My Teaching Philosophy for a Catholic High School: Student-Centered and Diverse Methods

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education must be student-centered, grounded in respect for the dignity and individual learning needs of each student, and reflective of the Catholic values of compassion, community, and moral development. To achieve this, I integrate diverse teaching methods that acknowledge and celebrate the varied learning capabilities, backgrounds, and perspectives of students, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially.

Student-Centered Learning

In line with the educational philosophy of John Dewey, I believe learning is most effective when it is experiential and connects to students' lives. Dewey's concept of learning by doing informs my approach, as I prioritize activities that allow students to engage actively with the material, collaborate with peers, and take ownership of their learning process. In a Catholic school context, this means drawing on students' personal experiences and faith traditions as they explore content, making education both relevant and spiritually meaningful.

Diverse Teaching Methods

Recognizing the variety of learning styles in any classroom, I incorporate Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, which emphasizes that students possess different strengths, from linguistic and logical to musical, kinesthetic, and interpersonal. To respect this diversity, I employ a range of teaching strategies, including:

• Project-based learning for kinesthetic and spatial learners.

• Group discussions and peer teaching to enhance interpersonal and verbal skills.

• Multimedia presentations and storytelling for visual and auditory learners.

• Hands-on activities and service learning that tie in with Catholic social teaching, emphasizing justice, community, and service to others.

Additionally, I follow Lev Vygotsky’s concept of the Zone of Proximal Development, where I scaffold learning to guide students through tasks that challenge them just beyond their current abilities, ensuring they are supported and encouraged to reach higher levels of understanding.

Respecting Diverse Learning Capabilities

Incorporating differentiated instruction as championed by educational theorist Carol Ann Tomlinson, I design lessons that meet students where they are academically while pushing them to grow. This means modifying content, process, or products depending on student needs, offering choice and flexibility in how they engage with material. For students who struggle, I provide additional resources, while for those who excel, I offer opportunities for deeper exploration. This differentiation ensures that all students, regardless of their learning pace, feel valued and challenged.

Faith Integration and Catholic Social Teaching

A Catholic school environment calls for the integration of faith into daily learning. St. John Bosco, who believed in educating the whole person—mind, body, and soul, inspires my approach to character and spiritual development. By weaving Catholic values such as compassion, service, and integrity into the curriculum, I encourage students to reflect on how their education can contribute to the betterment of society and the world.

Additionally, the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm, with its emphasis on reflection, action, and experience, plays a crucial role in shaping my approach. In this model, I encourage students to reflect deeply on their learning, asking how their faith calls them to act in the world and how their education is a pathway to greater justice and service.

Best Practices and Continuous Growth

Drawing from the work of Paulo Freire, I view education as a tool for liberation and critical thinking. Freire’s concept of dialogue as a two-way process informs my classroom practice, where students are encouraged to question, engage, and co-construct knowledge rather than passively receive it.

I strive to create a safe, inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and exploring diverse perspectives. This aligns with bell hooks’ advocacy for education as the practice of freedom, where students are seen as active participants in shaping their learning journey.

In this approach, I seek to develop not only students' intellectual abilities but also their spiritual and moral character, in line with the Catholic mission. By embracing diverse learning needs, employing student-centered teaching strategies, and fostering a faith-based approach to education, I aim to nurture students who are critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, and engaged members of their communities.

This philosophy reflects my commitment to a dynamic, inclusive, and faith-driven classroom that honors the dignity of each student as a unique individual made in the image of God.

Objective: Apply my effective communication and personal relationship skills as a member of the leadership team of an achievement-oriented school where emphasis is placed on student success and faculty support.

Professional Summary: Talented administrative leader with over 25 years of experience in the education sector backed by significant project management and business experience. An effective communicator skilled at developing and implementing academic and progressive discipline programs to create high-quality learning environments with a growth mindset. Exceptional relationship building skills with a track record for developing meaningful partnerships with major community stakeholders. An articulate public speaker with strong presentation and facilitation abilities.

Educator Experience

Archdiocese of Los Angeles: Bishop Montgomery High School, Torrance, CA     August 2022 – present

• English 2 / Honors American Literature / Honors British Literature / Speech & Debate Teacher (Bishop Montgomery High School)

• A.C.E. (Architectural, Construction, & Engineering) Advisor & Coach

• Robotics Team Coach & Mentor2

• Administrative Council –  Former Teacher Representative                        

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District                                           October 2020 – July 2022

• Teacher (Palos Verdes High School – temporary contract)

• Teacher (Palos Verdes Intermediate – Summers)                      2022 – present

o   World Social Studies

o   Creative Writing

Zangrilla, LLC                                                                                            November 2015 – present

