Ms. Claros

Why Teaching? Why Math?

Some things in life are just meant to be and cannot be derailed from it- even if you try.

After high school I applied for all sorts of jobs. I needed a job that was flexible for a college student's schedule- since it varied greatly from semester to semester. I was really seeking experience to tap into undiscovered talents or a new passion in a field to then pursue a career. Unfortunately, I couldn't get interviews from any of them, much less hired, except from Long Beach Unified School District as a college-aide (not nearly a top choice); not even McDonald's called for an interview : (

I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life but I did know for sure that TEACHING was NOT an option!! I wasn't about to embark on a career that prolonged my stay on a school campus!

I hated school as a child. I struggled to fit in. I wasn't naturally smart, so for me, anything above an "F" was SUCCESS!! While my parents thought of my grades as shameful and my focus as disoriented, I was just trying to find a purpose for school. I became a social butterfly; aiming to make many, many friends- had to make my stay in school useful...right? Now they call it "Networking".

The teachers I had didn't help me any...so I thought. During parent conferences my teachers constantly complained that I took the attention from them. So of course, I'd get the lecture and sometimes grounded; it encouraged me to socialize even more during class time...I had to make up for lost time.

During my most self-conscious years, my least favorite subject was Math; right behind changing my clothes for P.E. amongst my female peers in a grungy locker room.

I vividly remember the precise turning point in my life. The moment that math became the darkest subject.

In second grade, already shorter than most second graders, I was standing at the chalk board with a chalk cupped in my hands at my chest; with a division problem staring me in the face (my forehead really) while my peers and teacher burned a hole into my back. I was so embarrassed to be the only one left standing after what was supposed to be a quick warm-up. Seconds passed since the second-to-last student took his seat, but it felt like ages. I felt so dumb, stupid, and weak. Everything raced through my head except math; I just wanted to disappear and never return. My teacher threw a prompt at me every so often, "come on, what is the first step?" she'd asked with frustration in her voice. I could imagine her arms crossed, brown eyes rolling up and Birkenstock tapping on the old avocado-colored, paper-thin carpet as she exhaled and concurrently said, "you're holding us up!” 

When I finally got the courage to breath, all I could do was to turn my head around a quarter of the way towards the class; just enough to see them through the corner of my eye. If at least one student wasn't staring at me, then I'd feel reassured that it wasn't THAT big of a deal.

Eventually, the teacher got fed up with looking at my back and asked me to take my seat. She immediately called on the class "show off" to demonstrate the art of solving a simple division problem- SIMPLE, simple for all, but me! Through my years in the public education system, I barely managed passing grades in math.

Finally in college, I was fortunate to be scheduled to learned from one of the most patient and understanding teachers I've ever met- and as a teacher myself, that's ALOT. My questions to him were never dumb, thoughtless or unimportant. He validated his students' existence and celebrated our participation in subtle ways; with gentle eyes and a warm smile as he appeared to listen to his students reason through a problem-even if it was wrong. He highlighted the strengths in our responses before correcting it. Finally, I understood numbers and the language that comes with it. I would submit this man's name to the scientists of the world  to be cloned. What's his name? Um...I forgot...lol. If we had more teachers like him though, our education system wouldn't be so bad off!

When I finally got my first job, I was first a T.A. at a couple of elementary schools. Followed by a job coaching position at Jordan High (my alma mater) within Special Ed- I really loved this one. Eventually, I came to Downey Unified and worked as an instructional assistant. I was supervising out-of-control social-butterflies and other sorts of trouble-makers in the in-school suspension at Sussman M.S. I then transferred to Downey High as a Senior Instructional Assistant in Sp. Ed. and fell in love with the students and DHS' environment.

Working with Ms. Crow as her assistant, yes- our dear Ms. Crow, I learned the ropes of secondary education and my experience solidified my purpose in life...to be the most patient and understanding teacher to students who struggled in school, especially math.

 I am committed to not repeating the many mistakes that my own teachers made which turned me off to school or simply didn't reignite the flame. I strive to be the kind of teacher Mr. ? was to me.

Who is Ms. Claros?

Born? September 1976 in Guadalajara, Mexico

When did I arrive in the U.S.?  My parents and I migrated to the U.S. when I was one year-old.

Siblings? Two sisters, Jennifer and Kathy

Where did I grow up?  Lynwood, CA

High School? Attended Lynwood High for my first 2 years and graduated from David Starr Jordan HS in Long Beach, CA

Post Secondary Education? Completed my Associate's Degree at Long Beach City College (1997), Transferred to CSU Fullerton for my Bachelor's Degree (2000) and earned a Master in Science degree from CSU Fullerton in 2002.

Favorite Food? Mexican

Favorite Color? Burnt Orange (red tones)

Residence? Long Beach, CA

Children? Two beautiful, smart girls.

Favorite activities? Road trips, walks on the beach.

Other Interests? I am the leader to 2 girl scout troops in Downey. I love camping and did I mention road trips? Traveling to new places is always exciting too.

Years teaching? 8 years. All at DHS!

Pictures

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Period 2

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