Innovation Specialist
Former math teacher, now innovation specialist, Mr. Chavez brings creativity and flexibility to his role and serves as a resource for integrating innovation into classroom lessons. You can also find him coaching middle schoolers on the basketball court.
Impacting Students
I enjoy being a resource to both teachers and students, and being able to use the Gates Innovation Lab to further their work in the classroom. I am eager to continue to help everyone make use of the great space we have on campus, as well as introducing them to new technologies, such as the 3D printer and the Epilog Laser Machine.
Lifelong Learner
The Learning and The Brain Conference in San Francisco taught me a lot about recent studies in neurological science and how to apply them in an educational setting. I think, as an educator, it's important to be constantly learning and evolving in order to effectively adapt and change strategies to best meet our students' needs.
Favorite Teaching Moment
I have really enjoyed moving into the role of being an innovation specialist, which includes teaching a section of kindergarten Tinker Time. I never saw myself as a kindergarten teacher, but now I am one!
Thoughts on Teaching
If you want to impact the world and present an opportunity for change, you go into education. You give students an avenue for challenge and growth; to reflect upon presented ideas and either confirm their beliefs or create new ones.
Inventor I Admire
Nikola Tesla is my favorite inventor. His creations were not for personal glory or monetary gain, but for the advancement and betterment of society. Alas, he died penniless.
Outside the Classroom I’m...
Disc golfing, playing the guitar, taking quiet walks around town
Life Goal
Spend a week in Japan. I'm intrigued by their drive to innovate out of necessity.
Joined Graland In...
2009
Also Known As...
Basketball Coach, Advisor, Gates Co-Director, Schedule Redesign Committee Member
Hometown
Orland, California
Education
Master's in Curriculum and Instruction (Mathematics Speciality) from University of Delaware
Bachelor's in Computer Applications and Spanish from University of Notre Dame
Impacting Students
I enjoy being a resource to both teachers and students, and being able to use the Gates Innovation Lab to further their work in the classroom. I am eager to continue to help everyone make use of the great space we have on campus, as well as introducing them to new technologies, such as the 3D printer and the Epilog Laser Machine.
Lifelong Learner
The Learning and The Brain Conference in San Francisco taught me a lot about recent studies in neurological science and how to apply them in an educational setting. I think, as an educator, it's important to be constantly learning and evolving in order to effectively adapt and change strategies to best meet our students' needs.
Favorite Teaching Moment
I have really enjoyed moving into the role of being an innovation specialist, which includes teaching a section of kindergarten Tinker Time. I never saw myself as a kindergarten teacher, but now I am one!
Thoughts on Teaching
If you want to impact the world and present an opportunity for change, you go into education. You give students an avenue for challenge and growth; to reflect upon presented ideas and either confirm their beliefs or create new ones.
Inventor I Admire
Nikola Tesla is my favorite inventor. His creations were not for personal glory or monetary gain, but for the advancement and betterment of society. Alas, he died penniless.
Outside the Classroom I’m...
Disc golfing, playing the guitar, taking quiet walks around town
Life Goal
Spend a week in Japan. I'm intrigued by their drive to innovate out of necessity.
Joined Graland In...
2009
Also Known As...
Basketball Coach, Advisor, Gates Co-Director, Schedule Redesign Committee Member
Hometown
Orland, California
Education
Master's in Curriculum and Instruction (Mathematics Speciality) from University of Delaware
Bachelor's in Computer Applications and Spanish from University of Notre Dame
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
