Teacher Appreciation Blog

Mrs. Plascencia

Mrs. Plascencia is a teacher who can make you feel better by expressing your feelings to her. She makes the classroom feel welcomed and calm. Because of her, I have learned that teachers are there for you when you need it. This teacher inspires students to be outgoing and try new hobbies. Thank you Mrs. Plascencia for being like a mother to us students. 

• Dayana Perez, sophomore 

Ms. Plascencia is a teacher who is always kind and motivating her students. She makes the classroom feel alive and vibrant. Because of this teacher, I have learned to take every single opportunity that I have been given. This teacher inspires students to be better and to succeed. Thank you Ms. Plascencia for being such a great teacher during my freshman year. 

• Adalberto Ramirez, sophomore 

Ms. Plascencia is a teacher who makes her students feel comfortable. She makes the classroom feel like a safe place, and you can always go to her if you need help with something. Because of this teacher, I have learned how to be more organized and how to manage my time well. This teacher inspires students to work hard so they can reach their goals. 

• Cynthia Hernandez, junior

Mrs. Placencia is a teacher who cheers everyone up even though it’s not their best day. She makes the classroom feel welcoming. Because of this teacher, I have learned to believe in anything I put my mind into. This teacher inspires students to not give up, Thank you for always being there for anyone when they need someone to talk to. 

• Linda Perez, junior

Mrs. Ulrich

For teachers appreciation week I want to shine a light on Mrs. Ulrich. Mrs Ulrich is one of the fantastic English teachers we have at CI but that’s not all she is, she is many more things. She is someone you can go to if you’re having problems or just need someone to talk to. Mrs. Ulrich is the type of teacher to never turn someone away when they need help. She is someone who is there for all her students equally, you can tell Mrs. Ulrich is a teacher who really loves and cares
for her students. When Mrs. Ulrich was asked what makes her passionate about teaching this was her answer, “What makes me passionate about teaching? I think the answer would have to be that I love the students. I can be having the worst day ever, but student curiosity and desireto learn about new things bring out that passion. I remember when I was a student. My highschool teachers, most of them at least, equally loved what they did, and I remember picking up
on their enthusiasm. It made all the difference to me, and I can give my kiddos no less than that.” I appreciate Mrs. Ulrich because she makes sure you understand the topic of discussionand truly wants the best for her students and for them to succeed.

• Eliana Ortiz, senior

Ms. Blyleven

Ms. Blyleven is the best teacher because she teaches the best and is hilarious. She makes the classroom feel alive and connected. Because of her, I have learned so much more about history and how to research. Ms. B inspires students to try their best. Thank you Ms. Blyleven for being a great teacher. 

• Rodrigo Estrada, sophomore 

Mr. Blyleven is a teacher who cares for her students and those around her. She makes the classroom feel joyful, yet still locked in at the same time. This teacher inspires students to try their best in curriculum that may be harder.

• Christian Martinez, sophomore 

Ms. Blyleven is a teacher who puts effort into making sure her students succeed. Because of her I have learned how to manage my time better and that hard work pays off. 

• Juan Arevalo, sophomore 

Mr. Salazar

Mr. Salazar is a teacher who is a very honest and humble person. He makes the classroom feel comfortable and actually ready to learn and is also very funny. Although I only had him for 2 quarters he has taught a lot. Because of this teacher, I have learned more than just history but on outside life. This teacher inspires students to actually try in their schoolwork and give it a chance but can also be strict and on point if you do not want to work. Thank you Mr. Salazar for teaching life lessons and also being a straight to the point teacher. 

• Elpidio Aguilar, junior

Mr. Salazar is a teacher who really cares for his students. He makes the classroom feel welcoming and secure, a place really worth learning. Because of him, I have learned not just a lot about U.S. History, but a lot of life lessons and guidance for the real world and that’s what I appreciate a lot. Thank you Mr. Salazar for checking up on me and believing in me making sure I live my life to the best. 

• Angel Ibarra Castro, junior

Mr. Tejeda

Mr. Tejeda is a teacher who always tries to bring energy into his class, even after a long day of work. He makes the classroom feel welcoming.Because of this teacher, I have learned how to tackle difficult problems with less worries or stress. This teacher inspires students to be a better person than they were yesterday. Thank you Mr. Tejeda for being an awesome teacher. 

• Jace Bernardo, junior

Mr. Tejeda is a teacher who has helped me trust myself more not only in math but in other subjects. He makes the classroom feel different and less overwhelming. Because of him I have learned how to have more confidence where I can do stuff and not overthink a lot. This teacher inspires students to try their best. 

• Lucero Bustamante, junior

Ms. Salcido

Ms. Salcido is a teacher that constantly helps In my learning and I feel like she really is preparing me for future education in college.

