Future Science Teacher Award: Ezra Chavez

Meet Ezra Chavez

Receiving this award means a great deal to me. Firstly, even receiving this award was an unexpected, but great and validating surprise! Throughout my life, coursework, and student teaching, I have realized that not only is education valuable, it allows one to be a part of a community. Not only the community that exists where you live, but also the larger educational community where I will be able to draw a wealth of knowledge and different experiences from. I believe receiving this award will open up many avenues for the opportunity to be able to give back to the youth within my community in promoting education and also adding to the greater knowledge of educational leaders. Receiving this award not only affirms, but strengthens my passion and resolve to become an influential educator for my students in the hopes that they can one day aspire to become science educators as well. Receiving this award has demonstrated there are people who saw something in me, and I wish to carry that belief with me as an educator. The support from those around me, and the validation this award brings, motivates and drives me to become the best educator I can be.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you’d share with others?
One lesson that I have learned throughout my life is that sometimes you just need to take in the journey and make the most out of what is presented in front of you. It is a personal belief of mine that wherever you are able to slow down and take everything in and only focus on what needs to be done then everything will work out. The hard parts of any journey are only temporary and better days are coming. Why sweat the small things when you can focus on self improvement and understand that even in failures there are lessons to be learned. Learning to also be adaptable and flexible to any situation will carry through beyond your educational years in every aspect of your personal life. There is always tomorrow and you should be thankful that it's always there waiting for you.

What’s next for you?
As of right now what comes next is very exciting and tangible. I have applied to become a substitute teacher in my district to be able to expand my knowledge and see different school cultures to gain experience and expose myself to various environments. While being a substitute teacher, I will have a realistic glance at what it will be like to work independently in the classroom setting. Being enrolled in my credential program, I am desirous of completing my program and transition into the real world of becoming a self autonomous educator. In addition, I am going to earn my Masters Degree at the University of California, Davis, in Education once my credential program is completed. As an educator, I will become more than just a teacher to my students and try to meet them at their level by attending sporting events and joining or aiding in the creation of clubs so students see me more than just a teacher. Over the years, as an educator, I will still strive to be the best person and teacher I can be for my students.

What is your favorite book/podcast right now?
No podcasts at the moment but my favorite book, or manga series, right now is JoJo Lands, the 9th part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. This has been one of my favorite manga/anime series for the past 5 years and I’m currently keeping up with it as new chapters get released once a month and the manga is still going.