At Van Nuys High School, Mr. Josue Rodríguez inspires students by teaching Spanish and expanding opportunities for kids from different communities.
Learning a new language isn’t always easy, but students at Van Nuys High School have a teacher who pushes them to keep trying and improving. Mr. Rodríguez works hard to enhance students’ understanding of Spanish further. He focuses on helping kids open up more opportunities in the future. By helping his students become proficient in another language, Mr. Rodríguez prepares them to communicate with members of foreign communities. Hundreds of students have found a space in his classroom, and watching his students succeed over the years renews his motivation to teach.
What inspires you to teach as a Spanish teacher?
“The students. Seeing how they learn the language and they become fluent, and how they can communicate with their friends who don’t speak English.”
What is your most unforgettable life experience?
“Everything happens for a reason. No matter how bad something looks at the moment, there’s always a teachable moment, and you can learn from it and not do it in the future.”
What is a life lesson that you’ve learned outside of the classroom?
“Something I’ve learned outside of the classroom is that you always have to keep good conversations and good friends. Not friendship, but good communication with your co-workers. Friendship can actually damage you in the future.”
What’s your favorite part of being in this school?
“In this school specifically, what I like is Hispanic communities. I can help the community like Spanish kids, people that just came to the country, the newcomers. And they have a lot of trouble with computer stuff because they are not used to having this kind of technology back in their countries, so this is a great opportunity to not only learn the language but to also learn technology.”
What are 3 things you can’t live without and why?
“Coffee, coffee, and coffee. I love coffee, and to deal with these beautiful students that we have here at Van Nuys High School, you need a little caffeine.”
Do you feel your students enjoy having you as their teacher?
“I believe the kids love me. If I were them, I would love me too. I’m amazing.”
