Learning algebra is an important cognitive skill but not many students realize this because many teachers struggle to make it interesting for a younger mind. At Mountain Ridge High School, algebra teacher Mr. Lopez was interviewed.
Where it all started
Lopez played college basketball at ASU from 1993-1995 but he was “not capable of playing professional basketball”. After college he always knew he wanted to eventually try to coach at “some level, high school, college or NBA”. In 1996 Lopez ended up being an assistant coach at ASU lasting only a year and a half. After this job he was offered two other positions but turned them both down Lopez says, “One was a head community college job at Northland Pioneer in AZ, and the other job was as an assistant coach at Steven F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas”, Eli wanted to stay close to home because he and his wife had just begun to settle down and have children wanting to “raise them around their aunts, uncles, and cousins”. Instead, he chose to be a high school teacher since he had his bachelor’s degree with a specialization in mathematics.
What keeps Him Teaching?
Lopez enjoys his job, he says, “The most important reason why I teach is because I love the people and school where I teach”. Lopez was asked what he thinks about the people at Ridge, “The faculty and students are the best people. Most of them are very serious about learning and I can relate to that very easily. The students keep me on my toes with all of their learning style and personalities.” Lopez enjoys seeing his students take what they learned from him and have put it towards their future to succeed.
How does he encourage his students?
By using his enjoyment for algebra he tries to inspire them , “and show them how it can translate into future success be it college, armed forces, trade school or whatever.” Lopez explains that most students at Ridge are very self-motivating so it isn’t very hard for them to understand the importance of doing well in high school for their future success. For the students that have a hard time succeeding in his class, he “tries building relationships, showing concern for their
education, relating math to the real world, or getting their family involved” are great ways to help motivate students, and Lopez is determined to incorporate those tactics when he needs to.
How would teachers describe him?
Mr. Whitten was interviewed and was asked to describe Lopez and this is what he had to say, “Mr Lopez is awesome. He does an amazing job with his freshmen math students. He is also awesome at helping the freshmen to acclimate to life in high school at Mountain Ridge HS.” Another teacher who was interviewed, Mr. Mohler said this about Lopez, “Mr. Lopez has been one of my best friends for over 25 years. He’s one of those guys that always has your back and will be there for you no matter what. Super loyal and reliable. He’s also very funny and we’ve had lots of laughs.”
How may his students describe him?
Lopez isn’t sure how students would describe him but says, “I’m sure there is a lot of variety on the subject. They may describe me as an older teacher who is probably outdated with no fashion and no sense of what’s cool in the life of a teenager.” He thinks that it is probably because he dresses like he only has 5 outfits that are older outfits. Lopez says, “I have four kids of my own that are highschool and college, so I probably have a decent idea of the life of a teenager in
today’s world.” Lopez believes that his students might see him as serious about their understanding of algebra concepts, and he ties that into how being a coach who expects them to work while in practice versus wasting time. Lopez expects a lot out of his students with the work that they produce while they are in the classroom.
How is his experience?
Lopez says, “My experience here at Ridge has been an awesome one. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to teach and coach throughout my almost 15 years here at MRHS.” Although a few students learn the hard way, most students come to Lopez’s class having the appropriate attitude and behaviors or they adapt pretty quickly so that they can begin to be successful in the rigorous academic culture that Ridge offers.
