Why I Teach Where I Teach

Our video and written storytelling series 'Why I Teach Where I Teach' highlights certificated teachers who work with our students every day.

2025-2026

Why I Teach Where I Teach - Certificated Teacher Highlights Archive

Meet our certificated (teacher) staff members from across the school district.

2024-2025

2023-2024

Javier Delgadillo: 'You're my student for life'
Allie Cresap: 'These families were me so I understand'
Lisa Cahn: 'It's a commitment to each other'
Brandi Hobson: 'I know I am doing my job right if they are having some form of success'
Rhea Layosa: 'It takes extreme patience and determination to do what's right by students'
Mike Guerrant: 'Every day counts'
Salena Iglesias: 'I know this is my purpose to be here'
Laura Worsfold: 'There is something magical about children'

2022-2023

Amanda Kennedy: 'We do have equity of voice'
Jorge Reyes: 'They are just so bright and they have the capacity to soak it all in'
Jason Nicholson: 'Teaching is underrated'
Jeremy Haynes: 'Seaside has my heart'
Jessica Powell: 'I like to pull that greatness out of them'
Zack Lowell: 'Learning from our mistakes is the most important thing to have that resilience.'
Ivy Ottmar: 'Everybody is supportive. They want to see us all succeed.'
Kathy Su: 'For our students every little thing is progress'
Chris Apuada: 'You can make a difference in a student’s life'
Dr. Jamee Lynch-Moore: 'I absolutely love where I work'
Uziel Diaz: 'It's important to pour back into my community'
Midori Collins: 'For me, it's just sharing knowledge'
Jason Dennis: 'This is where I belong'
Hiro Zeller: 'I love working at MPUSD because Monterey is so diverse'
Sam Pereira: 'Every staff member is deeply committed to creating a positive space for kids'
Charles Fleming: 'I've had this opportunity of marrying two real passions that I have'

2021-2022

Sharon Valencia: 'This is where we're molding them to be the amazing adults they can be'
Angelica Diaz-Roman: 'I see them as my extended family'
Franky Morazan: 'I teach because the kids give me life'
Rebekah Corbishley: 'Belief in themselves will carry them throughout their life'
Maria Carney: 'I get a lot more family connection'
Alyssa Mah: 'Hopeful for what the day can bring'
Michelle Faatuai: 'At the heart of it all, it's always got to be students first'
Melanie Tanseco: 'They are children first and they have unique needs'
Rick Mayhew: 'I am more like a counselor for our students than just a PE teacher'
Kai Esaki: 'To see our students' achievements and to be recognized is really satisfying'
Lyndsay Piña: 'Their curiosity is infectious'
Tnaya Scott: 'I do love the work I am doing'
Brady Shilstone: 'I just really enjoy hanging out with these kids'
Meghan Armfield-Webb: 'Seaside is just a really great and special place and I’m really proud of it'

2020-2021

David Collyer: 'I Feel a Special Connection to the Campus and Community'
Dan Cutler: 'Everyone is Willing to Go the Extra Yard to Help Students'
RJ Roach: 'Building Positive Relationships with Students'
Erin Straw: 'I Want Them to Feel Safe, Loved and Recognized for Their Uniqueness'
Kelly Ventimilia: 'I Love to See Their Wonder and Joy'
Nicky Williams: 'My Students Push Me to Think Outside the Box'