• Owner of educational, business office, and athletic solutions

o   Educational design consultation

o   Paralegal mediation and consultation

o   Business solutions and office streamlining

o   Construction consultation and legal writing

o   Condominium legal consultation

o   Lifeguard & WSI Certified – Swim Instructor

Los Angeles Leadership Academy (Charter High School, Lincoln Heights) 2018 – 2018

• Assistant Principal (temporary; position archived until 2019-20)         

Los Angeles Unified School District                                           2000 – 2016

• Athletic Co-Director – Administrator

o   Lead the 2011 Division I Championships for Football and Girls’ Basketball teams

o   Created streamlined and online technical access for parents and students via Website

o   Ensured Title V Requirements for Coaches

o   Achieved Coaching Education Requirements

o   Achieved consensus with other Athletic Directors for scheduling contests

o   Counseled coaches on regular basis and after games

o   Attended and participated in Athletic Director meetings

o   Ensured athlete eligibility (grade checks and all related paperwork)

o   Successfully ensured the safety of team members, coaches, and athletic equipment

o   Recognized and enforced Title IX requirements/violations

o   Held counseling for ejected athletes and/or coaches and seek professional assistance if necessary

o   Managed game day duties for contests, including securing of working personnel

o   Facilitated head coaches’ meetings

o   Created game supervision schedules and matrix

o   Successfully represented school at championship events

o   Ensured bus orders and timeliness of arrivals/departures

• English Teacher, Performing & Visual Arts Humanitas Project-Based Program SLC

o   Instructional Leadership: Facilitated PLC/Collaborative teams for newly designed school

• Proposal Writer

o   Successfully wrote proposal for the School of the Arts & Humanities at Narbonne High School

o   Successful leadership and designing of new small school on high school’s comprehensive campus

• Administrator of Operations Summer 2012 – 2013

o   Coordinator of logistics of room assignments, electricity, phone lines, activities

o   Coordinator of WASC, UCOP, NCAA, AP certifications, ROTC programs, athletics

o   Leadership & Senior Advisor

o   Student-Athlete Advisor and Liaison for Comprehensive School

• Grant Writer

o   Successfully wrote $150K grant funding the high school’s on-campus Industrial Arts Program

• Head Coach & Manager Speech & Debate Team

• Head Coach & Manager Frosh/Soph. & Varsity Swim Teams

• CSU Dominguez Hills via LAUSD

o  Master Teacher for Teaching Credentialing Program (volunteered)

Torrance Unified School District, J.H. Hull Middle School                         1999 – 2000  

• ELA and Social Studies                                                                         

• Technical Team Leader

o   Instructed teachers and administrators in the proper use of platforms, software, firmware, and educational programs

Los Angeles Archdiocese School District, Our Lady of Guadalupe, K-8      1991 – 1992

• Grade Four Teacher                                                                          

Mary Star of the Sea High School, San Pedro, 11-12 grades                       

• Spanish II Teacher                                                                               

City of El Segundo & City of Carson, Department of Aquatics               Summers 2001-2009

• Lifeguard; WSI Certified (Swimming Instructor)                            Nov 2018 – Dec 2019

Technological Experience

• Expert Level:

MacOS, Windows, DOS platforms

Cloud Technology

Microsoft Teams, Office, Outlook

Share Point

Google Classroom & Meets & Sites

Canvas Classroom

Zoom

School Links

Naviance

Illuminate

Flip Grid

Study.com

Aeries SIS

MISIS (Admin Clearance)

PowerSchool

Mimio

Credentials, Certificates, Training & Memberships

• CTC 120018018 Administrative Services Credential Certificate of Eligibility Valid 1/27/2012

• CTC 180060439 Single Subject Teaching Credential Clear expy 9/1/2027

• SIOP (2019)

• MTSS (2019)

• SAIDE (continuous / on-going)

• Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Certification (continuous / on-going)

• AI Technology Certified (continuous / on-going)

• Concussion in Sports Certified (NFHS)

• Teaching and Modeling Behavior (NFHS)

• National High School Coaches Association

• NFHS: National Federation of State High School Associations

• CPR & AED for the Professional Rescuer

• Lifeguard Training and First Aid (O2 for Professional Rescuer/EMSA/Title 22)

• WSI: Water Safety Instructor

• Child Safe Zone Certificate

Education

University of California, Los Angeles

• B.A. English Literature and Language Arts (embedded CLAD requirements for teaching credential); Symbolic Logic; History of Linguistics; Business Writing

Concordia University, Irvine, CA

• M.A. Education w/Administrative Credential emphasis in Operations and Athletics

CSU Dominguez Hills, CA

• Secondary Teaching Credential in English

El Camino Community College, via Torrance, CA

• A.A. Economics

Business Law; Micro/Macro Economics; Business Calculus; Marketing; Advertising; Symbolic Logic