Former Student, Now Teacher Bonds With Science Department
New science teacher, Linda Vu receives assistance from co-workers in her first year at Pioneer.
By Sonia Feria
New science teacher, Linda Vu receives assistance from co-workers in her first year at Pioneer.
By Sonia Feria
For the new 2023-24 school year, Pioneer High School has a new biology and chemistry teacher, Linda Vu.
A former Pioneer student herself, Vu got a degree in biochemistry at University of California, San Diego, before getting her teaching credential.
“I realized during college that when I was volunteering in a school setting that I enjoyed working with students,” Vu said. “I also like the interactive learning that occurs in science, that's why I decided to pursue a teaching credential in science rather than math, because it’s more hands-on.”
For some teachers, new students, lesson plans, and technology can be difficult to adapt to.
“This school year is going nonstop. Everything is happening really fast, but I've also been enjoying the process,” said Vu.
As a new teacher, having the support of fellow coworkers in departments can mitigate the stressful process of adjusting to a new environment and workload.
“Every teacher in the biology and chemistry departments has also checked up on me, even teachers outside of the science department have checked up on me or offered support knowing I’m a new teacher,” Vu said.
Marine science and chemistry teacher Kelly Rivera has helped Vu with curriculum, lesson planning and general advice about being a teacher as she knows firsthand how difficult it is to be a new teacher.
“I think it's really hard to be a new teacher because you have to not just lesson plan, but deal with behavioral stuff, and learn how to use all the technology and navigate that,” Rivera said. “In the science department we’re really supportive, we collaborate quite a bit.”
Biology teacher Rob Zaccheo, who has had 22 years of teaching experience, has been a big resource and mentor for Vu.
“Teaching isn't easy so there's a lot to try to help out with. I try to help her with the daily ups and downs and the mindset of being a high school teacher,” said Zaccheo.
As Vu’s former science teacher, Zaccheo knows more about her and the progress she’s made since graduating from Pioneer.
“She took biology and AP Biology with me. She was similar as she is now. Very conscientious, she worked hard, she was intelligent, she had a great sense of humor, very witty,” said Zaccheo, “I would say she’s definitely more confident now.”
In addition to receiving support from coworkers, teachers also are appreciative of Vu’s presence, her effort and contributions on campus.
“I think that her passion for science comes through when she's teaching. I'm really excited to have her on staff,” said Rivera. “She’s already taught me new technological things, because she’s younger.”
One of Vu’s students, Marie Somerville, 10, appreciates Vu’s energy and commitment to creating a healthy learning environment.
“(The learning environment is) very positive, in other classrooms I don't feel very comfortable asking questions, but I feel like with Ms. Vu, I can,” said Somerville.
Vu’s students also enjoy her energy and her passion for teaching science, as well as how interactive she is with her students.
“She’s very interactive, she’s always coming around to help students,” Somerville said.
A student in Vu’s honors biology class, Maya Ortiz, 11, felt that Vu’s approach to teaching made her lessons more memorable and enjoyable than previous years in science.
“Her interactive and compassionate approach to learning has a very positive impact on her students and their understanding of the subject,” Ortiz said, “I’m very thankful that she has revived my faith in science.”
A former Pioneer student herself, Vu got a degree in biochemistry at University of California, San Diego, before getting her teaching credential.
“I realized during college that when I was volunteering in a school setting that I enjoyed working with students,” Vu said. “I also like the interactive learning that occurs in science, that's why I decided to pursue a teaching credential in science rather than math, because it’s more hands-on.”
For some teachers, new students, lesson plans, and technology can be difficult to adapt to.
“This school year is going nonstop. Everything is happening really fast, but I've also been enjoying the process,” said Vu.
As a new teacher, having the support of fellow coworkers in departments can mitigate the stressful process of adjusting to a new environment and workload.
“Every teacher in the biology and chemistry departments has also checked up on me, even teachers outside of the science department have checked up on me or offered support knowing I’m a new teacher,” Vu said.
Marine science and chemistry teacher Kelly Rivera has helped Vu with curriculum, lesson planning and general advice about being a teacher as she knows firsthand how difficult it is to be a new teacher.
“I think it's really hard to be a new teacher because you have to not just lesson plan, but deal with behavioral stuff, and learn how to use all the technology and navigate that,” Rivera said. “In the science department we’re really supportive, we collaborate quite a bit.”
Biology teacher Rob Zaccheo, who has had 22 years of teaching experience, has been a big resource and mentor for Vu.
“Teaching isn't easy so there's a lot to try to help out with. I try to help her with the daily ups and downs and the mindset of being a high school teacher,” said Zaccheo.
As Vu’s former science teacher, Zaccheo knows more about her and the progress she’s made since graduating from Pioneer.
“She took biology and AP Biology with me. She was similar as she is now. Very conscientious, she worked hard, she was intelligent, she had a great sense of humor, very witty,” said Zaccheo, “I would say she’s definitely more confident now.”
In addition to receiving support from coworkers, teachers also are appreciative of Vu’s presence, her effort and contributions on campus.
“I think that her passion for science comes through when she's teaching. I'm really excited to have her on staff,” said Rivera. “She’s already taught me new technological things, because she’s younger.”
One of Vu’s students, Marie Somerville, 10, appreciates Vu’s energy and commitment to creating a healthy learning environment.
“(The learning environment is) very positive, in other classrooms I don't feel very comfortable asking questions, but I feel like with Ms. Vu, I can,” said Somerville.
Vu’s students also enjoy her energy and her passion for teaching science, as well as how interactive she is with her students.
“She’s very interactive, she’s always coming around to help students,” Somerville said.
A student in Vu’s honors biology class, Maya Ortiz, 11, felt that Vu’s approach to teaching made her lessons more memorable and enjoyable than previous years in science.
“Her interactive and compassionate approach to learning has a very positive impact on her students and their understanding of the subject,” Ortiz said, “I’m very thankful that she has revived my faith in science.”