• Jared Jacuinde Herrera, junior

Ms. Schoenmann

I would like to recognize a teacher like Ms. Schoenmann because she goes beyond teaching by mentoring and supporting students in their growth and success. She inspires confidence and helps students achieve goals. Ms. Schoenmann describes growing up as the youngest of eight children in a very athletic family where sports were central to her life. Her mother and coaches played key roles in supporting and guiding her, teaching her to use sports as a means of accessing education and future opportunities. These experiences led many in her family, including herself, to play college sports. Now, Ms. Schoenmann is passionate about working with students, finding fulfillment in helping them build confidence, achieve their goals, and take pride in their accomplishments. 

• Yadira Ortiz, senior

Mr. Schlesinger

Mr. Schlesinger is a teacher here at CI who stands out because of his positive yet zen personality. Mr. Schlesinger always makes the classroom feel calm, peaceful and somewhere you can relax. Because of Mr. Schlesinger I have learned to prioritize my work and stay ahead in class so I can get a good grade in my classes. This teacher inspires students to work hard, have fun and look into the deeper meanings of life and literature. Thank you Mr. Schlesinger for always being a positive and understanding role model for us young students.

• Ivie Cendejas, senior

Mrs. Garces

Ms. Garces is a teacher who gets along very well with her students and loves teaching what she loves. She makes the classroom feel nice and happy.Because of this teacher, I have learned to cook and try new foods. Thank you Ms. Garces for being the GOAT. 

• Julian Gomez, junior

Mrs. Harrell

Mrs. Harrell is a teacher who doesn’t give up on a person easily and she tries her best to make her class a safe and a fun space for everyone that comes in. 

• Jessica Arroyo, junior

Ms. Magallanes

Ms. Magallanes makes the classroom feel so warm and welcoming. She makes sure to always help anyone who is struggling in her class and she makes sure that her students understand the material. 

• Malia Jana Bettina Mendoza, junior

Mr. Gomez

Mr. Gomez is a teacher who stands out to me because of his great personality, kindness, and great teaching skills. He cares about his students and makes learning fun with his creative lessons and assignments. I greatly appreciate Mr. Gomez. 

• Alejandra Albor, sophomore 

Mr. Porter

Mr. Porter is a teacher who makes the classroom environment enjoyable. Because of him, I have learned various lessons from our history as well as life. Mr. Porter inspires students to reach for goals and push themselves for the greater good. Thank you Mr. Porter for being an excellent teacher 

• Zithlaly Carriedo Cardenas, sophomore 

Mr. Clancy 

Mr. Clancy is a teacher who made drawing really fun. He made the class feel liberating because we were able to have creative freedom in what we wanted to draw, and allowed us to use our own personal style. Because of him, I learned that art can be really fun if one feels like they can be creative. I really appreciated every project that we had because not only was it fun, it also taught us better drawing techniques.

• Joanna Calderon, sophomore 

Ms. Macias

Ms. Macias is a teacher who always brings big energy to the classroom. She makes the classroom feel alive and joyous. Because of her I have learned that even the hardest parts of math can be solved. This teacher inspires students to be themselves.

• Teresa Barragan Fernandez, sophomore 

Ms. Sanchez

Ms. Sanchez is a teacher who encourages students to push forward and gave advice to them.She makes the class room feel calm, welcoming, and enjoyable. Because of this teacher, I have learned not only about biology but as well as my physical and mental health. This teacher inspires students to achieve the best, she supports everyone of her students.

Thank you Ms. Sanchez for brightening up the classroom when we walk in.

• Miguel Vega, sophomore 

Ms. Sanchez is a teacher who checks in and understands each student. She motivates others to do their best. She makes the classroom feel comfortable. Because of her I have learned to face my fears and do my best. This teacher inspires students to do their best. Thank you, Ms. Sanchez, for being an awesome swim coach and teacher who shows care for her students and relates to them. 

• Aileen Angel, sophomore 

Mr. Hernandez 

Mr. Hernandez is a teacher who makes math interesting and not like a chore. He makes the classroom feel like a safe space where there are no wrong answers. Because of this teacher, I have learned the unit circle, This teacher inspires students to try their best.

• David Rodriguez Rojas, sophomore 

Mr. Hernandez is a teacher who cares a lot about what he teaches and his students. He always makes a student feel welcomed and know that they are appreciated. 

• Sofia Solis, sophomore 

Ms. Adelina Lopez

Ms. Lopez is a teacher who helps her students learn. She makes the classroom feel like a place that you can actually learn something from. Because of this teacher, I have learned everything that my previous teacher did not. This teacher inspires students to help each other and ask questions. Thank you, Mrs. Lopez, for helping me where I need help the most, even if its just math questions. 

• Ivan Jimenez, junior

Ms. Razo

Ms. Razo is a teacher who inspires students and motivated me with my work.

