Press Releases

For Immediate Release
Press Contact:
Alka Joshi
650-224-7580 cell
408-270-6413 direct
alka.joshi@evc.edu

EVC STUDENT FINDS TEACHERS DON"T ALWAYS COMPLAIN ABOUT BEING OVERWORKED AND UNDERPAID

SAN JOSE, CA – December 10, 2008 – Much to his surprise, when Christian Luna enrolled in the Math and Science Future Teacher Seminar at Evergreen Valley College, he discovered that the last thing K-12 teachers complained about was being overworked and underpaid. “Most of them loved their jobs. Those who enjoyed it most had found a style and teaching method that helped them bond with their students.” Currently a junior at San Jose State University, Luna is majoring in Biology and hopes to enter the teaching profession.

The EVC Seminar course is designed to give aspiring teachers hands-on teaching experience in elementary, middle and high schools, and a $650 scholarship funded by Symantic, Inc. upon completion. The first time he took the course, Luna assisted Gene Powell, a legendary basketball coach and Math teacher at Sylvandale Middle School. “He was known for motivating students and for being such a big influence in their lives. Former students were always stopping by to say hello to him.” Luna enjoyed that student/teacher dynamic so much, he took Part II of the course in 2007 and chose to assist his former Math teacher at Andrew Hill High School. “My most influential teachers have been in my Math and Science classes. They made class so much fun!”

When asked why he thinks Math is such an intimidating subject for both students and future teachers, he replies, “It’s a conceptual subject that requires precise skill and a lot of time and patience to explain.” But Luna stresses how gratifying it is to see students get the concept and excel in it.

“I encourage all my friends to take the Seminar, but they have this notion that the subject is really tough or that the kids are tough.” The reality is different, Luna says. Disciplinary action is handled by school authorities. And with preparation and the support of the mentor teacher, the teaching can be an extraordinary experience. “I also disliked Math as a student, and I was unsure of my abilities when I first started helping teach the courses through the EVC Seminar.” But he brushed up on the subject and found a style that felt comfortable. “You also have to have a lot of courage,” laughs Luna.

Luna never wanted to miss was the meetings where his cohorts discussed individual experiences. “We learned so much from each other.” In addition to obtaining hands-on experience, the Math and Science Future Teacher Seminar students learn about teaching programs and requirements, develop contacts and establish support groups. “It’s such a well-rounded program,” adds Luna.

For more information about the Math and Science Future Teacher Seminar, offered in the Spring, contact Steve Matusow, 408-274-7900, ext. 6556 or email steve.matusow@evc.edu.

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ABOUT Evergreen Valley College

With student learning as its primary focus, Evergreen Valley College’s mission is to empower students to expand their human potential and to succeed in a global, multicultural society. The College, which sits on a picturesque 175-acre site in the eastern foothills of San Jose, provides access to comprehensive and flexible post-secondary education to prepare students of all ages and backgrounds for balanced and productive lives and to improve the workforce and quality of life in our community.