BY JOANNA MONOBE
The Westside Express
Alexandria Montiel, an English teacher at Los Banos High School, has been more than just an educator. She has been a mentor, a supporter and a source of encouragement for her students.
Montiel, who began teaching at Los Banos High School seven years ago, says her favorite part of the job is getting to know her students and watching them grow over their high school years. “It’s rewarding to see how much they change and grow from when they first step into my classroom to when they graduate,” she said.
What many of Montiel’s students might not know about her is that she was homeschooled from kindergarten through 12th grade. Despite this unique educational experience, English was always the subject she felt she naturally excelled in.
“English was something I was always good at, so I just stuck with it,” she said. At Los Banos High School, Montiel teaches college prep English and Advanced Placement English classes to juniors and seniors.
Beyond teaching literature and writing skills, she strives to pass on wisdom that extends beyond the classroom. When asked what advice she would give students, she encourages them to let go of the fear of judgment.
“Nobody cares, in the best possible way,” she said. “High school and all the pressure that comes with it can be overwhelming, but my motto is, ‘To be cringe is to be free.’ Just be happy and don’t stress about what others think.”
Montiel added, “I believe in the goodness of all my students and I wish they could see themselves through my eyes.”
One of Montiel’s students, Layla Navarro, a junior, expressed her gratitude toward Montiel and her experience in Montiel’s class. “She’s very compassionate with all her students,” Navarro said.
Despite her students’ appreciation, Montiel remains humble about the impact she has had. Rather than seeing herself as someone who changes lives, she views her greatest achievement as creating a safe and welcoming environment where students feel accepted.
Whether it’s through her classroom decor or her engaging teaching style, Montiel continues to foster a positive and uplifting atmosphere in her classroom. She ensures every student feels valued and understood.
