Beloved Social Studies Teacher Leaving Campus After 17 Years
Being a part of the history department since ‘07, Priya Talreja plans to take a break from teaching.
By Jisela Negrete
Being a part of the history department since ‘07, Priya Talreja plans to take a break from teaching.
By Jisela Negrete
After 17 years, social studies teacher Priya Talreja is leaving Pioneer to take a step back from her teaching career in order to give herself the opportunity to watch her twins start kindergarten this coming fall.
When Talreja first started working here, she was 24 years old and had joined the social studies department. Throughout her time here she taught geography, AP Government, regular economics, freshman ethnic studies, English learning development world history and English learning development government.
Talreja had wanted to become a high school social science teacher since she was in ninth grade.
“That was my dream, I fulfilled that dream. And now, 18 years after starting that journey, I'm giving myself a chance to reflect and rejuvenate and decide whether I continue down this path or I try a different path,” said Talreja.
Being part of the social studies department, Talreja grew a bond with history teacher Lillian Luu. They both teach regular government and economics, and have worked together and brainstorm ideas for their classes.
“She's kind of my partner in crime when it comes to, at least for these couple of years, teaching the same class. And even if it's not the same class, like if I have a question, I could always ask her because she is so knowledgeable,” said Luu.
Talreja feels that another special part of her experience on campus was building a bond with her classroom neighbor, English teacher Michelle Bowman.
“We have been neighbors since my first day at Pioneer and we even moved together to the portables, she stayed my neighbor. She has been there for me throughout. Covering my class when my grandma was sick, feeding me when I forgot to eat and always there to hear my fears, hopes and dreams. What an amazing human being,” said Talreja.
Ethnic studies student Remuel Texson, 9, feels Talreja is understanding with her students when they do not understand the subject at times.
“If you get something wrong she’ll help you. If I'm having trouble, like if I don’t understand something, she’ll come and talk to me and see if I understand what's going on,” said Texson. “She has a very good mark on this campus, like she’ll give energy you know.”
With students sad to see Talreja begin the process of leaving, Jacob John, 9, feels that the time she spent teaching kids will leave an impact on students.
“Definitely a positive impact, she helps to educate people who don't necessarily know about other ethnicities or their own ethnicity. To help teach them about culture and differences,” said John.
As the end of the school year approaches, Talreja is closer to the time she gets to spend focusing on her family. With wanting to be present in the beginning of her kids’ academic journey, she feels this is the right time to take the opportunity to step away from her teaching position. However, this does not mean this is the end of her teaching career.
“My career is a big part of who I am. So this is more of a pause button to focus on them for a year,” said Talreja. “I also feel like there are moments in which you have to embrace change even when it can be scary or feel like it's filled with unknown and be okay with putting a pause button on what you're doing and giving yourself a chance to reflect, rejuvenate, and put your energy into pivoting instead of just going down the same path you have been for a while.”
When Talreja first started working here, she was 24 years old and had joined the social studies department. Throughout her time here she taught geography, AP Government, regular economics, freshman ethnic studies, English learning development world history and English learning development government.
Talreja had wanted to become a high school social science teacher since she was in ninth grade.
“That was my dream, I fulfilled that dream. And now, 18 years after starting that journey, I'm giving myself a chance to reflect and rejuvenate and decide whether I continue down this path or I try a different path,” said Talreja.
Being part of the social studies department, Talreja grew a bond with history teacher Lillian Luu. They both teach regular government and economics, and have worked together and brainstorm ideas for their classes.
“She's kind of my partner in crime when it comes to, at least for these couple of years, teaching the same class. And even if it's not the same class, like if I have a question, I could always ask her because she is so knowledgeable,” said Luu.
Talreja feels that another special part of her experience on campus was building a bond with her classroom neighbor, English teacher Michelle Bowman.
“We have been neighbors since my first day at Pioneer and we even moved together to the portables, she stayed my neighbor. She has been there for me throughout. Covering my class when my grandma was sick, feeding me when I forgot to eat and always there to hear my fears, hopes and dreams. What an amazing human being,” said Talreja.
Ethnic studies student Remuel Texson, 9, feels Talreja is understanding with her students when they do not understand the subject at times.
“If you get something wrong she’ll help you. If I'm having trouble, like if I don’t understand something, she’ll come and talk to me and see if I understand what's going on,” said Texson. “She has a very good mark on this campus, like she’ll give energy you know.”
With students sad to see Talreja begin the process of leaving, Jacob John, 9, feels that the time she spent teaching kids will leave an impact on students.
“Definitely a positive impact, she helps to educate people who don't necessarily know about other ethnicities or their own ethnicity. To help teach them about culture and differences,” said John.
As the end of the school year approaches, Talreja is closer to the time she gets to spend focusing on her family. With wanting to be present in the beginning of her kids’ academic journey, she feels this is the right time to take the opportunity to step away from her teaching position. However, this does not mean this is the end of her teaching career.
“My career is a big part of who I am. So this is more of a pause button to focus on them for a year,” said Talreja. “I also feel like there are moments in which you have to embrace change even when it can be scary or feel like it's filled with unknown and be okay with putting a pause button on what you're doing and giving yourself a chance to reflect, rejuvenate, and put your energy into pivoting instead of just going down the same path you have been for a while.”