Email: Scortez@plesantvalleysd.org
Office: (805) 383-5355 Ext. 6512
Hello!
We are going to have a very busy and exciting year! This year we will be using online collaborative learning communities within Google Apps for Education, which includes Classroom, Slides, Docs, Forms, and Gmail. Additionally, students will be using ClassLink to access IXL, Zearn, Studies Weekly, Amplify Science and BrainPop, just to name a few. These educational sites support common core standards and concepts taught. Through these applications we are also learning the important 21st Century skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. In the classroom, an emphasis will be placed on quality versus quantity of work. This will allow for deeper, more meaningful connections to content standards and lesson objectives.
Please check my links for any important information. After the first week of school, you will start receiving a weekly newsletter and agenda by email. If you have any questions or concerns, my email is Scortez@pleasantvalleysd.org
Students will:
Master all basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts and be able to use those facts accurately when doing computation and problem solving.
Learn to solve mathematical problems using various strategies.
Learn to work cooperatively in groups and sometimes take the leadership role.
Develop writing skills that allow them to communicate in both narrative and expository styles.
Learn to plan long-range projects and bring them to completion (including two major reports and two major projects).
Learn to speak in front of their peers with confidence and style.
Learn to stay focused on written tasks and bring them to completion.
Master grade level reading fluency and comprehension.
My name is Samantha Cortez. I recieved my bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies Elementary Education. I completed my multiple subject teaching credential at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt. I am thrilled to start my 4th year teaching! I began my carrer by subsitute teaching for 2 years, prior to teaching in my own classroom. Currently I live in Camarillo with my partner Colby. I was born and raised in Hollister, California. My family still lives in Hollister, luckily for me I am able to visit frequently.
-Hobbies-
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I'm a big sports fan—football and baseball are my favorites to watch. (Go Rams, Chiefs and Giants.) I especially love attending live sporting events whenever I get the chance. I also enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, and music—especially country and, of course, Taylor Swift. Concerts are one of my favorite activities to do with friends and family.
Staying active is important to me, and I like to mix things up with weightlifting, yoga, Pilates, running, or hiking. I also love to travel—whether I’m exploring a new place or visiting loved ones, I’m always up for a trip. And yes, I definitely enjoy a good day at an amusement park!
-My Teaching Philosophy-
To me, learning is the process of gaining new understanding—whether it involves acquiring brand-new knowledge or deepening our comprehension of prior concepts. In a successful learning environment, both the teacher and the student are actively engaged in exploring and connecting with ideas.
As a teacher, it is my responsibility to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment where every student feels safe, supported, and open to learning. I believe in fostering a space where students can be vulnerable, take risks, and share their perspectives freely.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in cultural relevance and a commitment to lifelong learning. I strive to remain open-minded, continuously grow as an educator, and embrace diverse ways of thinking. I am deeply committed to supporting my students not only academically but also personally. I will always be a consistent presence in their lives—someone they can trust, learn from, and turn to.
Equity and fairness are foundational to my approach. I value each student equally, regardless of their race, class, gender, ethnicity, beliefs, or background. To ensure equity—particularly for students who are historically underrepresented—I plan to implement inclusive teaching strategies and practices.
I aim to create a student-centered, inquiry-based classroom that encourages collaboration, creativity, and self-directed learning. I will design engaging lessons that promote critical thinking and motivate students to take ownership of their education.
Multicultural teaching is a key part of this vision. I will provide students with opportunities to explore diverse cultures and perspectives through literature, lessons, discussions, and projects. By integrating multicultural content into my teaching, I hope to prepare students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.