• Avery Franco, sophomore

Ms. Favela

Ms. Favela is a teacher who makes her classroom feel welcoming and encourages students to do better. 

• Guadalupe Mena Fernandez, sophomore 

Mr. Cole

Mr. Cole is a teacher who is awesome. He is a teacher who makes a student be engaged in the work and makes the classroom feel like a safe space to make a mistake. Because of this teacher I have learned to love history. This teacher inspires me to flex my history knowledge because he taught me. Thank you Mr Cole for being awesome and for making me love history more than I already do.

• Thalya Flores, junior

This week is teachers appreciation week and a teacher I want to show appreciation to is Mr. Cole. Mr. Cole is one of the great history teachers we have here at CI but he is also much more than that. Mr. Cole is a fun teacher who could always end up making you crack a smile and make you glad to be in his class. He’s the type of teacher who makes sure you understand the lessons before moving on and allows you to have extra time to work on something if you didn’t get to finish it. When asked what makes him passionate about being a teacher his answer is, “I’ve always had a deep interest in history, but my biggest passion isn’t memorizing dates and names. It’s helping students see patterns and themes throughout history, make connections between past and present, and realize they can use that knowledge to make better, more impactful decisions for themselves and their communities.” A quote from another student when asked about Mr. Cole is, “He’s a really good teacher that you can tell really cares about what he
does and wants you to do your best.

• Eliana Ortiz, senior

Ms. Gintjee

Ms. Gintjee is a teacher who wants every student engaged and learning. She makes the classroom feel like a fun learning environment where fun isn’t being sacrificed by learning. Because of this teacher, I have learned to really focus and take in new information and apply it. She inspires students to actively learn and ask questions when they need to. Thank you Ms. Gintjee for being one of my favorite teachers and pursuing your goal to teach every student you have and have them really learn. 

• Roman Lara, junior

Mr. Corona

Mr. Corona is a teacher who makes class engaging and interesting for his students. He makes the classroom feel happy and alive. Because of Mr. Corona, I have learned what it takes to be academically successful. He inspires students to try their best in everything that they do. Thank you Mr. Corona for always being supportive and kind to all of your students. 

• Marlet Leon Javier, junior

Mr. Olivares

Mr. Olivares made the classroom feel alive and more welcoming each day. Gracias por dejarme poner música en tu salón. 

• Alondra Martinez, sophomore

Ms. Sandoval, PE/Track and Field coach

Coach Sandoval helped me come out of my shell and express myself. Because of her I have been more verbal in several situations as a leader that I know years prior I would’ve just let it slide. The sport has been a very big part of my life because, besides teaching me not to be harsh on myself and helping me be confident and better, it’s also where I’ve had the opportunity to make connections with individuals whom I’ve never believed I’d talk to and certainly share my life with. The memories that I’ve made will always be part of my high school era and will always be part of who I was shaped into. Coach Sandoval taught me that it’s my job to lead by good example, remind people why they’re there at a job and sacrifice learned through her hard workouts. 

• Delilah Landeros, senior

Ms. Rico, Spanish

Ms. Rico is a teacher who is passionate about educating her students in hopes of helping them succeed in their adult lives. She makes the classroom a safe and productive environment. Because of Ms. Rico, I have learned that studying and discipline pays off. “When I was in high school, I had a teacher who always motivated all of her students to be better in life. And I think that’s the main reason why I decided to become a teacher. I want to motivate every single one of my students,” said Ms. Rico. Thank you Ms. Rico for always being kind and considerate toward all students.

• Marlet Leon Javier, junior

Ms. Mutuku, Science 

Ms. Mutuku is a teacher who inspires students, explaining her story about her struggles growing up and the hardships she faced in order to get her teaching degree. She makes the classroom feel alive even when kids sometimes aren’t in the mood to learn. One of her biggest goals is to be an influence for students: “I am passionate about teaching because I want to impact the next generation.”

• Jonathan Orellana, junior

Ms. Diana Lopez, CTE

Ms. Lopez is a remarkable teacher who gives a lot of information and time to students. What makes her passionate about being a teacher: “I love seeing the spark on students faces when they’re interested in learning.”

• Xyrus Garcia, junior

Diana Lopez is a teacher who is very nice and heartwarming, she takes the time to help her students better understand her lessons and I personally think she explains and overall teaches very well. She makes the classroom feel like a very quiet and focused place to learn in. Because of this teacher i have learned most of the basics in health care and am now certified for CPR. this teacher inspires students to always try their hardest and never give up regardless of how hard it may get. Thank you Ms.Lopez for overall helping me feel more productive and mature. 

• Aleah Hernandez, junior

Ms. Lopez inspired me to become the person I am today. She helped me so much to find my own identity and pursue more than what I was capable of back then. She inspires students to achieve more than they can achieve. 

• Ethan Earl Galang, junior

Mr. Figueroa, Math