. Yet, her true passion lies in collaborating with fellow educators and empowering her students by providing them with the tools they need to thrive as individuals.
“[I] enjoy working with exceptional teachers in equipping the students to become empowered, responsible individuals and great citizens within their worlds.”
In Ms. Bangsalud’s classroom, her teaching style and philosophy can be captured in the following quote: “I accept and allow students to challenge my ideas and hopefully empower them to create a just and democratic world for themselves.”
Teaching is often challenging, particularly when it comes to fostering student engagement in the classroom. But despite these obstacles, Ms. Bangs stands out. How does she do it? Through collaborative efforts with her students, she not only builds their academic skills but also nurtures their confidence.
“My students and I work together to build our skills and confidence as learners. Over the years, I have had the privilege of learning alongside students the value of justice, resilience, and confidence to take on life challenges.”
Despite the challenges of teaching, there are moments that stand out as precious memories. For Ms. Bangsalud, one moment holds a special place in her heart:
“Making a difference in the lives of young people, modeling values, skills, and ethics they need as they embark on their journey to the workplace and become people that will continue to build a better world.”
Posted inSchool Pride, Education, Community
A Passion for Teaching
A Passion for Teaching
Angel Castillo, the current ninth-grade mathematics teacher, continues his second year at Jimmy Carter Early College High School. While mathematics may challenge some students, Castillo has successfully led another class through the appropriate curriculum.
This is Castillo’s fivCastillo’steaching, before which he was a part of the Education Preparation Program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Castillo has taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade mathematics. Above all his qualifications, Castillo has a sincere passion for teaching students in need.
“My education” background consists of graduating from Texas A&M University-Kingsville,” Castillo said.” “With both a B “bachelor of interdisciplinary studies and a Master of Science in Educational Administration.”
Castillo’s s “Castillo’s Carter is coming to a close, but he has made a difference through his work as a teacher,. Education guided him, and now he educates others.
“I recall working with a specific student and teaching that student how to factor a trinomial,” Castillo said. “The look of “understanding and the sigh of relief that the student had was something that I hold close to my heart.”
Mathematics “is unfortunately notorious for repelling some students. With terms like “math anxiety” and “Castillo’s t, “Castillo’s are made with the main focus on his students.
“Mathematics i” is often taught in isolation from its real-world applications,” Castillo said.” “One way to solve this problem is to try and incorporate real-world problems.”
As seen in c “Competent Educators, Castillo’s insCastillo’stemmed from making a positive impact on others. His passion began early on while he was still a student.
“I was inspired” to be a teacher because of an 8-year-old student I had in TAMUK,” Castillo Sai”. “I knew that t “aching was what I wanted to do.”
Castillo’s teaching and the dedication of Carter’s students create a wonderful balance and are the most rewarding experiences for Castillo.
“Teaching is a “very rewarding profession, and I wouldn’t change wouldn’t the world,” Castillo. “M” students c” ose to come to this school to get a head start on their higher education learning.”
Carter’s students will surely benefit from teachers like Castillo. Ultimately, success is up to the students.
Posted inEducation
Passion Ignited: Journeying Through the Joys of Teaching
Passion Ignited: Journeying Through the Joys of Teaching
As Teachers’ Appreciation Week approaches, Red Gold News is shining spotlights on all of our amazing teachers.
One such teacher is Mrs. Charles, who has been teaching Biology DE since the beginning of Jimmy Carter Early College High School (JCECH).
A job that seemed small at first but ended up being way more than just a casual decision to try it out.
Ms. Charles’s journey to becoming a teacher began with a simple thought: ‘Why not.’ This led her on an exciting path filled with unexpected twists and turns. Join us as we explore how she discovered her passion for teaching and the moments that shaped her decision to pursue this rewarding career.
“I landed in this career because of a scholarship I had,” Ms. Charles said. “This scholarship paid for four years of college. I was a Biology major in college and wanted to ultimately become a Pharmacist. When I was in my 3rd year at school, I already qualified to graduate, but my counselor told me I would be giving up a year and a half of my scholarship. She suggested that I take the Secondary Certification Program with the Education Department. So I figured, why not.”
Knowing that she needed to take the PCAT to pursue a career as a pharmacist, Ms. Charles made the decision to become a teacher while simultaneously preparing for the exam. “Once I scored high enough, I would apply to pharmacy schools. So, being a teacher, it just kind of happened to me. I completed my teaching courses and my student teaching at Idea and graduated on May 15th, 2010. I took my PPR and Life Science content Teacher exams and passed both on the first try.”
After deciding to pursue teaching, Ms. Charles eagerly applied to four different school districts and eagerly waited for an interview response. Then, one day, she received a call from Mrs. Sepulveda, the first principal at Jimmy Carter Early College High School (JCECH). This phone call marked a turning point in Ms. Charles’s career.
“I applied to jobs and got a call from Mrs. Sepulveda when I was at work to come in for an interview. I left to have my interview, and I remember she showed me my classroom, which is the room I’m currently in today. After the interview, she recommended me for the job, and I was approved by the board. I loved the vision that she had for the school and the whole goal of being an Early College HS. At that time, I didn’t know of any other campus that was an ECHS in the valley, so I was excited to be a part of it.”
