Evelyn Diaz

For Evelyn Diaz, the most rewarding part of teaching is seeing the moment when something finally clicks for a student.

A child who once struggled to read a few words begins putting sentences together. A student who wasn't sure of an answer gains the confidence to try again. And each small success is a reminder of why Diaz chose a career in education.

Now in her first year as a first-grade teacher at Marshall Elementary School, Diaz is already seeing those moments unfold in her classroom.

“I just love spending time in here when we're doing phonics or reading, writing time,” Diaz said. “I love seeing them succeed inside the classroom.”

Originally from Salinas, Diaz's path to becoming a teacher began with a little encouragement and an opportunity to make a difference.

After attending Hartnell College, she transferred to California State University, Monterey Bay, where she earned her bachelor's degree in liberal studies. Although she initially wasn't sure which career path to pursue, a college counselor encouraged her to explore education.

That suggestion turned into something more when Diaz began completing community service hours at local schools, including the elementary school she attended as a child.

She later worked as a migrant education tutor, supporting students in kindergarten through fourth grade who needed additional academic help. It was there that she discovered how much she enjoyed helping children overcome challenges and build confidence.

“I really saw the huge impact that I was making with those students,” she said. “Seeing their faces when they succeeded at something that they really struggled with. I really love that.”

The relationships she built with students stayed with her, especially when former students wrote her letters thanking her for the support and guidance she provided. Those experiences helped solidify her decision to become a teacher.

That passion eventually led Diaz to the Alder Graduate School of Education Teacher Residency Program, an experience she credits with helping prepare her for her own classroom.

Diaz completed the intensive, one-year program last year, gaining hands-on classroom experience while working alongside a mentor teacher, observing other classrooms and collaborating with fellow teacher residents.

“Alder really made a huge impact in my life,” Diaz said. “It helped me create my own teaching style because we all have different teaching styles. I got a lot of hands-on experience, and I kind of found my teaching style, what works best for me and what doesn't.”

Now that she has her own classroom, Diaz said she feels more prepared to navigate the challenges that come with being a first-year teacher. She continues to lean on colleagues and fellow Alder program alumni for advice and support, recognizing that learning is an ongoing part of becoming an effective educator.

In her classroom, much of that learning happens through phonics, reading, writing and small-group instruction. Diaz incorporates classroom centers and regularly challenges students with questions and activities designed to help them grow.

Even early in the school year, she has already noticed significant progress.

“Some started with no reading at all, just two or three words, and now they're reading,” she said. “That is one thing that makes me happy, just seeing them succeed inside the classroom.”

Beyond academics, Diaz hopes to build meaningful relationships with her students and their families. She enjoys attending students' games when she can and finding opportunities to connect with families and the broader school community.

That sense of community is also one of the things she appreciates most about working at Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.

“I love the community here,” she said. “I love how everybody's just respectful. Everyone is here for one another.”

Outside the classroom, Diaz enjoys hiking, spending time in nature and traveling. But as she settles into her first year of teaching, much of her excitement comes from the everyday experiences that make the profession meaningful.

She knows there will be lessons learned along the way, mistakes to work through and new goals to set for the years ahead. For now, she's focused on helping her first graders discover what they're capable of, one word, one lesson, and one success at a time.