Teaching is a job that not only requires hard work but also requires empathy. Connecting with your students is an important part of helping them learn. In an article by Sara Rimm-Kaufman and Lia Sandilos, it reads, “ students who have close, positive and supportive relationships with their teachers will attain higher levels of achievement than those students with more conflict in their relationships.” Anyone could be a teacher but it takes a special person to be a good teacher, and a great example of an amazing teacher is Mountain Ridge’s Mr. Roa.
Anthony Roa was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California. When asked about his childhood, he replied, “ Living close to the ocean was the best.” He had a good high school experience, saying how some of his fondest memories were “being on the varsity football team and hanging out with my friends.” After high school, Mr. Roa received his degree in business from the University of Phoenix. He did this all while raising a family and working full time, “It was kind of stressful,” he remarked. Before he came to teaching, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry and as a corporate trainer for the local phone company.
His decision to become a teacher came when his two daughters, who are teachers, encouraged him to get his academic credentials. When asked if he had anybody he looked up to, Roa said, “My children are my idols.” He says he has many favorite parts about being a teacher, but the one that warms his heart the most is seeing the light of recognition in the students’ eyes. There are positives and negatives to any job. Mr. Roa says the negative to teaching is having to contact parents about kids not reaching their full potential.
During his first four years of teaching, Mr. Roa was a Spanish teacher; he also taught Earth Science. But for the past four years, Roa has taught Biology, and claims “the longer I teach Bio, the more certain I am that this is where I was meant to be.”
As someone who is in Mr. Roa’s biology class, I can confidently say, he has an amazing method of teaching. He is understanding, but stern when necessary, in a way that you can tell that he wants you to succeed. He will greet you with a smile and give you help anytime you’re struggling.
Several students label Roa as one of their favorite teachers, this is probably because of the compassionate and helpful personality he carries. A freshman in his class, Carmen Sonnichsen states, “I love Mr. Roa, he’s my favorite teacher. He’s really understanding and he is always willing to help, even kids who aren’t in his class.” Another student of his, Laila Atwell, similarly states, “Mr. Roa is probably one of my favorite teachers because he’s really kind and funny. His class can be challenging if you don’t pay attention, but if you do, you’ll do just fine.” As a subject, Bio can be difficult, but Roa tries his best to help his kids understand and will answer inquiries whenever needed. When questioned, “If you had something you could tell all your students, what would it be?” Roa responded, “ Don’t give up, if you stumble, reach out, we’ll always be there to catch you.”