Ms. Charles is among some teachers at Carter who started their careers at the first early college in the valley, paving the way for a generation of college-ready students.
“I have been teaching as long as Jimmy Carter ECHS has been open (14 years), but that first year, the school was called College Transition Academy. During that first year of opening our doors to the first graduating class of 2014, we worked diligently to apply to be an Early College High School.”
Ms. Charles became so enthusiastic about this new opportunity that she decided not to take her PCAT, as she had fallen in love with JCECH.
“Needless to say, I never attempted the PCAT because I loved what I did and didn’t feel the need to explore that initial career goal.”
But, teaching is far from a breeze; with each new generation of students, educators face fresh techniques and obstacles to overcome. Despite the challenges of teaching in different environments every year, Mrs. Charles remains committed to creating a supportive and encouraging environment for her students.
“…what truly makes teaching special for me is the opportunity to connect with my students on a personal level. Building these relationships not only enhances their learning journey but also makes my own experience as an educator incredibly enjoyable.”
However, teaching ultimately has its perks, whether it’s the cherished memories being made along the way or the joy of witnessing students like Jimmy Carter grow throughout the years.
“A memorable moment would probably be when we were recognized as a Blue Ribbon Campus in 2018. To this day, none of the Early College HS in our district has gotten that. In the past eight years, the first-generation requirement has been removed, and our school has taken in all students wanting to join us and become RedWolf. The student body that we had then and that we have now is almost the same. What we offer them is an environment in which to grow and excel.”
Posted inStaff Profile, Education, Profiles, Community, Culture
Passion Ignited: Journeying Through the Joys of Teaching
Written by: MaryJane E. and Janet G.
Since its inception, Felicia Charles has been an integral part of Jimmy Carter Early College High School (JCECHS), teaching dual enrollment biology. Her unexpected journey into teaching began with a simple thought: “Why not?”
Initially, on a path to becoming a pharmacist, Charles was advised by her counselor to enroll in the Secondary Certification Program with the Education Department.
“I landed in this career because of a scholarship I had,” she said. “This scholarship paid for four years of college. When I was in my 3rd year, I already qualified to graduate, but my counselor told me I would give up most of my scholarship.”
Though she planned to take the PCAT exam, Charles fell in love with teaching instead.
“I loved the superintendent’s vision for the school,” she said. “At that time, I didn’t know of any other campus that was an ECHS in the valley, so I was excited to be part of it.”
Charles has grown alongside JCECHS.
“I have been teaching as long as Jimmy Carter ECHS has been open (14 years),” she said. “During that first year of opening our doors to the first graduating class of 2014, we worked diligently to apply to be an Early College High School.”
Her enthusiasm led her to abandon the PCAT.
“Needless to say, I never attempted the PCAT because I loved what I did and didn’t feel the need to explore that initial career goal.”
Despite the challenges of adapting to new environments annually, Charles remains committed to creating a supportive classroom environment.
“What truly makes teaching special for me is the opportunity to connect with my students on a personal level,” she said. “Building these relationships not only enhances their learning journey but also makes my own experience as an educator incredibly enjoyable.”
Her unyielding dedication to her students and her positive personality embody the essence of a great teacher. As we approach Teachers’ Appreciation Week, it’s a fitting time to honor Ms. Charles and all dedicated educators for their unwavering commitment to shaping future generations.
Posted inEducation
Biology 1407 Begin Hands-On Pig Dissection Lab
Biology 1407 Begin Hands-On Pig Dissection Lab
Photo Credits: Jalynn Guajardo
Posted inEducation
Biology 1407 Students Dive into Pig Dissection
Biology 1407 Students Dive into Pig Dissection
Posted inEducation, Community, Culture, Graduation, Carter Update
RedWolves Celebrate Unseen Heroes with ‘Mi éxito, su orgullo’ Stoles at Graduation(Bulk 1) Orgullo – 19
In a heartfelt inaugural ceremony, Jimmy Carter Early College High School introduced the “Mi éxito, su orgullo” tradition during their Senior Awards Assembly on April 25.
The program, translating to “My Success, Your Pride,” is designed to recognize and honor the significant figures who have contributed to the success of graduating students. At the celebratory event, mentors, family members, and friends who played a pivotal role in the academic and personal achievements of each student were presented with a commemorative RedWolves stole.
“These stoles are a symbol of the tireless support, guidance, and belief that these individuals have bestowed upon our students,” said the principal of JCECHS. “It’s a tangible acknowledgment of their indispensable contributions to shaping the future of our graduates.”
The stole, bearing the school’s RedWolves mascot, is not only a mark of distinction for the graduates but also serves as a gesture of gratitude towards those who have supported them behind the scenes throughout their high school journey.
As the senior class prepares for graduation, this new tradition adds a layer of community celebration to the ceremony, fostering a spirit of collective accomplishment and shared pride.
The “Mi éxito, su orgullo” program is set to become an annual tradition at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, ensuring that each graduation is not just a moment of personal triumph but also a celebration of communal effort and support.