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Impact » Graduate Stories

Graduate Stories

TRP Graduates develop into self-directed reflective decision-makers through the cultivation of deep instructional knowledge, skills, and cultural responsivity through which to stimulate community transformation by advancing educational experiences that uplift all learners.

Gaby works with a few studentsGABY REYNOSO  - Cohort 2

Gaby Reynoso earned her BA in Political Science and Psychology from the University of California, Merced. Born and raised in San Fernando Valley, she is a proud alumnus of the CCMS class of 2004 and was part of the first graduating class of CCECHS. She is also a proud alumni of the PUC Teacher Residency Program and is delighted to give back to the program and community by mentoring new Residents,

 

Reflecting on her experience with PUC TRP, Gaby says, “It's been such a learning and fulfilling experience. I give credit to my time in ATP/TRP for helping me establish a strong foundation as a teacher. This is one of the main reasons why I've been able to stay in education for as long as I have, because of the support and training I received during my time as a resident. Through my time in the program, I was so fortunate to have such a supportive mentor, Julia Brown-Bernstein, because she gave me the space to try different teaching techniques and strategies. Through her guidance, she instilled in me the value of risk-taking, of  trying new ways to teach content and engage students in the learning process. Throughout my own growth and development as a teacher, I have realized that being able to support new teachers would be a way to not just give back to TRP but to fulfill a PUC commitment as an alumni. I feel I have come full circle, having gone through this program as both a Resident and a Mentor – now I am able to give back by providing the same level of support, guidance, and safe space that my own mentor provided me.”

Juliana at deskJULIANA JIMENEZ - Cohort 4

Julianna Jimenez was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She graduated from the University of Redlands before joining the Peace Corps, where she completed a two-year service in the Dominican Republic. Upon returning to the United States, she began substitute teaching and eventually found her way to PUC Schools. In 2015, she joined the PUC CCECHS office team as an office assistant. When she learned about PUC’s Teacher Residency Program, she applied and was accepted, eventually earning her teaching credential and Master’s Degree through Loyola Marymount University. Julianna taught Social Studies at the middle and high school levels for 9 years before she moved out of the classroom and became the Learning and Engagement Coordinator at PUC Community Charter Early College High School.  This administrative role inspired her to continue on her path in leadership, and she currently serves as the Dean of Academics, still at CCECHS – now a 10 year veteran at PUC Schools!

The Teacher Residency Program was instrumental in shaping my growth as an educator. I was fortunate to be paired with an incredible mentor teacher who gave me the space and support to implement the strategies I was learning in my preparation program. The experience helped me find my teacher voice, build a strong classroom presence and learn to create long lasting connections with my students. Now in my ninth year with PUC, I’ve transitioned out of the classroom and into a leadership role. Even though I’m no longer teaching directly, I continue to support my school and community by drawing on the tools and experiences I’ve developed over the years.

Jose with studentsJOSE GOMEZ - Cohort 6

José Gomez earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from UCLA, with dual minors in Education and Public Affairs. Having learned about PUC ATP/TRP, Jose joined the program to pursue his teaching credential and Master of Arts in Urban Education at LMU, completing his residency at PUC Lakeview Charter High School. Following completion of his residency year, Jose was hired as a 6th-grade history teacher at PUC Excel Charter Academy, where he used innovative, hands-on strategies, including fossil and artifact excavation lessons, to engage students and support long-term learning. Jose has now transitioned to the role of Learning Engagement Coordinator at PUC Triumph Charter High School, where he collaborates with the administrative team to support students in various areas. José aims to develop his leadership skills further and serve his community as a future school administrator. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) at USC. 

Joel guiding a studentJOEL APARICIO - Cohort 7

Joel Aparicio is a 6th-grade English Language Arts teacher and English Language Development Teacher at PUC Community Charter Middle School where he works to develop the literacy, critical thinking, and storytelling abilities of his students. Joel is not only a proud alumnus of PUC TRP, he is also a PUC Schools alumnus, with great memories of his student years at PUC Triumph Charter Academy,  and also as a member of the first graduating class of PUC Lakeview Charter High School (class of 2014). 

 

Reflecting on his time in the residency program, Joel believes that “TRP took care of my training as an educator through the practice of equity pedagogies. Menteeship, in-the-moment coaching, and being surrounded by a supportive community of my cohort members and program staff have contributed to my growth in both pedagogy and leadership. Now, I give back to this community  by mentoring new teachers on campus as an Induction Mentor and by supporting school-wide initiatives that I believe lead to academic and emotional growth for our students. TRP prepared me not only for the classroom, but it also prepared me to be a lifelong advocate for students and public education.”