Spotlight : TeWinkle Staff

Ms. Pintor

When I was in high school, I had amazing math teachers who inspired me to be a teacher. Math has always been my favorite subject and I have the excitement to share that with others. Also, as a person who comes from a minority background I want to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed. I have been teaching for 3 years. Before teaching I worked at the Boys and Girls Club where I had the opportunity to work with middle and high schoolers. TeWinkle is different because of the strong sense of community this school has. The staff and admin are very collaborative, and there is a genuine commitment to support both teachers and students. So far this school year has been going well. I have enjoyed getting to know my students and I love seeing their academic growth. There has been challenges but I am very excited to continue working with my students and helping their achieve their academic goals. I enjoy spending time with my family, going to Disneyland, traveling, watching baseball and soccer games and hiking/going for long walks. I come from a Mexican family. I have 2 older sisters, 1 younger sister, 2 younger brothers and 1 nephew.

Mr. Janasek

What inspired you to go into teaching? 

Growing up in Maryland, I really enjoyed school. It was a place where I felt safe to make friends, take risks, and learn new things. I enjoyed the routine and structure of my days there. Going to school was such a positive experience for me, that I felt inspired to help give that experience to others.
How long have you been teaching? 

I have taught full-time for a total of ten years, and I am currently in my eleventh year of teaching. I have taught a combination of elementary school PE and middle school PE throughout that time. I have taught in a few different places as well, including Los Angeles, South Orange County, and in my home state of Maryland.

3. Why did you choose Tewinkle? 

I chose Tewinkle because it's such a great school and community. The students are kind and hardworking, the teachers are supportive and positive, and I love being able to work with a gym and a track! Plus, I enjoy working in middle school; 7th and 8th grades are my favorite grades to teach.

4. How is your year at Tewinkle going? 

My year at Tewinkle is going great. I enjoy working with all the students of Tewinkle as well as Mr. Jimenez and Ms. Asrar in PE. Everyone at Tewinkle is very supportive, and I appreciate that.

5. What are your hobbies? 

One of my most cherished hobbies is running. I try to run three miles every day after school ends. I also really enjoy watching football and the NFL., I am a big fan of the Baltimore Ravens. I'd have to say my absolute favorite hobby is reading with my two sons.

6.Can you tell me about your family or pets? 

I live with my wife, my two sons, and our dog. My oldest son is age 3, and my youngest son is age 1. My dog is a 6 year old Miniature Australian Shepherd, his name is Banjo.

BY COOPER ADKINS

Ms. Neacato

What inspired you to go into teaching?
It's wonderful to see young people learn and see the progression throughout the years as they improve their skills with lots of practice.
How long have you been teaching or working with children?
I've been teaching since I was a kid, playing "make-believe school" with my brother & sister at home.
I've been teaching Music for 20 years, large group piano lessons, elementary school general music, and I taught Guitar, Color Guard, Jazz Band, Marching Band plus String Orchestra & Concert Band at Estancia High School for 11 years.
How is TeWinkle different from other schools you may have taught at?
The class times are much shorter! Only 40-minute classes instead of 90 minutes.

How’s your year so far?
It's great! The music department has been awarded the "Save The Music" Band Grant and we have received 36 new band instruments & music stands - ask your counselor to add Band for the 2nd semester!
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy bicycling with friends and dancing.
Can you tell us about your family or pets?
Our family is a collection of so many cultures & languages and I love them so much.

Mrs. Asrar 

Mrs. Asrar is a P.E. and yoga teacher at Tewinkle Middle School. Mrs. Asrar’s first job was a counselor at a summer sports camp at Soka University, where she went to college. After she got her bachelor’s degree, she had a part-time job of being a track and field coach, and she loved it, but she didn’t like her full time job in marketing. Later, she quit her marketing job to become a full-time track and field coach. She enjoys helping kids become healthier and feels very lucky to have this job as a living. She has been working with kids for 14 years, 5 years as a credentialed teacher, and 11 years as a track and field coach. She says that working at Tewinkle is great because it’s a smaller school, has a great sense of community, and that we're all here to help each other. Mrs. Asrar's Hobbies are hiking, gardening, and photography. She’s been married to her husband for 8 years. They met by coaching track and field together. They have a gecko named Phoebe. They love to go to the beach together and try new restaurants. 

             Mrs. Letterman

What inspired you to go into teaching?

I was inspired to go into teaching because I’ve always loved working with kids and helping them learn new things. I enjoy seeing those ‘lightbulb moments’ when something finally makes sense, and I wanted a career where I could make a difference every day.

 How long have you been teaching or working with children?

I’ve always enjoyed working with kids. Back in high school, I spent my summers as a Day Camp Counselor, helping younger campers and learning how fun it can be to guide and support them.

 How is TeWinkle different from other schools you may have taught at?

I love the school pride at Tewinkle. Proud to be a Trojan!

How’s your year so far?

Tewinkle has been incredible!

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies consist of traveling, hiking, and watching college football.

Can you tell us about your family or pets?

I have 4 amazing children and a Jack Russel (dog) named Lu.

     By Nayeli

Ms. Walker 

-The Librarian

1. What inspired you to go into teaching? 

I’ve always loved learning and sharing ideas, and I wanted to help students discover new things about the world. I like the idea that teaching can make a difference in someone’s future. I especially enjoy helping students discover the joy of reading and learning new things.

2. How long have you been teaching?

 I’ve been teaching for 10 years now. Every year feels a little different because I get to meet new students. I subbed for three years while getting my teaching credential. Then I started off as a science teacher and taught high school science for three years. Since then I have been a teacher librarian.

3. Why did you choose TeWinkle? 

I chose TeWinkle because it’s a great school with a welcoming community. I wanted to work in a place where I could really connect with students and support them in learning and growing. I also really liked the school's focus on supporting students in belonging to the school community and feeling welcome in school.

4. How is your year at TeWinkle going? 

It’s going well! I’m enjoying getting to know each student and seeing all the creativity and effort they bring to the library. There are always challenges, but I feel like we’re learning a lot together.

5. What are your hobbies outside of school?

 I enjoy reading, painting, crafting, going to the beach, spending time with my dogs, hiking, and spending time in nature. They help me relax and give me new perspectives.

6. Can you tell me about your family or pets? 

My family is very supportive, and we enjoy spending time together. I also have two dogs who keep life fun and a little silly. They are both Labrador shepherd mixes and I love them to pieces. They greet me everyday when I get home and it's the best part of my day.

By COOPER ADKINS