The hum of conversation fills the marketing classroom as students cluster around their tables, laughter and debate echoing off the highly decorated walls. At the center of this vibrant scene stands Mr. Samaniego, more commonly known as Mr. Sam, a teacher whose enthusiasm radiates through every lesson. His journey from student to educator within these very halls has forged a unique bond with the school.
Mr. Sam graduated from Arizona State University in 2004, but his path to teaching was anything but straightforward. He actually began college as a pharmacy major before discovering a passion for business through introductory courses. “I wouldn’t say there was one specific class that inspired me to become a teacher, but once I started taking some introductory business courses, I became really interested in the subject,” he explains. Initially, he planned to pursue a career in the business world, but after some job shadowing, he realized it wasn’t the right fit. It was a pivotal conversation with his advisor that opened his eyes to the possibility of teaching business at the high school level-a moment when, as he puts it, “things started to click.”
Learning about Career and Technical Education (CTE) fundamentally shifted Mr. Sam’s perspective on teaching. Observing classrooms during his teaching program, he quickly saw “how impactful teaching could be” and recognized his own natural connection with students. This realization confirmed he was on the right path.
A Homegrown Perspective
When Mr. Sam first entered these corridors as a student, the school’s scale and atmosphere left a lasting impression. “It was really big, like a large high school…and just how nice it was. It was clean and did not really feel like a high school,” he recalls, his eyes reflecting both memory and pride. That sense of belonging never faded. Years later, he returned. Not as a student, but as a mentor, eager to guide others through the same halls that shaped him.
Despite his deep roots, teaching was not always part of his plan. When asked if he ever felt like he would become a teacher one day, he replied “No. Not at all, I mean I fell into that generic high school student that played a sport, never wanted to be a teacher and just kind of went through high school to get to the next thing.” Only during college did he discover his passion for education. The opportunity to teach business to high school students drew him in, and he never looked back.
A Teacher Who Inspires
Today, Mr. Sam teaches CTE marketing courses, which are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers. CTE (Career and Technical Education) courses like his give students hands-on, practical experience in fields such as marketing, engineering, and healthcare. He believes these classes are “so valuable because they give students hands-on, real-world experiences that connect what they’re learning in the classroom to actual careers.” For Mr. Sam, CTE is about more than just content; it’s about helping students build practical skills, explore their interests, and prepare for life after high school-whether that means college, a career, or both. His commitment to his students extends beyond the curriculum. Mr. Sam strives to nurture young professionals who are curious, resilient, and prepared for the challenges ahead.
Student Voices: Growth and Connection
Sophia Anderson, a tenth grader experiencing her second-year marketing class, describes the impact Mr. Sam has made on her approach to learning. “He changed me overall as a person, as someone to look towards more of the information that is given than what is presented and to research more than just what is given to me,” she shares. Sophia credits Mr. Sam’s assignments and projects for deepening her understanding of marketing, finance, and business. When asked if she thinks she knows more about marketing, financing and business since being in his class, Sophia answered, “I would for sure say yes because of our assignments and our different tasks that we do.” The classroom, she adds, is “Very fun. We do different projects around the class… it’s just different. But also the energy that Mr. Sam brings and the people in there, it is just super fun.”
Hannah Lingenfelter, an eleventh grader who has taken Mr. Sam’s class twice, echoes this sentiment. “I just liked him from the beginning. He is a really good teacher and he really knows what he is talking about,” she says. “This year and last year I knew Mr. Sam was a good teacher just by the way he presented himself… and my feelings towards him have not changed, I really like him.” Hannah’s respect for Mr. Sam stems from his expertise and the supportive environment he cultivates.
A Legacy of Dedication
Mr. Sam’s story is one of transformation-both his own and that of his students. His journey from uncertain high schooler to passionate CTE educator underscores the power of discovering one’s calling. Each day, he brings not only knowledge, but also a sense of purpose and belonging to his classroom. The legacy he builds extends beyond lesson plans and textbooks; it lives in the confidence and curiosity he instills in every student who passes through his door.
