Meet the Teachers
Ms. Almanza
Science
Ms. Almanza has 9 years of teaching experience. Throughout the year, students will investigate scientific topics through productive dialogue, inquiry, purposeful reading, and meaningful writing. Both 7th and 8th grades are integrated subjects where students investigate real-world phenomena.
Mr. Carras
Physical Education
Mr. Carras received his Kinesiology Degree from UNC Wilmington, and he has 19 years teaching experience at the middle school level. Throughout the year, students will become aware of the social benefits of activity through participation: individual and dual activities in 7th grade and team sports in 8th grade.
Mrs. fong
Social Science
Mrs. Fong graduated with high honors from the California State University of Sacramento with a degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in History. She has 8 years of teaching experience with SCUSD. Throughout the year, students will learn about social science through active problem-based learning that includes a strong focus on multiple learning intelligences and collaborative group work.
Mrs. Tateishi
Language Arts
Mrs. Tateishi graduated from UC Davis with a degree in English and an MA in Education. She has over 19 years of experience teaching grades 7-12. Throughout the year, students will use curriculum from the My Perspectives textbook, in addition to reading supplemental novels and participating in an Independent Reading Project.
See what books students are recommending for the Independent Reading Project! Read. Read. Read.
Ms. Fassiotto
Mathematics 7/8 & 8/1
BS in Mathematics, MA in Education from UC Davis with over ten years of teaching experience from 7th grade math intervention to high school AP Calculus. During Didion’s two year accelerated math program, students master 7th grade, 8th grade, and Integrated Math 1 standards using Big Ideas Course 2, Big Ideas Course 3, and Walch CCSS Math 1 textbooks. Students experience whole class instruction, collaborative work, and independent assignments. Students also learn and practice productive habits including note-taking, organization, and study methods that they can use as successful math students in the future.
Principal Eder
Mr. Eder believes that there are few things more important than educating kids and trying to prepare them for their adult lives. As principal, he feels that he has an incredible opportunity to positively impact the world and individual lives through his work. His motto throughout the years has been to work hard and be kind, and he hopes to instill those values in all Didion students. Prior to Didion, Mr. Eder served as Assistant Principal at Sutter Middle School, Rosemont High School, and California Middle School.